Second Launches Bark on Bitcoin Mainnet, Targeting Self-Custody UX Gap

Second has launched Bark, its Ark protocol implementation, on Bitcoin mainnet, aiming to improve self-custody usability for everyday payments and developers. The product seeks to remove frictions associated with Lightning Network channel management and on-chain transaction complexity by using shared UTXOs and pre-signed off-chain transactions. The launch includes a Rust-based SDK with multiple language bindings, a server daemon, and several mainnet-enabled apps and merchant tools at debut. Market impact is primarily ecosystem- and adoption-focused rather than a direct price catalyst, but it is positive for Bitcoin’s layer-2 narrative and broader self-custody infrastructure. The article also notes Second’s $5.1 million prior raise and increasing competition among Bitcoin scaling protocols.