The evolution of blockchain interaction is here — and it’s simpler, faster, and more intuitive than ever. With Solana Actions and blockchain links (blinks), users can now perform on-chain transactions directly from URLs, without leaving their current app or website. This innovation marks a major leap in Web3 usability, bringing decentralized functionality into everyday digital experiences.
Whether you're tipping a creator on social media, minting an NFT from a newsletter link, or paying for goods with a QR code scan, Solana Actions and blinks are redefining how we interact with blockchain technology.
What Are Solana Actions?
Solana Actions are standardized APIs that return executable transactions on the Solana blockchain. These transactions can be previewed, signed, and sent through compatible wallets — all within the context of where the user already is: a website, mobile app, Discord message, or even a tweet.
Actions enable developers to embed complex on-chain operations — such as staking, voting, swapping tokens, or minting NFTs — directly into familiar interfaces. Instead of redirecting users to a separate dApp, developers can trigger a transaction flow right from a button, widget, or QR code.
This means:
- A shopper can pay in crypto at checkout without leaving the e-commerce site.
- A DAO member can vote on a proposal by clicking a link in an email.
- A gamer can purchase in-game assets with one tap.
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Understanding Blockchain Links (Blinks)
If Actions are the engine, blinks are the interface. Blinks transform any Solana Action into a shareable, metadata-rich URL that works across platforms. When clicked, these smart links activate interactive transaction previews in supported wallets — no need to navigate away.
For example:
- Share a blink in a Discord channel → users see clickable buttons to tip or mint.
- Post a blink on X (formerly Twitter) → followers interact instantly via wallet extensions like Phantom or Backpack.
- Embed a blink in a blog → readers can stake SOL or swap tokens without visiting a dApp.
Blinks work because they follow open standards and include embedded metadata that tells wallet clients what action to perform and how to display it. They’re backward-compatible too: if a user doesn’t have a blink-enabled wallet, the link simply redirects to a standard web page where the action can still be completed manually.
How Do Actions Differ from Blinks?
While often used together, Actions and blinks serve different roles:
| Concept | Role |
|---|---|
| Solana Actions | The underlying API that constructs and returns transaction data |
| Blinks | A URL-based method to trigger and share those Actions |
In short:
An Action defines what happens on-chain.
A blink defines how users access that Action — typically through a clickable link.
You can initiate an Action via native buttons, QR codes, or blinks. But blinks offer unmatched flexibility by making on-chain interactions shareable and platform-agnostic.
Solana Pay vs. Solana Actions: What’s the Difference?
Solana Pay was the original standard for sending payments over Solana using simple URLs. Today, Solana Pay has evolved into the broader Actions framework.
Key updates:
- Solana Pay functionality is now part of Actions.
- Actions go beyond payments to support staking, voting, minting, governance, swaps, and more.
- The core specification remains compatible — so existing Solana Pay integrations still work.
Think of it this way:
Solana Pay = payments only
Solana Actions = anything you can do on-chain
This expansion allows developers to apply the simplicity of Solana Pay to a much wider range of use cases — accelerating mainstream adoption.
Real-World Use Cases
Examples of Solana Actions
- Retail Payments: Customers scan a QR code at checkout to pay in SOL or USDC.
- E-commerce Integration: Online stores accept crypto payments directly from product pages.
- Staking Services: Users delegate SOL to validators via a single click.
- DeFi Interactions: Swap tokens or provide liquidity without leaving a news article or forum post.
- Gaming Platforms: Buy and trade in-game NFTs seamlessly during gameplay.
Examples of Blinks
- Social Media Tipping: Tip your favorite creator on X or Reddit with one click.
- Token-Gated Access: Unlock exclusive content by clicking a blink that verifies token ownership.
- DAO Governance: Vote on proposals directly from a newsletter link.
- NFT Minting: Participate in limited-edition drops via shared URLs.
These scenarios demonstrate how Actions and blinks reduce friction and make Web3 feel native to the internet experience.
Benefits for Users and Developers
For End Users
- Perform transactions without leaving familiar apps
- No need to manually construct transactions
- Reduced risk of phishing through trusted domain verification
- Seamless fallbacks when blink support isn’t available
For Developers
- Easy integration using RESTful APIs
- Support for interstitial signing pages for users without extensions
- Compatibility with major wallets (Phantom, Backpack, etc.)
- Open-source SDKs and libraries accelerate development
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Security Considerations
As with any wallet-connected interaction, security depends on user awareness.
Key Safety Features
- Wallets simulate every transaction before signing — users always see what they’re approving.
- First-time connections prompt familiar “connect to site” warnings.
- Whitelisted domains (at launch) add an extra layer of trust.
- Cross-origin execution (e.g., clicking a blink on X) requires explicit user consent.
Best Practices
- Only interact with blinks from trusted sources.
- Review transaction details carefully before signing.
- Use wallets that support simulation and preview features.
Future enhancements may include:
- Trust inference based on past interactions
- Reputation systems for Action providers
- Wallet-level safeguards independent of specific Actions
Developer Integration Guide
Developers can implement Actions by building APIs compliant with the Solana Actions Specification. Each Action returns structured JSON data describing the transaction to be executed.
To turn an Action into a blink:
- Host an
actions.jsonfile at your domain root (e.g.,yoursite.com/actions.json) - Register your domain in the Dialect Actions Registry for wallet recognition
- Test your blink end-to-end using dial.to
SDKs and client libraries are available for:
- Rendering blinks on websites
- Building wallet extensions with blink support
- Creating custom interstitial signing interfaces
Dialect provides key infrastructure including:
- Forkable interstitial signing pages
- Analytics dashboards for Action performance
- Open-source tooling for community adoption
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if I click a blink without a wallet?
If you don’t have a blink-compatible wallet extension, the link will redirect you to a standard webpage where you can complete the action manually — such as connecting your wallet or proceeding through a mobile interface.
Can I use blinks on mobile?
Yes. Mobile wallets like Phantom support blinks through deep linking. If no wallet is installed, users are directed to an interstitial page where they can sign via email or phone-based embedded wallets.
Are blinks secure?
Blinks are as secure as interacting with any dApp. Transactions are always simulated before signing, and users must explicitly approve each action. Exercise caution with links from unknown sources.
Do I need a website to create a blink?
Not necessarily. Independent developers can use hosted interstitial services (like actions.dialect.to) to create functional blinks without maintaining their own frontend.
How do multiple wallets handle the same blink?
Wallets operate on an opt-in basis. The first injected wallet extension typically takes priority, but users can choose which wallet to use if multiple are detected.
Is Dialect the only provider of Action tools?
No. While Dialect is a key contributor — providing SDKs, analytics, and interstitial solutions — the ecosystem is open. Any team can build tools supporting Actions and blinks.
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