IPFS vs IPNS: What’s the difference and when to use them?
IPFS for storage that never changes, IPNS for evolving content — find out exactly which one suits your project.
· IPFS: Immutable & reliable storage
· IPNS: Dynamic & ever-evolving
· Choose wisely, deploy confidently
Ever wonder why Web3 devs get hyped about IPFS and IPNS? They’re decentralized storage providers that use blockchain technology to offer decentralized cloud storage.
Simply put, they’re built for decentralized data storage, each with its unique strengths. Let’s demystify this tech duo by giving each its proper spotlight 👇
They’re related but built for very different purposes. One keeps things forever fixed; the other embraces change. Which one fits your use case? Let’s dive in.
IPFS: Immutable & reliable storage
Think of IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) as your digital museum — once an artifact lands there, it’s preserved, unaltered, forever.
IPFS links never change, and neither does the content behind them — ideal when consistency is king.
Here’s when IPFS really shines:
- NFT metadata: Your valuable NFT images, attributes, and descriptions need permanent links that never change — IPFS locks them down.
- Archival records: Safely store research papers, historical data, and other important documents where reliability is crucial.
- Immutable websites: Showcase your static pages, project demos, or portfolios, knowing they’ll always appear exactly as intended.
- Digital collectibles: Secure game assets, artworks, and media files safely for long-term storage and easy verification.
- Backup files: Important snapshots and encrypted archives? Perfect candidates for IPFS’s reliable permanence.
IPNS: Dynamic & ever-evolving
Enter IPNS (InterPlanetary Name System). Imagine it as your digital newsroom or living wiki — it’s flexible, dynamic, and ready to update whenever needed.
The IPNS link itself doesn’t change, but what’s behind it can evolve endlessly.
Here’s when IPNS becomes your go-to:
- Always up-to-date files: Perfect for documentation, legal agreements, and internal wikis that need regular updates.
- Real-time dashboards: Analytics pages, live traffic updates, weather reports — IPNS ensures your data is always fresh.
- User-generated content: Keep community comments, reviews, or forum threads alive and kicking without swapping links constantly.
- Smart contract states: Ideal for Web3 applications that track evolving contract data — no fuss, just seamless updates.
- CMS-driven websites: Blogs, news portals, or online storefronts that change daily? IPNS has your back.
Bottom line: Choose wisely, deploy confidently
IPFS keeps things rock-solid and immutable; IPNS thrives on flexibility and constant updates. Knowing when to deploy each can streamline your workflow and amplify your project’s success.
Ready to explore more? Check out Apillon’s easy-to-use platform to integrate IPFS and IPNS effortlessly into your next project.
Apillon even lets you test things out with free IPFS upload and IPFS storage free of charge, so you can get a feel for it without breaking the bank. Let’s get building!
⧓ About Apillon
The Apillon platform serves as a unified gateway to the Web3 services provided by linked Polkadot parachains. Following the multi-chain vision, Apillon powers the transition of developers to Web3, simplifying its adoption in the real economy, and expanding its versatility as the ecosystem grows. With Apillon, Web3 services are within reach for every developer, regardless of their background and experience with blockchain technology.