Your First Post on Nostr

Your goal is one short post on your profile, ready to share. We’ll use Primal on your phone. You can use the same Nostr identity in another app later. Button labels may differ by version.

1. Install the app

Open the official Primal download page on your phone. Choose the iPhone or Android version and install it from the store linked there. Open the app.

Check: You should see a way to create an identity or sign in with one you already have.

2. Set up your identity

• New to Nostr? Create an identity in the app. Before going further, use the app’s backup option to save your private key securely. If you need help, read Keys and Security.
• Already have Nostr keys? Sign in with your existing identity using a method the app supports. Do not create a second identity just to follow this guide.

Your npub is public and safe to share. Your nsec is private: never put it in a post, send it to someone, or type it into a website. Keep a backup you can access if you lose your phone.

Check: The app shows your profile or feed under your chosen identity. You have saved the private key before publishing.

3. Give people a reason to recognise you

Open your profile and add a name or nickname and one sentence about an interest or why you joined. For example: “I enjoy books and discovering new places.” A profile photo can wait.

Check: Your name and short description appear when you return to your profile.

4. Publish a first post

Find the app’s action for writing a new post. Start with plain text. You can adapt this example:

Hello Nostr. I’m new here and looking for book recommendations. What have you enjoyed reading lately?

Write something true about why you’re here, then publish. You do not need a perfect introduction, a photo, or hashtags to begin.

Check: The post appears on your profile. If it does not, wait a moment and refresh once.

5. Check that your post is visible

Open the post from your profile. If the app offers a share action, copy its link and open it in a browser or send it to someone you trust. Seeing it outside your own feed is a stronger check that it reached other readers.

If the post is missing or the link does not open, check your connection and try again after a short wait. Posts travel through relays, which may delay or reject them. Do not create a new identity or publish the same post repeatedly while checking. The troubleshooting guide covers posts that do not appear.

You are done when your post is visible on your profile and you have checked its shared link, if available. Next, find a few people who interest you in Finding Your Community.