Aptos Unveils Shelby, a Decentralized Storage Layer for Streaming and AI - Crypto Economy

TL;DR

• Aptos Labs and Jump Crypto introduced Shelby, a high-speed decentralized storage protocol for Web3 applications.
• Shelby uses high-performance nodes and edge caching to deliver sub-second data access at scale.
• The platform will support Ethereum, Solana, and more, integrating monetization tools, access control, and real-time data reads.

Aptos Labs and Jump Crypto announced on Tuesday the launch of Shelby, a decentralized storage protocol built for real-time Web3 applications requiring high speed and responsiveness.

The project aims to address one of the main limitations of traditional decentralized storage networks, which perform well for static content but struggle to keep up in high-demand environments like video streaming, AI model training, or real-time data services.

How Shelby Works

The protocol operates on a global network of high-performance nodes connected through dedicated fiber-optic infrastructure. It also implements edge caching to temporarily store data closer to users, ensuring access in under a second, even at scale. This architecture allows for the transfer of large volumes of information without sacrificing decentralization or surrendering control of the data.

Shelby is designed to be compatible with multiple blockchains and modular environments. While Aptos serves as the coordination layer — offering 600-millisecond transaction finality and throughput of up to 30,000 transactions per second — the protocol will run chain-agnostically, with planned support for Ethereum, Solana, and other ecosystems.

Aptos to Redefine Web3 Infrastructure

The platform isn’t just about speed. It also incorporates real-time data reads, programmable access control via smart contracts, and integrated monetization tools. These include usage-based pricing systems, tipping functions, and digital rights management mechanisms, enabling creators and developers to directly manage the economic value of their content.

Projects like Metaplex, Story Protocol, and Pipe Network have already expressed interest in the initiative. Aptos and Jump Crypto plan to launch a developer-focused version in Q4 2025, followed by a public testnet. The goal is to support decentralized applications that run seamlessly, scale across multiple blockchains, and give users full control over their data and revenue streams.

Through this project, Aptos aims to reset the current trade-off between speed and decentralization in Web3 infrastructure — a technical hurdle that has so far limited the adoption of real-time decentralized applications.