According to [a report by CoinDesk](https://www.coindesk.com/tech/2023/02/14/avalanche-blockchain-saw-1500-transactional-growth-in-2022-nansen/), the crypto news service, Avalanche Blockchain enjoyed a massive 1,500% transactional growth in 2022 (despite the bear market) compared to 2021. 

For a product that first showed in the market in 2020, AVAX has demonstrated immense resilience, growing close to $5 billion in [market capitalization](https://www.coingecko.com/en/coins/avalanche) and a market cap rank of #17. 

Fortunately, the traction of avalanche crypto isn't stopping there. 

![avalanche crypto website screenshot](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/Screenshot_2023_05_31_at_15_53_31_864a01cb09.png)

## Understanding Avalanche crypto 

The Avalanche crypto technology aims to restructure the blockchain industry by facilitating enhanced scalability and performance. Leveraging its cutting-edge [Avalanche consensus](https://docs.avax.network/learn/avalanche/avalanche-consensus#:~:text=Consensus%20is%20the%20task%20of,low%20latency%20and%20high%20throughput.) protocol, the technology goes against traditional consensus mechanisms to deliver efficient transactional speeds without compromising network security. 

In context, Avalanche can process 4,500 transactions per second, while Ethereum can only do 14 transactions per second. 

Unsurprisingly, the platform has been lauded as a viable alternative to Ethereum and Solana. 

The technology, founded by a research and engineering team led by Emin Gun Sirer, exhibits seamless compatibility with the [Ethereum Virtual Machine](https://www.quicknode.com/guides/ethereum-development/getting-started/what-is-the-ethereum-virtual-machine-evm/#:~:text=What%20is%20the%20EVM%3F,run%20a%20node%20on%20Ethereum.) (EVM). This interoperability is responsible for the ease with which Ethereum-based projects are ported to the Avalanche ecosystem. 

Also, third-party developers can develop custom virtual machines on the technology, resulting in a rapidly growing world of decentralized applications (DApps). So far, there are 354 DApps on the platform, and the list looks like it will keep growing. 

The powerful blockchain technology, interoperability, versatility, and native utility token, are responsible for the massive jumps and impressive numbers Avalanche is pulling despite the world’s current [crypto winter](https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/crypto-winter). 

And with recent developments around the platform, the avalanche bull run isn't ending anytime soon. 

## Signs of a better future for the Avalanche crypto ecosystem 

By the close of November 2020, the price of [AVAX](/news/article/avax-vs-solana)  was around $3.60 per unit. However, AVAX currently trades at $14.36, which indicates an increase of ~211%. However, the $14.36 figure is a massive drop compared to the all-time high price of $134.87. But a price drop between 2022 and 2023 was expected in the wake of a bear market. 

### Before the 2022 bear market: 

The development and public presence of Avalanche crypto began with the launch of the Avalanche Mainnet on 21 September, 2020. Users got access and were soon greeted by further launches like the Avalanche-X Grants Program (October 2020) to foster innovation and attract developers. The impressive run continued with the Avalanche Rush Incentive Program of December 2020, which focused on incentivizing users. 

2021 was also an eventful year, during which the [Avalanche bridge to Ethereum ](https://www.datawallet.com/crypto/ethereum-avalanche-bridge)(February 2021) was made possible. The Avalanche Rush Hackathon (March 2021) promptly followed the interoperability achievement, bringing further development and engagement in the ecosystem. 

Soon, a host of interoperable integrations and partnerships began to spring up. Other milestones in the year included the Avalanche Improvement Proposals, designed by community members to improve experience and security on the platform. 

As proof of the next-gen technology underlying Avalanche, decentralized applications like Benqi (DeFi platform), Snowball (Yield optimizer), and Pangolin (DEX) have surfaced. 

The success recorded by AVAX in its first years resulted from the credible attention the team paid to different facets of its spectrum - developers, users, investors, and institutions. Fortunately, this also set the base that made the blockchain platform resilient to the 2022 crypto winter. 

## Between 2022 and the present: 

Between the last months of 2021 and the start of 2022, the entire digital world was abuzz with talks of DeFi, NFTs, Yield farming, and Proof of Stake, amongst other concepts. 

