Theta Fuel (TFUEL) is the operational token of Theta Network, a blockchain protocol aimed at decentralizing video streaming by incentivizing network participants and enhancing transmission efficiency. Acting as the network’s “gas,” TFUEL facilitates on-chain operations and provides incentives within the Theta ecosystem. TFUEL is essential for network activities, supporting the platform's goal of creating a decentralized, cost-effective alternative for content distribution.

TFUEL’s primary role is to compensate “relayers” or “edge nodes,” who share video streams across the network. When users watch a video, relayers earn TFUEL for each video segment they transmit, encouraging widespread bandwidth sharing. This system not only reduces streaming costs but also expands global reach. TFUEL is also used for executing transactions and deploying or interacting with smart contracts on the Theta blockchain, much like gas fees on Ethereum. This dual purpose allows TFUEL to facilitate decentralized applications (dApps) and other on-chain operations efficiently.

In addition to its utility functions, TFUEL supports network governance and staking. By staking Theta Token (THETA), participants receive TFUEL rewards, which contributes to network security and aligns incentives to maintain network stability. TFUEL also supports a range of community-driven activities, such as rewarding content creators, platform users, and advertisers, fostering a sustainable ecosystem for decentralized content streaming.

Theta Network has introduced a deflationary mechanism in which a portion of TFUEL used for transactions is burned, creating a downward pressure on supply that helps stabilize TFUEL’s long-term value. This burn model aims to balance the token's inflation rate and supports its economic model.

Launched as a native token with the Theta Mainnet on March 15, 2019, TFUEL complements THETA by managing operational aspects, while THETA functions as a governance and staking token. With TFUEL’s incentivized sharing model, Theta Network is working to revolutionize the streaming industry, reducing bandwidth costs and improving streaming efficiency through a decentralized Web3 approach.