How to begin your journey into Bitcoin
We put all the essentials into just one article
Let’s imagine you’ve never heard of Bitcoin before. Where would you start?
Instead of skimming halfway through Wikipedia articles, try this guide.
We gathered the clearest, most interesting explanations of cryptocurrency we could find.
Want the best results?
Follow this order.
Your first 30 minutes:
First, start with this brief illustrated history of Bitcoin:
Bitcoin Explained (15 minutes)
Then watch this video to understand the mechanics a little better:
The Essence of How Bitcoin Works (Non-Technical) (5 minutes)
Simpler than you thought, right?
Next, look through these and stop whenever you see an interesting question:
Frequently Asked Questions (10 minutes)
And that’s all! You’re now ready to make your wallet and your first trade.
But, just in case you’re having fun, let’s go a little deeper.
Your next 2 hours:
This next video uses common sense to explain the entire Bitcoin protocol.
This is really a must-watch.
Ever wonder how Bitcoin […] actually works? (26 minutes)
We told you it was good. Now, it’s useful to know what happens to your money if people try to change Bitcoin.
What is a Bitcoin hard fork? (5 minutes)
At this point, you might be asking about those cryptocurrencies which are entirely separate from Bitcoin.
Why do we have different cryptocurrencies? (3 minutes)
Spend one minute to learn Bitcoin’s basic value.
Bitcoin’s Value Proposition (1 minute)
And watch this documentary exploring Bitcoin’s place in the complete history of money.
The Trust Machine: The Story of Bitcoin (24 minutes)
Finally, you’re trained enough to have a go at the legendary paper itself.
Bitcoin White Paper with Commentary (30 minutes)
Did you make it all the way through this list? How long did it take you?
Don’t worry if you clicked related links as you went along… the Bitcoin rabbit hole leads to a network of interesting connections and tunnels. And if you’ve come this deep into Bitcoin City, why not become a citizen?
Your next 10,000 hours:
With this rough sketch of Bitcoin’s history and principles now in your mind, the path is wide open.
What’s your white rabbit? Is it smarter finance? Political change? Are you a cypherpunk? An altcoiner? Tech-nerd?
Let your interests guide you, and let them evolve as you learn more.
Be on Twitter to follow teams and thought leaders. The revolution is more than technological — it has culture, language, memes, and sentiment. Twitter is your gateway. Use it to create your own educational echo chamber.
Sign up for high-quality newsletters and blogs. Some of our favorites include Marty’s Bent and Bitmex’s. Don’t sign up for all of them — pick ones with the right depth and topics to fit your interests.
Continue your exploration into books, podcasts, courses, software resources and more, by using content libraries like Jameson Lopp’s. Also check out Bitcoin.org and the Nakamoto Institute for more essentials.
Always remember to be your own bank of information. Just as Bitcoin teaches better financial responsibility, we can stay smart by decentralizing our information. Rely on a wide variety of people and resources as you continue on. Welcome to Bitcoin!
This article is part of the YAP Exchange’s Bitcoin Essentials series.
Feel free to contact us or visit us in store to learn more about managing your Bitcoin storage, security, and trading.
