Lightning Network is not Bitcoin

[BitGoba]

I’ve noticed that this narrative spreads widely on the internet, on forums, Twitter, etc.I’ve even seen on this forum how some influential members talk about it.
 Scammers have always used the story that “Bitcoin doesn’t scale” to promote their own token or some “shitcoin” that is faster or supposedly scales Bitcoin.

I’ve decided to try to explain to people who don’t understand what the Lightning Network really is and how it works.Lightning is not a separate network, like those created by shitcoins with their own shitcoin to sell. Lightning is an extension of Bitcoin.It is a  software that interacts with the Bitcoin software. Lightning cannot operate without Bitcoin, it relies on the Bitcoin software and network.
There are two software implementations one is Core Lightning, and the other is LND
Lightning transactions are performed off-chain, without being directly recorded on the Bitcoin blockchain. Only the first transaction, which opens a channel between two Bitcoin nodes, is recorded on-chain. After that, you can send and receive Bitcoin as much as you want. Your Bitcoin remains secure and under your control, and you can always close the channel to have the funds available on-chain.

Bitcoin in the Lightning Network is real Bitcoin, secured by smart contracts until the channel is closed.Channels can only be opened and closed by the two Bitcoin nodes that participate in the channel.
To better understand Bitcoin, it’s helpful to run your own Bitcoin node. There are  playlists that explain how to set up a cheap DIY Bitcoin node, how to install and run the software, and how to open Lightning channels.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoFH8Ldz6Cgm2MivKtFct1zrNc0sYYbwO

[Kruw]

Lightning cannot operate without Bitcoin, it relies on the Bitcoin software and network.

This is incorrect, Lightning can operate on any currency system that supports HTLCs. For example, Litecoin has its own Lightning Network: https://1ml.com/litecoin/

[Oshosondy]

Lightning cannot operate without Bitcoin, it relies on the Bitcoin software and network.

This is incorrect, Lightning can operate on any currency system that supports HTLCs. For example, Litecoin has its own Lightning Network: https://1ml.com/litecoin/

But it will be good to point out that bitcoin lightning network is totally different from litcoin lightning network. Litcoin has been a carbon copy of bitcoin, including the blockchain and many updates like segwit, but we can not say that bitcoin blockchain and litecoin blockchain are the same while referring to bitcoin.

What BitGoba wants to prove wrong are people that are saying bitcoin that has been moved to the off chain layer are not bitcoin and which is not true. But only what should be used to defend it is that lightning network is part of bitcoin improvement protocol.

[satscraper]

Lightning cannot operate without Bitcoin, it relies on the Bitcoin software and network.

This is incorrect, Lightning can operate on any currency system that supports HTLCs. For example, Litecoin has its own Lightning Network: https://1ml.com/litecoin/

Wow, this is the first time I’ve heard about it.

But it seems that LLN is barely used. The page at https://1ml.com/litecoin/  ^{as well as any other on this site} doesn’t show any active channels. Most of the listed channels are 2-3 years old and already closed. So I can conclude that the LLN has had very limited adoption and will probably never take off the way BLN did.

[Oshosondy]

The page at https://1ml.com/litecoin/  ^{as well as any other on this site} doesn’t show any active channels. Most of the listed channels are 2-3 years old and already closed. So I can conclude that the LLN has had very limited adoption and will probably never take off the way BLN did.

Just as I have said, litecoin is bitcoin carbon copy. Litcoin does not need lightning network at all because litcoin transaction fee is very cheap. No one will be encouraged to use the off chain layer because the reason for the off chain should be for lower transaction fee but litcoin transaction fee is very cheap to the point that you can not think of using LLN.

[buwaytress]

I used to say frequently: altcoins that say they are a solution to the scaling problem wish they had a scaling problem to deal with. They dream of a congested network that isn't filled with rubbish and spam txs. Bitcoin is fine, and it solved scaling a long time ago. You can't say LN isn't Bitcoin and disagree that shitcoins aren't proper crypto.

[dzungmobile]

Just as I have said, litecoin is bitcoin carbon copy. Litcoin does not need lightning network at all because litcoin transaction fee is very cheap. No one will be encouraged to use the off chain layer because the reason for the off chain should be for lower transaction fee but litcoin transaction fee is very cheap to the point that you can not think of using LLN.

