# What is Filecoin {% embed url="" %} Filecoin is a **decentralized storage network** that allows people to store files securely on computers around the world. Normally, we use services like Google Drive or Dropbox to store files on a central server. But Filecoin uses **a global network of computers** to store files in a distributed way. *** #### **How Does It Work?** 1. **People who want to store files** → Pay a small fee to those who store files for them. 2. **People who store files (Storage Providers)** → Keep the files safe and must **prove** that they are storing them properly using cryptographic proofs. 3. **People who want to access files** → Search for the files on the network and, if needed, pay a small fee to download them. So, **Filecoin is like an open market that connects people who need storage with those who provide it**! *** #### **Features of Filecoin** ✅ **Anyone can join** → You can be either a file owner or a storage provider.\ ✅ **Prices are set freely** → No single company controls the prices; people decide them on their own.\ ✅ **Secure and transparent** → Storage providers must constantly prove that they are keeping the files safe. *** #### **Where is Filecoin Used?** * **NFT Storage** → Keeps blockchain-based art and music safe. * **Gaming Asset Storage** → Stores data for metaverse and online games. * **Data Backup** → Saves important website or business data securely. In short, **Filecoin is a safer and more open alternative to traditional cloud storage services like Google Drive and AWS.** --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.filliquid.io/understanding-filecoin-ecosystem/what-is-filecoin.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.