Wrapped TAO (WTAO) lets TAO holders access Ethereum’s DeFi ecosystem, but it’s controlled by a single person. Learn how it works, why it’s risky, and who should use it.
TAO Token: What It Is, Who Uses It, and Why It Matters in 2025
When you hear about TAO token, the native cryptocurrency of the Bittensor blockchain network that rewards AI models for contributing useful intelligence. Also known as Bittensor token, it’s not just another crypto asset—it’s the fuel for a decentralized AI marketplace where machines earn money by solving real problems. Unlike most tokens that rely on speculation, TAO is tied to actual computational work. Miners run AI models that answer questions, generate code, or analyze data, and the network pays them in TAO based on how useful their responses are. It’s like a decentralized version of Google’s search algorithm, but instead of one company controlling it, thousands of independent AI nodes compete to be the most helpful.
This system relies on two other key entities: Bittensor, a decentralized network where AI models train and serve predictions without centralized servers. Also known as Taao, it’s built to be censorship-resistant and open to anyone with a GPU. And decentralized AI, a movement to break big tech’s control over artificial intelligence by distributing model training and inference across a peer-to-peer network. These aren’t theoretical ideas—they’re active. In 2025, Bittensor hosts over 12,000 active AI subnets, with models generating millions of responses daily. The top performers earn hundreds of TAO each day, while others struggle to stay relevant. This isn’t a lottery—it’s a meritocracy.
People use TAO for more than just staking or trading. Developers plug their AI models into the network to earn passive income. Investors back subnets they believe will outperform. And researchers study how decentralized AI can outpace corporate models in speed, cost, and transparency. But it’s not without risks. Many subnets are poorly built. Some are scams. Others simply don’t work. The network rewards quality, but it doesn’t guarantee it. That’s why understanding how TAO works matters more than ever.
Below, you’ll find real reviews, breakdowns, and warnings about TAO and the projects built around it. No fluff. No hype. Just what’s actually happening in 2025—whether it’s about mining TAO, spotting fake subnets, or understanding why this network is changing how AI gets built.