How to Create a DAO on Snapshot Using Testnet
Snapshot may be your best option to create a free DAO since Aragon needs at least 0.2ETH (in deposit) in order to set one up.
Like any blockchain developer might do, you would just switch to one of your many ETH testnets on Metamask and thought you can just get away with paying for a DAO creation. Hold your chained horses, not quite.
Here’s the TLDR for experienced chain developers.
- You need to go to https://demo.snapshot.org, NOT https://snapshot.org to use testnet. Took me a long while to figure this out as it’s not stated in their doc. At the time of this writing, they only support Rinkeby.
- You need to get an ENS on testnet to create a DAO on Snapshot. This can be done using Rinkeby testnet at https://app.ens.domains
Below are the details…
But you might be turned off at the initial setup page on Snapshot where it asks you to register an ENS (Ethereum Name Service), something like a domain name for Ethereum blockchain. Gosh, must I need to pay for an ENS to use Snapshot? Nope, you don’t have to. Here’re the steps.
1. Ensure your Metamask is connected to Rinkeby testnet and have some ETH test tokens
Go enable your testnets on Metamask and connect to Rinkeby. Then ask Miss Google to point you to some faucets that drip fake ETH tokens.
2. Go to https://snapshot.org/#/setup and type in any ENS name
Snapshot needs you to have an ENS name in order to create a DAO (called a “Space” in Snapshot). So, enter an ENS domain name like “chainmeup.eth” and you will be redirected to the ENS website to register a new ENS domain.
Registering an ENS name on testnet is free since you’ll be using your test tokens. But the ENS name will disappear in 28 days, I think.
Once you’ve done registering, go back to Snapshot and remember to refresh the page for Snapshot to recognize your new ENS domain.
NOTE: You don’t have to set your newly registered ENS as Primary ENS Name for Snapshot to recognize it.
3. Set ENS text record to point to Snapshot
This record is like your DNS text record that Snapshot needs you to configure. But this is shall be done for you automatically by Snapshot. Just press the Confirm button on Snapshot pop-up and confirm it again on Metamask.
4. Give a name and symbol to your DAO token
See the screenshot below.
5. You’re all set and your space is live!
