How I’m Using Bitcoin Red Envelopes to Onboard New Users

#bitcoin #opensource #sideprojects #webdev

When we talk about Bitcoin adoption, the first thing that comes to mind is usually price. But here’s the truth I’ve learned: numbers alone don’t onboard anyone. People need a story, a ritual, a tangible first step.

The Challenge I Faced

I wanted to introduce Bitcoin to family and friends during Lunar New Year. But explaining private keys, wallets, and seed phrases around the dinner table? Total disaster. Most people nodded politely, but nothing stuck.

My Approach

That’s how HongBaoBTC
was born. I reimagined the traditional hongbao (red envelope) as a Bitcoin paper wallet.

Each glossy red envelope holds a custom-designed Bitcoin “banknote.”
The note includes QR codes for public address and private key, styled like real currency.
A scannable QR code on the back links to a simple learning page, guiding beginners step by step.

Suddenly, gifting Bitcoin wasn’t abstract anymore. It felt cultural, fun, and memorable.

What I Learned

Design matters: people loved the physical look, not just the Bitcoin inside.
Education needs to be bite-sized: one QR link with a simple tutorial beats long explanations.
Tradition plus tech is powerful: blending old rituals with new tools makes adoption natural.