What Is MetaMask?

MetaMask is a free web and mobile crypto wallet that allows users to store and swap cryptocurrencies, interact with the Ethereum blockchain ecosystem, and host a growing array of decentralized applications (dApps). It is one of the most widely used crypto applications in the world. Over ten million active monthly users logged into MetaMask in August of 2021.

MetaMask quickly established itself as the standard bearer for self-managed, non-custodial crypto wallets — in part thanks to its user experience (UX) and frequent updates. It has played an essential role in raising the standards of usability in blockchain and crypto technology, laying the foundation for the explosive growth of sectors like decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) by simplifying and streamlining the Ethereum user experience into one simple wallet interface.

How Does MetaMask Work?

MetaMask has three primary uses: storage, swaps, and dApp access. Collectively, these functions encompass everything a normal crypto user would likely ever need to interact with Ethereum.

1.Crypto storage:

MetaMask’s built-in crypto wallet can be used to store tokens that are built on Ethereum’s ERC-20 and ERC-721 token standards, and users can easily create and navigate between multiple wallet addresses within the app. The application’s advanced encryption technology allows users to securely store their wallet passwords and private keys within their own browser via a MetaMask extension, which gives them more control over both their public and private keys. Additionally, new users are provided with a set of seed phrases when they first create an account, which can be used to recover their account if necessary.

2.Token swaps:

MetaMask has a trade function that lets you execute peer-to-peer (P2P) token swaps directly from your wallet. Instead of transacting through an order book, exchange, or decentralized exchange (DEX) liquidity model, these swaps aggregate data from multiple DEXs, DEX aggregators, and automated market makers (AMMs). MetaMask swaps allow users to trade crypto directly without having to interact with any other custodial or intermediary platform, thus reducing friction, limiting slippage, and lowering costs.

3.Access to dApps:

MetaMask users can also use the wallet to directly access a wide range of Ethereum-based dApps, crypto lending products, Ethereum-powered games, NFTs, and more. Additionally, MetaMask’s built-in crypto wallet makes it easy for users to spend, send, or stake their crypto anywhere within the Ethereum ecosystem without having to manage external wallet integrations or unnecessary transactions. As a result, MetaMask directly provides users with an easy entry point into the world of DeFi and other blockchain-based sectors and services.

In 2020, MetaMask was updated to allow for integrations with Binance Smart Chain (BSC). This means users can now switch freely between their Ethereum and Binance crypto wallets, trade on DEXs from either network (albeit not simultaneously), and access dApps from both ecosystems. So while MetaMask was primarily focused on Ethereum development initially, the decision to expand access to other blockchain networks underscores its main goal of establishing an interoperable and interconnected Web3 ecosystem.

MetaMask’s Role in dApp Development

MetaMask’s open platform also plays a key role in promoting Ethereum-based dApp development for coders and technologists. For developers building a dApp, Metamask is pre-loaded with fast connections to Ethereum and several test networks via Infura. These built-in connections allow developers to begin building a new dApp on Ethereum without the need to set up and run a full network node. This can be helpful for bootstrapped entrepreneurs looking to build immediately, whether they are creating a simple browser-friendly user interface (UI) or a full-fledged, mainnet-ready dApp that will support an entirely new decentralized marketplace.

Additionally, since MetaMask extensions are compatible with popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari, the application makes it easier for developers to create new applications that are designed to work within traditional browsers. Thus, MetaMask’s role in enabling dApp adoption is two-fold: It provides a portal for end users to access dApps, while also enabling developers to streamline their path to getting those applications to market.

here we can see the percentage of users who have used the activity including the word stake.

Summary of this dashboard

here you can find amount of the Metamask wallet holders after 2022 and in second table you can find average amount of Eth held in these wallets and finally you can find percentage of wallets that are engaging in a higher order activity, like staking.

For this dashboard I limited the information to after 2022.