Litecoin is better than many Bitcoin forks as it has its own name that does not contain the word "Bitcoin" like Bitcoin forks. At least Litecoin stands for itself, not like other altcoins that try to parasite with Bitcoin in their names, and with buzz words for marketing like Bitcoin forks.

Even just a project name, Litecoin has more value than Bitcoin forks.
How Many Bitcoin Forks Are There? You will be surprised!!!

[Satofan44]

Lightning cannot operate without Bitcoin, it relies on the Bitcoin software and network.

This is incorrect, Lightning can operate on any currency system that supports HTLCs. For example, Litecoin has its own Lightning Network: https://1ml.com/litecoin/

You are incorrect, don't play semantic games here unnecessarily. What people usually call Lightning is the L2 layer on Bitcoin, not the technology that is being used for it. Very few people talk about the technology and how it operates because very few people are familiar with it or are working on it, most are just using it. Therefore, it is absolutely correct to state that Lightning cannot operate without Bitcoin as it is referring to the Bitcoin L2. Bitcoin that are on Lightning are true Bitcoins, there is no wrapping or other shenanigans that some fake decentralized networks use.
 

Wow, this is the first time I’ve heard about it.

But it seems that LLN is barely used. The page at https://1ml.com/litecoin/  ^{as well as any other on this site} doesn’t show any active channels. Most of the listed channels are 2-3 years old and already closed. So I can conclude that the LLN has had very limited adoption and will probably never take off the way BLN did.

It is an useless experiment, there is no need for Litecoin to have a Lightning Network or other layer 2s aside from using them as a testing ground. Litecoin does not need to exist really anyway, it could have been its own testnet.

I used to say frequently: altcoins that say they are a solution to the scaling problem wish they had a scaling problem to deal with. They dream of a congested network that isn't filled with rubbish and spam txs. Bitcoin is fine, and it solved scaling a long time ago. You can't say LN isn't Bitcoin and disagree that shitcoins aren't proper crypto.

Altcoins are completely centralized, full of spam transactions and bugs, and whenever you need them the most they get congested and fail. Therefore those scams are for the most weak minded and least educated crypto users. They don't tend to learn their lesson until they lose a lot of money, as they have been in 2025 and now in 2026. Most altcoins are down really bad.

Litecoin is better than many Bitcoin forks as it has its own name that does not contain the word "Bitcoin" like Bitcoin forks. At least Litecoin stands for itself, not like other altcoins that try to parasite with Bitcoin in their names, and with buzz words for marketing like Bitcoin forks.

Even just a project name, Litecoin has more value than Bitcoin forks.
How Many Bitcoin Forks Are There? You will be surprised!!!

This is a completely meaningless post. Bitcoin forks are irrelevant and scams, and Litecoin is irrelevant too. An irrelevant thing being better than some other irrelevant thing is meaningless. Next time ask ChatGPT to write a post for you, it will produce smarter content than this. 

[BlackHatCoiner]

There are two software implementations one is Core Lightning, and the other is LND

There's also "eclair" by ACINQ. At my time studying lightning, ACINQ had the lightning node with the most liquidity.

Channels can only be opened and closed by the two Bitcoin nodes that participate in the channel.

A channel can also be unilaterally closed by just one of the nodes. This is what makes it easier to claim that lightning is bitcoin, since anyone running a lightning node can leave the network without the permission of any other node.

[Kruw]

You are incorrect, don't play semantic games here unnecessarily. What people usually call Lightning is the L2 layer on Bitcoin, not the technology that is being used for it. Very few people talk about the technology and how it operates because very few people are familiar with it or are working on it, most are just using it. Therefore, it is absolutely correct to state that Lightning cannot operate without Bitcoin as it is referring to the Bitcoin L2. Bitcoin that are on Lightning are true Bitcoins, there is no wrapping or other shenanigans that some fake decentralized networks use.

What about "Taproot Assets" by Lightning Labs which sends tokens such as Tether with Lightning?

There are two software implementations one is Core Lightning, and the other is LND

There's also "eclair" by ACINQ. At my time studying lightning, ACINQ had the lightning node with the most liquidity.

LDK and Electrum are other implementations as well.

[alexandr1115]

I’ve noticed that this narrative spreads widely on the internet, on forums, Twitter, etc.I’ve even seen on this forum how some influential members talk about it.
 Scammers have always used the story that “Bitcoin doesn’t scale” to promote their own token or some “shitcoin” that is faster or supposedly scales Bitcoin.

