Bitcoin adoption keeps rising as new services enter the market.
Yet many bitcoin users are not engaging with decentralized finance platforms.
A recent survey suggests nearly eight out of ten bitcoin holders have not used any BTC-focused DeFi platforms. The results, taken from more than 700 respondents across North America and Europe, point to a divide between the promise of BTCFi and its limited reach so far.
Only a small portion of those surveyed claimed to use these services on a regular basis. A little over 10 percent have experimented with them once or twice, while fewer than 10 percent use BTCFi to generate yield or participate in lending activities.
This disconnect is significant as the sector has seen years of development and millions in investment. Despite that, most bitcoin owners remain outside the world of decentralized services built for the cryptocurrency.
Many industry figures believe these results reveal a problem of accessibility and trust within BTCFi offerings. In the eyes of GoMining’s CEO, the market continues to focus on features that attract crypto experts rather than meeting the needs of everyday bitcoin holders.
Even though 73 percent of survey participants say they are interested in earning yield through lending or staking bitcoin, only a minority are willing to put much of their holdings at risk. In fact, more than 40 percent would not allocate more than one fifth of their coins to BTCFi products.
This signals that concerns around complexity and trust persist. Many users are attracted by the idea, but remain wary of losing funds or navigating complicated protocols.
The survey also exposes an information gap. Sixty five percent of respondents could not name a single BTCFi product or service when asked directly.
With so much capital and energy devoted to building innovative tools, the fact that so many potential users have never heard of them highlights a visibility problem. These findings show that BTCFi providers may be speaking mostly to a niche audience rather than to the large base of bitcoin holders worldwide.
An additional issue may be the approach many BTCFi platforms are taking by using models developed for other digital assets. Bitcoin owners, according to the survey, often prefer regulated products, simple access through custodial platforms, and reliable ETFs over self-custody and experimental protocols.
For example, platforms like Coinbase and bitcoin ETFs have succeeded by prioritizing straightforward interfaces and education, rather than focusing on complex technical features. BTCFi developers aiming to reach a broader audience might need to rethink their approach to connect with cautious or less technically-focused users.
Despite the low engagement numbers, interest in using digital assets for yield remains high. The survey makes clear there is a significant group of bitcoin holders who want safe opportunities to earn on their holdings.
Trust and ease of use appear to be the crucial missing factors. Many potential users say they would enter this part of the market if they were confident in the security and understood how the products operate.
Companies like GoMining, known for connecting users to digital asset mining through innovative services, are studying these trends. Their data comes from users joining bitcoin through a gamified ecosystem that includes NFTs and direct links to mining activity.
Survey participants may not perfectly represent all bitcoin owners. Still, industry insiders argue that such a sample provides a valuable window into how new and mainstream investors act and what makes them hesitant.
GoMining’s own figures suggest that over four in five of their customers are entering crypto via bitcoin mining on their platform, often opening their first digital wallet through the process. As more beginners come aboard, the demand for clear, accessible, and trusted solutions will likely continue to grow.
This evolving landscape offers opportunities along with challenges. If platforms prioritize regular investors, offer strong education, and emphasize safety, more people may decide to Start Cloud Mining or take part in BTCFi in other ways.
Conclusion
The research points to a cautious but curious bitcoin community, eager to find safe and easy ways to earn from their holdings. BTCFi developers have a clear path forward if they can address concerns about complexity and build visible, user-friendly products.
As new investors look for reliable entry points, the platforms that bridge this trust gap are poised for growth. Meeting people where they are and prioritizing transparency may turn curiosity into lasting participation across the bitcoin ecosystem.
Ewan’s fascination with cryptocurrency started through his curiosity about innovative technologies reshaping the financial world. Over the past four years, he has specialized in cloud mining and crypto asset management, diving deep into mining contracts, profitability analysis, and emerging trends. Ewan is dedicated to helping readers understand the technical and economic aspects of crypto mining, making complex information accessible and actionable.
