Create a Web3 Fan Engagement platform like Socios

Web3 fan engagement platforms are changing how sports fans connect with their favorite teams. Instead of being limited to watching games or buying merchandise, fans now have the chance to vote on team decisions, unlock exclusive content, and earn digital rewards. This shift from passive to active participation is setting a new benchmark for modern sports experiences.

Platforms like Socios are leading the way by using blockchain to create deeper, more meaningful interactions. These platforms go beyond technology. They build loyal communities and offer new ways for fans to feel truly involved. For teams and brands, this means stronger connections and long-term engagement.

Launching a Web3 fan platform is more than a trend. It opens the door to new revenue streams like token sales, memberships, and digital collectibles.  In this blog, we’ll explore how starting a Web3 fan engagement platform can be a profitable venture and how it benefits both businesses and sports fans alike.

Overview of the Socios Platform

Socios.com is reshaping fan engagement by combining blockchain, crypto, and gamification. Launched in 2018 by Alexandre Dreyfus and the Chiliz Group, the platform gives sports fans a new way to connect with their favorite teams through digital ownership and real-world rewards.

Fan Tokens

Fan Tokens are digital assets linked to specific teams like $BAR for FC Barcelona or $JUV for Juventus. Fans use these tokens to vote in club polls and access rewards such as exclusive merchandise, tickets, and VIP experiences.

Chiliz ($CHZ)

$CHZ is the platform’s native currency. Fans buy it through exchanges or directly in the app, then use it to purchase Fan Tokens. Built on Ethereum, $CHZ ensures secure and smooth transactions within the ecosystem.

Socios Wallet

The Socios Wallet is a non-custodial Web3 wallet used to store Fan Tokens. It features a simple interface, blockchain integration, and Passkey technology for added security.

How Does the Socios Platform Work?

• Registration and Setup: Getting started is simple. Users download the Socios app, create an account, and connect their wallet. A quick SMS and email verification secures the process, making it easy to join.
• Acquiring Fan Tokens: Users can purchase $CHZ, the platform’s native token, through exchanges or within the app. These are then used to buy team-specific Fan Tokens, such as $PSG for Paris Saint-Germain. These tokens unlock access to team polls and fan experiences.
• Engagement and Voting: Holding Fan Tokens gives users voting power in official team polls. These polls may include choices like jersey designs, stadium music, or messages displayed on match days. It brings fans closer to their teams by giving them a direct voice.
• Earning Rewards: Fans who take part in activities like voting or match predictions earn SSU Loyalty Tokens. These can be redeemed for exclusive rewards including match tickets, VIP access, team merchandise, and even travel experiences with the club.

Blockchain Infrastructure

• Chiliz Chain: Socios runs on the Chiliz Chain, a permissioned blockchain built for speed, transparency, and low-cost transactions. It uses Ethereum’s security framework while optimizing performance for fan engagement
• Smart Contracts: Smart contracts ensure that all fan interactions, including voting and token management, are secure and transparent. Gasless voting makes participation smooth and accessible for everyone.

Key Market Takeaways for Web3 Fan Engagement Platforms

According to ReportsValuates, the fan engagement software market is booming, expected to grow from $153 million in 2024 to $222 million by 2031, driven by Web3 platforms. These platforms use blockchain to offer fans a more personalized and immersive experience, allowing them to connect with teams, artists, and brands through digital collectibles, NFTs, and tokenized rewards. 

Source: ReportsValuates

What sets Web3 platforms apart is their ability to transform fans from passive consumers into active participants. For example, Socios.com allows sports fans to purchase tokens that give them a say in team decisions, while Audius enables music fans to receive royalties directly from artists. 

Partnerships have played a key role in accelerating adoption, with Socios.com teaming up with major sports organizations like the NBA and top European football clubs. 

Dapper Labs’ NBA Top Shot has also helped fans trade digital collectibles representing iconic basketball moments. Additionally, UXLINK’s partnership with MEET48 in Asia’s idol economy uses Web3 tools like NFTs and decentralized governance to create more interactive fan-idol relationships.

In sports, Sorare offers NFT-based fantasy football games, while collaborations like Paris Basketball and Polygon provide fans with exclusive digital experiences. The potential of Web3 in fan engagement is vast and growing, with opportunities for businesses to capitalize on this innovative shift.

