> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.publicai.io/publicai-documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.publicai.io/publicai-documentation/~/revisions/757Yw7G0wLhgNXHvF6uy/staking-in-datahub.md).

# Staking in Datahub

##

**Two Ways to Stake with PublicAI**

PublicAI offers two distinct staking programs, each serving a different purpose in our ecosystem.

Earn More, Stake Smart: Introducing Progressive Collateral

We're leveling up how PublicAI protects and rewards our best contributors.

What's changing:

* Easy onboarding stays the same — start contributing with just 100 PUBLIC, no change from before.
* As you earn more, your stake grows with you — starting Day 4, your collateral scales to 2x your daily average earnings. Think of it like the network investing alongside you.
* Rewards settle on a short delay — giving our review process time to ensure quality before payouts.

Why this matters for you:

* Last season, 6 language datasets were rejected by clients due to quality issues — and when that happens, everyone loses. PublicAI absorbs the financial hit, which means fewer campaigns, smaller reward pools, and less opportunity for the contributors who actually do great work.
* This system makes sure the people gaming the network can't profit at your expense. If you're contributing honestly (and most of you are), this changes almost nothing about your experience — you just get a more sustainable ecosystem with better-funded campaigns.

Coming soon: We will be integrating a reputation-based system where proven contributors will be able to stake less over time. The more you show up and do quality work, the easier it gets.

### 1. Progressive Collateral Staking

Stake collateral to participate in tasks. This system promotes high-quality contributions and accountability. Staking rules may change based on user behavior.

#### How Progressive Collateral Works

Here's a practical example using a 20-day campaign where you earn 50 PUBLIC per day:

**Days 1–3: Get Started**

* Stake the minimum: 100 PUBLIC
* Contribute and earn normally
* No adjustments needed

**Day 4: First Adjustment**

The formula: **Required Collateral = 2 × your daily average earnings**

Let's calculate:

* Total earned: 50/day × 3 days = 150 PUBLIC
* Daily average: 150 ÷ 3 = 50 PUBLIC
* Required collateral: 2 × 50 = 100 PUBLIC
* ✅ Your 100 PUBLIC stake covers you

**Day 8: Check-In**

* Total earned: 50 × 7 = 350 PUBLIC
* Daily average: 350 ÷ 7 = 50 PUBLIC
* Required collateral: 2 × 50 = 100 PUBLIC
* ✅ Still covered

#### Power Contributor Example (200 PUBLIC/day)

**Day 4:**

* Total earned: 200 × 3 = 600 PUBLIC
* Daily average: 600 ÷ 3 = 200 PUBLIC
* Required collateral: 2 × 200 = 400 PUBLIC
* ⚠️ Need to add 300 PUBLIC to continue uploading

**Day 10:**

* Total earned: 200 × 9 = 1,800 PUBLIC
* Daily average: 1,800 ÷ 9 = 200 PUBLIC
* Required collateral: 2 × 200 = 400 PUBLIC
* ✅ Covered if you topped up to 400

#### Quick Reference

| Daily Earnings   | Required Stake | Extra Beyond 100 |
| ---------------- | -------------- | ---------------- |
| \~50 PUBLIC/day  | 100 PUBLIC     | None             |
| \~100 PUBLIC/day | 200 PUBLIC     | +100             |
| \~200 PUBLIC/day | 400 PUBLIC     | +300             |

#### Key Points

* Collateral recalculates daily based on your average earnings
* Modest earners: your initial 100 PUBLIC stake may cover the entire campaign
* Higher earners stake more to match the value they're extracting
* Uploads pause if you don't meet the required collateral (can resume after topping up)
* Full collateral is returned at campaign end if your data passes review

***

### 2. AAR Staking Program

Earn 8% by staking any amount of $PUBLIC.

#### What is AAR?

AAR (Annualized Average Return) is the rate you'd earn if those rewards ran for a full year. By [staking $PUBLIC](https://token.publicai.io/stake), you'll earn an 8% annual return on your staked tokens.

#### How to Stake

1. **Connect your wallet** — Use a supported NEAR or BNB wallet on the staking dashboard
2. **Enter your stake amount** — Must meet the minimum requirement
3. **Confirm the transaction** — Your stake activates immediately
4. **Track your rewards** — Monitor your rewards in real-time through your dashboard

#### Why Stake?

* **Earn passive income:** Generate 8% annual returns on your $PUBLIC holdings
* **Put your $PUBLIC to work:** Start generating rewards immediately instead of holding idle tokens
* **Strengthen the network:** Support PublicAI's mission to build the Human Layer of AI

#### Unstaking

You maintain full control and can request to unstake your $PUBLIC at any time.

* **Cooldown period:** 14 days after unstake request
* **No interest earned** during the cooldown period
* **Principal returned** after cooldown completes

#### Important Risks

Staking involves risk:

* Token values can fluctuate
* Network conditions may change
* Always review staking terms and ensure compliance with local regulations before committing your $PUBLIC