It's no secret that the blockchain and its parent technology DLT are complicated. Even after reading in-depth blogs, whitepapers, or articles, those new to it will likely be left scratching their heads. And yet - if its many advocates are to be believed - the technology will revolutionise the way that countless industries operate.

Explaining what DLT is and how it works is a real challenge. A challenge that we're making even more tricky by asking you to do so in layperson's terms as succinctly as possible.

Here are a few things to consider in your answer:

1. Have you explained how DLT differs from the blockchain?

2. Have you managed to explain it without using other jargon that itself needs explaining?

3. Would someone unfamiliar with the technology understand your answer?

4. Would a metaphor make your explanation clearer?

One thing to note: given the topic at hand and how simple it would be to cheat this bounty, if you decide to use AI to enhance your submission, you must flag it in your comment, and any AI-only submissions will be rejected. You should also be prepared to answer follow-up questions in the replies.

Task: Explain distributed ledger technology as clearly and succinctly as you can

Format: Written or video

How to submit a written entry:

1. Hit the 'submit to this bounty' button just below this description - do not use the reply button unless you just want to comment on the thread, as replies will not be counted as entries!

2. Add a written response and feel free to include images.

How to submit a video entry:

1. Create your video and post it to your connected TikTok, YouTube or Instagram account.

2. In your post description, please tag us! We're @JustAbout__ on YouTube, @justaboutcommunity on Instagram, and @justaboutcommunity on TikTok. We'd also love it if you included #JustAbout.

3. Hit the 'submit to this bounty' button just below this description - do not use the reply button unless you just want to comment on the thread, as replies will not be counted as entries!

4. Share a link to your post in the box that appears, then expand it so we can view the video on Just About.

Once the deadline closes, we’ll pick up to 10 submissions, award $2 to each of the winners, and may share them as curated content.

Disclaimer: Geographical and age restrictions apply. Just About reserves the right to extend the bounty's duration. Please see our Terms of Use for more information on how bounties are created and rewarded on Just About. One reward available per member.

1. Take care not to breach copyright. Check our copyright policy before submitting.

2. Remember to link your social accounts before submitting multimedia assets!

3. Considering using AI to help? Think twice and first see our approach to AI content on Just About.

Image credit: Shubham Dhage via Unsplash