A Perfect Time to Invest in Developing a Web3 Fan Engagement Platform

The sports industry is evolving, and so are fan expectations. Today’s fans are no longer satisfied with just watching games or following teams on social media. They want real interaction. They want to be heard. Web3 technology is making that possible.

Web3 fan engagement platforms like Socios are leading this change. By using blockchain-based tools, these platforms allow fans to influence team decisions through tokenized voting, access exclusive content, earn loyalty rewards, and purchase limited digital assets. It is not just about cheering from the sidelines, it is about being part of the team.

This level of interaction strengthens fan loyalty while unlocking new revenue opportunities. From fan token sales and paid memberships to branded experiences and collectible drops, the earning potential is significant.

Socios has already proven the model. With over 30 million dollars in funding and partnerships with global sports giants, it is showing how valuable token-based engagement can be. At the same time, Dapper Labs, the company behind NBA Top Shot, has generated over 700 million dollars in collectible sales, showing that digital assets in sports are more than just a trend.

What makes Web3 platforms stand out is their ability to give fans something truly unique. This is not about gimmicks. It is about creating a space where fans feel connected, included, and valued.

Business Model of the Socios Platform

Socios.com has revolutionized fan engagement by offering sports teams a new way to monetize their global fan bases through blockchain technology. Founded in 2018 by Alexandre Dreyfus and operated by Chiliz, the platform lets fans purchase Fan Tokens, granting them voting rights on team decisions and access to exclusive rewards. 

This blockchain-powered platform has expanded its reach with over 70 major sports teams, including FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus.

Core Value Proposition

At its core, Socios.com connects sports teams with global fan communities, enabling fans to “own a share of influence” in their teams. By using Fan Tokens on the secure Chiliz Chain, fans gain a voice in team decisions and can earn unique rewards. This platform is designed to engage the 99% of fans who aren’t physically at the games, bringing them closer to their favorite teams.

Revenue Streams and Financial Performance

• Fan Token Offerings: The sale of Fan Tokens is a primary revenue driver, with some tokens generating millions in revenue for clubs and Socios alike. For example, Barcelona’s FTO sold out in under two hours, raising $1.3 million.
• Secondary Market Transactions: After the initial sale, Fan Tokens are traded on secondary markets, where Socios earns revenue through transaction fees.
• Sponsorships and Partnerships: Socios has secured high-profile sponsorships, including shirt sponsorships with Valencia CF and Inter Milan, helping generate additional revenue.
• Web3 Wallet Services: Launched in 2024, the Web3-enabled Socios Wallet enables over 2 million users to control their Fan Tokens, with future features like staking offering new revenue opportunities.

Funding and Financial Backing

Socios.com has raised significant funding, including $66 million in a private token sale and an additional $50 million for U.S. expansion. 

With regulatory approvals from the Malta Financial Services Authority in 2024 and full authorization in 2025, the platform has established itself as a strong player in the fan engagement and blockchain space.

Steps to Develop a Web3 Fan Engagement Platform like Socios

Building something as dynamic and community-driven as Socios isn’t about buzzwords; it’s about creating something people actually enjoy using. Here are the steps to develop a web3 fan management platform,

1. Define the Fan Engagement Model

Before touching a single line of code, get crystal clear on the kind of experience you want fans to have. Are they voting on game-day playlists? Unlocking behind-the-scenes access? Earning rewards for their loyalty? The magic happens when fans feel like they truly matter, not just as users, but as part of the story.

2. Choose the Blockchain Architecture

Don’t go overboard chasing hype. Choose a blockchain that actually works for your needs — one that’s fast, secure, and cost-efficient. Think Ethereum for reliability, but maybe a sidechain (like what Socios uses with Chiliz) to keep fees low and speed high. Fans won’t wait around for slow tech.

3. Develop Native Tokenomics

You’ll need at least two types of tokens: one that powers the platform (like $CHZ) and another that connects fans to specific teams (fan tokens). Keep it simple, useful, and fair. The value of these tokens should come from what they unlock — not just hype or speculation.

4. Build Smart Contract Infrastructure

Smart contracts are your backstage crew, they make everything run smoothly without human error. These should handle token voting, reward drops, and everything in between. Don’t cut corners here. Get them audited and tested thoroughly. It’s all about trust.

