What is a virtual protocol? A protocol for creating decentralized artificial intelligence agents.

In the era of AI and Web3, Virtuals Protocol is gaining more and more traction as a decentralized platform, enabling anyone to build, own, and monetize AI proxies on-chain. The protocol runs on the Base network and is powered by the $VIRTUAL token, which represents a new layer of infrastructure that powers agent-based economies – where the next wave of user interaction and productivity comes from smart agents, not just smart contracts. Let us explore how this protocol works, its key components, and how it fits into the broader trend of AI-driven decentralization.

##Overview of Virtual Protocol The virtual protocol is a permissionless protocol used to create and run decentralized AI agents on the chain. These agents can automate tasks, interact with smart contracts, or serve as digital companions. Unlike agents built and controlled by enterprises, these agents are owned by users and the community—a brand new AgentFi paradigm. Deployed on Base (an Ethereum L2 developed by Coinbase, Virtuals Protocol benefits from low fees and fast finality, suitable for complex AI agent interactions.

Main Features:

• Decentralized AI agents: built, trained, and deployed by anyone.
• Composable infrastructure: Interoperable with other Base native dApps.
• Profit: Agents can earn $VIRTUAL tokens based on their performance and interactions.

##How Virtual Protocol Works The virtual protocol consists of three key components:

Agents are deployed as smart contracts, allowing for transparent and auditable behavior. Each agent has its own wallet, logic, and reputation—essentially becoming a micro DAO.

##The role of the $VIRTUAL Token The core of the ecosystem is the $VIRTUAL Token, which is the native utility asset of the protocol. It drives all on-chain operations, such as deploying agents, upgrading features, and accessing advanced tools. As a content creator for Gate, I want to emphasize that $VIRTUAL is currently being actively traded and tracked on our exchange. You can explore it here, Gate is one of the leading platforms for early crypto projects.

Airdrop and Community Participation of Virtual Protocols

The virtual protocol is also quite popular among airdrop hunters and contributors. Through its innovative points system, users earn points by interacting with agents, creating content, and helping to improve the ecosystem. Recently, the genesis launch of the virtual protocol witnessed:

• Over 2800 users participated
• Over 22 million points have been destroyed
• 330% oversubscription rate
• The return on investment at launch can be as high as 4 times.

This indicates that not only is the demand for the token increasing, but there is also a growing demand for the real use cases of the protocol.

##Use Cases of AI Agents The agreement unlocks powerful new applications, including:

• DeFi trading bot with customizable strategies
• On-chain customer support agent
• Game assistant or loot manager
• DAO with autonomous proposal execution
• Personal productivity robot integrated with cryptocurrency wallet

These use cases open the door for developers, creators, and crypto-native users to deploy utility proxies with monetizable potential.

##The Importance of Virtual Protocols Virtual protocols leverage two main narratives: artificial intelligence and on-chain ownership. Unlike centralized AI tools, the agents created here are transparent, ownable, and aligned with incentives. The project also promotes the concept of an “agent economy,” where digital assistants do not just serve users—they can also profit, grow, and contribute to the ecosystem. Using Base as the foundational network and actively existing on Gate, this is a project worth paying attention to, suitable for users seeking innovation, practicality, and potential rewards.

##Final Thoughts Virtuals Protocol is not just another DeFi token – it is the foundational layer for decentralized AI interaction. If you are exploring new narratives in cryptocurrency or actively participating in airdrop activities, this project is worth your attention. Follow updates, trade $VIRTUAL, and participate in upcoming events on Gate. Join the AI revolution – one agent at a time.

Author: Cinnie, Gate Researcher *This article only represents the views of the researchers and does not constitute any investment advice. Investment involves risks, and users should make cautious decisions. *Gate reserves all rights to this article. When reproducing the article, it must be credited to Gate. Legal action will be taken for copyright infringement in all cases.