But following the dramatic end to the industry 'hype' between April and May 2022, several projects have been weeded out. 

Avalanche crypto isn't one of them. 

The platform has become a yardstick against which newer projects measure success. It has become a major competitor for Ethereum. 

AVAX partnered with [Alibaba](https://dailyhodl.com/2023/05/06/ethereum-competitor-avalanche-avax-partners-with-chinese-tech-giant-alibaba-cloud-on-new-cloudverse-project/) to expand the ecosystem to deliver a new ‘Cloudverse’ project. Avalanche has recently launched two new marketplaces, Superchief Gallery NFT and Zeroone. Furthermore, a strategic partnership with [Legitimate](https://www.legitimate.tech/) indicates Avalanche’s commitment to closing the digital and physical worlds gap. 

## Conclusion 

Avalanche is leaning in on collaborative endeavours to build a more robust and competent user ecosystem. Over the past year, the Avalanche crypto ecosystem has welcomed more users, and according to [predictions,](https://seekingalpha.com/article/4582718-avalanche-avax-follow-the-user-growth) AVAX trading price is on course to potentially reach $200. 

Avalanche Crypto logo on blue image of man trading with a smile

The Growing Traction of Avalanche Crypto 

Avalanche bridging is mainly known for connecting ERC-20 tokens between Avalanche and Ethereum. But now, its cross-chain ability has expanded to several blockchains other than [Ethereum](/news/tag/ethereum). The latest addition to the list of network's compatible tokens is Bitcoin. 

Now, the platform allows [cross-chain support for transferring Bitcoins](https://medium.com/avalancheavax/avalanche-bridge-adds-native-bitcoin-support-6306236fb506). This means you can trade BTCs and get exposure to Avalanche's ecosystem. Let's look at how your native BTC can be bridged to the AVAX platform!

## What's Avalanche bridging?

Avalanche bridging is the capability of the network to work as a cross-chain. It allows the trading of different ERC-20 and ERC-721 tokens on the platform. The contract chain or C-chain of AVAX enables the support for multiple tokens. This has enabled the platform to grow as a diversified ecosystem for DApps.

The bridge was launched last year and developed using the web3 infrastructure of ChainSafe. However, it was limited only to the Ethereum blockchain. But, several other network tokens now enjoy compatibility with the [AVAX](/news/article/avax-vs-solana) network.

## Avalanche bridging for Bitcoin (BTC)

AVAX blockchain recently also initiated support for native Bitcoin through Bridge. Now, [BTC](/coins/btc) holders can also experience different services of the AVAX ecosystem. On Avalanche they can enjoy secure BTC transactions along with the opportunity to earn better yields. 

Like other tokens, Bitcoin is also represented as an ERC20 on the c-chain. The symbol for this token is 'BTC.b,' which indicates that it is bridged from the Bitcoin blockchain. These tokens are backed by BTCs locked in the Bridge enclave. 

It uses the innovative technology of Intel SGX (Software Guard Extensions). It is cutting-edge tech that helps solve various challenges of cross-chain transfers making the bridge tamper-proof and highly secure for BTC transactions. 

## How to bridge Bitcoin to Avalanche?

The first step for Avalanche bridging of BTC is to install the [Core Wallet extension](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/core/agoakfejjabomempkjlepdflaleeobhb) on your browser. Next, open the Core app and click the 'plus' button on the right. Here you will find different options, look for the 'bridge' one and click it.

![avalanche 1.png](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/avalanche_1_8acb4650a3.png)
 
Now, you can change the blockchain to Bitcoin from the dropdown menu. After that, you can transact BTCs to your Core wallet. You can do that by clicking on the 'add Bitcoin' option under the selected blockchain. It will show your BTC address on which you can receive payments. Note it down and send BTCs to it.

![avalanche 2.png](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/avalanche_2_347e71b7f1.png)
 
Once you have sent the amount to your Core address, add it for bridging. After that, click on 'Transfer' to convert your tokens into bridged ones. And finally, you will be ready to use them on the AVAX blockchain. For further clarification, you can follow [this tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JG1y_aFeMJc&t=25s).