5. Design and Integrate a Non-Custodial Wallet

Not everyone using your platform will be a crypto pro. Your wallet needs to be secure but easy enough for your grandma to use. Bonus points if it uses passkey login or biometrics. Fans should focus on cheering their team, not recovering seed phrases.

6. Implement Fan Token Marketplace

Let fans buy, trade, or collect fan tokens without needing a finance degree. Keep it user-friendly with clear pricing, smooth transactions, and team pages that fans actually want to explore. Don’t forget to support local regulations like KYC.

7. Launch Gamified Engagement Features

Voting is cool, but gamification keeps people coming back. Add prediction games, quizzes, challenges, or digital scavenger hunts. Let fans earn rewards they actually want — merch, tickets, VIP access. Make them feel like insiders, not outsiders peeking in.

8. Partner with Teams and Content Providers

This whole idea only works if fans get to interact with the teams, artists, or creators they love. So partnerships are everything. Work closely with clubs and leagues to design polls, content, and experiences that fans care about. The deeper the connection, the better the results.

9. Ensure Continuous Scalability and Community Support

The job isn’t done at launch. Use feedback to tweak features, add new rewards, and improve the experience. Stay involved with your community. Build in public. Roll out updates regularly. The platform should grow and shift with the fans, not just sit still.

Cost of Developing a Web3 Fan Engagement Platform like Socios

The cost of developing a Web3 fan engagement platform like Socios can vary depending on factors such as blockchain integration, smart contract complexity, and platform features.

Stage	Subtask	Cost Range
Research and Planning	Market Research & Niche Identification	$500 – $2,000
	Concept and Feature Definition	$500 – $3,000
Blockchain Selection and Architecture Design	Blockchain Platform Selection	$500 – $3,000
	Basic Architecture Design	$500 – $7,000
Smart Contract Development	Fan Token Development	$1,000 – $7,000
	Basic Utility Features	$2,000 – $10,000
	Security Audits	$1,000 – $3,000
NFT System Implementation (Optional)	NFT Smart Contract	$1,000 – $5,000
	Basic Marketplace Functionality	$1,000 – $10,000+
Frontend and Backend Development	UI/UX Design (MVP Focus)	$1,000 – $5,000
	Frontend Development	$2,000 – $15,000
	Backend Development	$1,000 – $10,000
	Web3 Wallet Integration	$500 – $3,000
Testing and Quality Assurance	Basic Testing	$1,000 – $5,000
	User Acceptance Testing (UAT)	$0 – $5,000
Deployment and Launch	Deployment	$300 – $2,000
	Initial Marketing and Community Building	$200 – $3,000

Total Estimated Cost – $10,000 – $100,000

Factors Affecting the Development Cost of a Web3 Fan Engagement Platform

Developing a Web3 fan engagement platform like Socios involves typical software development costs but also factors unique to blockchain and fan interaction. A combination of general and Web3-specific variables shapes the development cost:

• Blockchain Selection: Choosing the right blockchain (like Chiliz, Ethereum, BNB Chain, Polygon, or Solana) affects both development complexity and transaction fees. Blockchains with more mature ecosystems may have higher costs due to the demand for specialized skills.
• Smart Contract Development Complexity: Designing secure smart contracts for fan tokens, voting, rewards, and governance requires experienced blockchain developers. The more complex the contracts, the higher the development time and cost.
• Security Audits of Smart Contracts: Security is crucial in Web3 development, especially since smart contracts manage valuable digital assets. Comprehensive security audits by trusted third-party firms are necessary and can add significant costs.
• NFT Implementation (if core feature): If NFTs are a key feature, developing and integrating smart contracts for NFT creation, trading, and display can drive up costs. The complexity of NFT metadata (e.g., dynamic NFTs) adds further expenses.

Best Blockchain for Developing a Web3 Fan Engagement Platform

Here are five standout blockchain platforms that would be great choices for building a Web3 fan engagement platform like Socios, 

1. Ethereum (Layer 1 + Layer 2 Solutions)

Ethereum is the most popular blockchain for Web3 applications, especially for NFTs, fan tokens, and smart contracts. The availability of Layer 2 solutions, like Polygon or Arbitrum, helps reduce high gas fees and boosts scalability.

• ERC-20 (fan tokens) and ERC-721/1155 (NFTs) standards.
• Layer 2 solutions like Polygon and Arbitrum reduce transaction fees and enhance scalability.