I’ve decided to try to explain to people who don’t understand what the Lightning Network really is and how it works.Lightning is not a separate network, like those created by shitcoins with their own shitcoin to sell. Lightning is an extension of Bitcoin.It is a  software that interacts with the Bitcoin software. Lightning cannot operate without Bitcoin, it relies on the Bitcoin software and network.
There are two software implementations one is Core Lightning, and the other is LND
Lightning transactions are performed off-chain, without being directly recorded on the Bitcoin blockchain. Only the first transaction, which opens a channel between two Bitcoin nodes, is recorded on-chain. After that, you can send and receive Bitcoin as much as you want. Your Bitcoin remains secure and under your control, and you can always close the channel to have the funds available on-chain.

Bitcoin in the Lightning Network is real Bitcoin, secured by smart contracts until the channel is closed.Channels can only be opened and closed by the two Bitcoin nodes that participate in the channel.
To better understand Bitcoin, it’s helpful to run your own Bitcoin node. There are  playlists that explain how to set up a cheap DIY Bitcoin node, how to install and run the software, and how to open Lightning channels.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoFH8Ldz6Cgm2MivKtFct1zrNc0sYYbwO

Every time the “Bitcoin doesn’t scale” narrative resurfaces, it feels like someone discovered fire again - only to sell lighter fluid. The truth is, Bitcoin scales through layers, and the Lightning Network is a perfect example of that. It’s not an altcoin or a side project - it’s a layer built on Bitcoin itself, using smart contracts to enable instant and low-fee transactions. The first transaction opens a payment channel, and everything after that happens off-chain with full Bitcoin security. Funny enough, while critics keep talking, Lightning just keeps routing sats at the speed of light.

[treesintheforestooh]

I like the Lightning Network and think it's important/valuable, definitely.

Would be nice to see it used more.

With that said, when it comes to helping secure the network through transaction fees, it's not very helpful.

[Ahli38]

I’ve noticed that this narrative spreads widely on the internet, on forums, Twitter, etc.I’ve even seen on this forum how some influential members talk about it.
 Scammers have always used the story that “Bitcoin doesn’t scale” to promote their own token or some “shitcoin” that is faster or supposedly scales Bitcoin.

The Lightning Network is simply a part of Bitcoin. It helps facilitate small transactions on the Bitcoin network without incurring high gas fees. These numerous microtransactions do not require validation from node one by one. The transactions are processed off-chain once the payment channel is opened. When the channel is closed the original on-chain transaction is executed. The final process is processed on the original Bitcoin blockchain, where it means that the Lightning Network is Bitcoin. However the process is slightly different from normal transactions. Many people use it as a benchmark for other altcoins. And others question the speed required for daily transactions. I personally have also seen this narrative appear on the internet. They often question Bitcoin's scalability for small transactions. So they often question the transaction speed that can be achieved on the Bitcoin network for daily transactions in its use as a medium of exchange. And they don't seem to know about the Lightning Network. I think they need to read up on it.

[dkbit98]

Oh poor LightningGoba... how long are you going to push this stupid narrative, when it's obvious that Lightning Network can be anything developers want it to be?
They already announced stablecoin crap is coming soon to lightning network, and even litecoin, monero and other coins have lightning related projects.

Lightning Network is NOT Bitcoin!

[xbetz.io]

Lightning doesn’t replace Bitcoin, it extends it. Channels are enforced by Bitcoin’s base layer and funds can always be settled back on-chain. The real debate isn’t whether Lightning “is Bitcoin”but how much convenience users are willing to trade for sovereignty.

[AakZaki]

Feeling strange with the title of this thread, even though the sats on the Lightning Network, initially Bitcoin only switched networks, and vice versa sats on the Lightning Network can be swapped again into Bitcoin on-chain. Then you say the Lightning Network is not Bitcoin. Lol

Have you never learned about layer2?

There's also "eclair" by ACINQ. At my time studying lightning, ACINQ had the lightning node with the most liquidity.

Btw, When it comes to the current Bitcoin Liquidity on the Lightning Network the largest is Bitfinex, ACINQ is 5th for now.
Meanwhile, ACINQ is the most popular channel with a total of 1949 channels.

Source: amboss.space