## In a nutshell

The Avalanche network's introduction of cross-chain features for Bitcoins through its bridge will help users experience innovative DeFi projects on the AVAX blockchain. Using the Core wallet, you can easily convert your BTCs into ERC20 bridged tokens. The SGX technology is one of the unique features, making it a complete platform for native BTC transfers.  



Everything to know about Bitcoin Avalanche bridging

Check out our step-by-step procedure to successfully integrate Avalanche crypto with MetaMask; we have made it easier for you!

Avalanche is a platform where you can build decentralised applications (DApps) for free. It is an Ethereum alternative platform that promises secure and high-speed transactions at a relatively lower cost.

To use the Avalanche network, you must learn to integrate it with a DeFi wallet. This wallet integration is necessary as it will keep your AVAX tokens secure and help in their withdrawal. It is also important to get an Avalanche-compatible crypto wallet, like MetaMask.

However, Avalanche crypto [MetaMask](https://metamask.io/) integration can be quite tricky. Here we’ve outlined the step-by-step procedure that will assist you along the way. Let’s make this process easier for you!

## Step 1 - Setting up MetaMask Account 

Before you move on to the Avalanche crypto MetaMask integration, setting up a secure MetaMask account is essential. MetaMask is a DeFi wallet that you can easily install on your phones, whether iOS or Android. You can also get it through extensions available on Firefox and Google Chrome.

After downloading it to your device, click the **Get Started** button to set up your wallet. Now, you will get two options: create a new account or import your previous wallet. For importing the previous wallet, you must have its secret seed phrase.

A secure password is needed for a new wallet. After that, get your seed phrase and confirm it. A seed phrase is the master key, consisting of 12 words, working as a backup to your wallet. Now, you can get started with your MetaMask wallet just by clicking the **All Done** button.
 
## Step 2 - Integrating Avalanche crypto to MetaMask

Now, you can start with the Avalanche crypto MetaMask integration. The following simple steps will guide you through the process:

1.	Firstly, open the MetaMask extension or app on your device, and look for the network options. Change it from Main Ethereum Network to Custom RPC. 
2.	It will redirect you to a form through which you can change the Network name to Avalanche Network. It will further ask you to add the RPC URL, ChainID, and other details.
3.	Now, you can update the information as follows:

•	Network Name: Avalanche Network

•	New RPC URL: https://api.avax.network/ext/bc/C/rpc

•	ChainID: 43114

•	Symbol: AVAX

•	Explorer: https://snowtrace.io/

4.	Finally, it will integrate your MetaMask wallet to the Avalanche network, and now you can use it to keep your AVAX tokens.

## Step 3 - Adding Avalanche crypto to MetaMask wallet

To handle your AVAX tokens through your MetaMask wallet, you must send them to your new wallet. Before proceeding, note that you must have AVAX C-chain (Contract Chain) tokens. The X-chain or P-chain tokens are incompatible with MetaMask, and if you send them to the wallet, you might lose your AVAX.

To add them to the MetaMask wallet, firstly, open your Avalanche wallet and check the chain of your tokens. If they are on the X-chain (Exchange chain) or P-chain (platform chain), shift them to the C-chain through the ‘cross chain’ option. You can proceed with the Send option when the tokens are on the c-chain.

It will lead you to a form where you can fill in the details regarding the amount and the account to which you must send your AVAX tokens. Here, select the C-chain as your source and write the amount you want to send. Then copy your MetaMask wallet address and paste it into the To Address box. After checking the gas fee, you can proceed to Confirm, which will transfer your AVAX C-chain tokens to your MetaMask wallet.

## Final thoughts

Avalanche Network's AVAX token has been a high-performing token offering speedy transactions at lower rates. This is why many opt for the Avalanche network for daily transactions.
In this article, we have discussed the Avalanche crypto MetaMask integration process. To sum it up, initially, you need to set up a MetaMask account. Then, integrate it into the Avalanche network by changing its current network to Avalanche. Finally, transfer your C-chain AVAX tokens to MetaMask Wallet, and you will be ready to manage them through it.


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