Socios initially used Ethereum for fan tokens but later migrated to Chiliz Chain for better cost efficiency.

2. Chiliz Chain (Socios’ Native Blockchain)

Chiliz was created specifically for fan engagement in sports and entertainment. It’s optimized for low-cost, high-volume transactions, making it ideal for fan-driven economies.

• Hybrid blockchain (EVM-compatible) with gasless voting mechanisms for polls.
• Native token ($CHZ) powers fan token ecosystems.

Chiliz is already powering fan engagement for big names like FC Barcelona, Juventus, and UFC, where fans can vote and earn rewards through tokenized interactions.

3. Polygon (EVM-Compatible Sidechain)

Polygon’s low fees, high throughput, and smooth integration with Ethereum make it an excellent choice for scalable, high-transaction applications like fan loyalty programs and microtransactions.

• Supports NFT marketplaces like OpenSea and integrates well with DeFi projects.
• Ideal for loyalty programs, microtransactions, and large-scale engagement projects.

Manchester United launched an NFT community on Polygon, tapping into its cost-effective and scalable capabilities.

4. Solana

Solana is known for its high transaction speed (50K TPS) and low costs, making it a great platform for gamified fan experiences and other interactive fan-driven platforms.

• Optimized for digital collectibles with NFT compression.
• Solid ecosystem for Play-to-Earn and metaverse integrations.

Popular applications like STEPN (move-to-earn) and Audius (music platform) are already thriving on Solana, which speaks to its versatility and speed.

5. Polkadot (Unique Network for NFTs 2.0)

Polkadot’s interoperability and its ability to build custom blockchains make it a powerful choice for projects with specialized needs, like creating evolving NFTs or offering multi-platform rewards.

• Polkadot’s parachain ecosystem includes Unique Network, which supports dynamic NFTs (e.g., evolving player cards).
• Cross-chain compatibility allows for broader multi-platform engagement and rewards.

The Indy 500 used Polkadot’s Unique Network to offer “Digital Insider Passes,” which gave fans exclusive perks and rewards.

Conclusion

Building a Web3 fan engagement platform like Socios allows businesses to connect with fans in exciting new ways, offering exclusive rewards, voting rights, and unique digital assets. By integrating features like fan tokens and NFTs, businesses can create a loyal community while generating revenue through token sales, transaction fees, and partnerships. It’s a great way to tap into the growing Web3 space and build lasting connections with fans while opening up fresh revenue opportunities.

Looking to Develop a Web3 Fan Engagement platform like Socios?

At Idea Usher, we’ve got you covered! With over 500,000 hours of coding experience and a team of talented ex-MAANG/FAANG developers, we know how to bring your ideas to life. We specialize in creating platforms that connect fans with their favorite teams using fan tokens, NFTs, and more. 

Take a look at our latest projects to see the kind of work we can do for you, and let’s create something amazing together!

FAQs

Q1: How to develop a Web3 fan engagement platform?

A1: To develop a Web3 fan engagement platform, start by choosing the right blockchain and defining the features that will allow fans to connect with teams. Then, work with experienced blockchain developers to create secure smart contracts and build an engaging, user-friendly platform that gives fans a voice and rewards them for their participation.

Q2: What are the features of a Web3 fan engagement platform?

A2: A Web3 fan engagement platform typically includes fan tokens for voting on team decisions, exclusive access to rewards or content, NFT collections, and real-time updates. Fans can participate in community events, trade tokens, and enjoy a sense of ownership and interaction with their favorite teams.

Q3: How does a Web3 fan engagement platform make money?

A3: These platforms generate revenue by selling fan tokens, charging transaction fees on token trades, offering exclusive memberships, and selling NFTs. They may also form partnerships with teams, brands, and advertisers to create additional income streams.

Q4: What is the cost of developing a Web3 fan engagement platform?

A4: The cost can vary widely based on features and blockchain choice, but building a Web3 fan engagement platform can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. A simpler version might be more affordable, while a fully-featured, custom platform with robust smart contracts will require a bigger investment.

Q5: How do fan tokens work?

A5: Fan tokens are digital assets that give holders special perks like voting rights, access to exclusive content, and rewards. Fans can trade these tokens or hold onto them to unlock benefits related to their favorite teams, making them a way to engage more deeply with the clubs they support.