# Nostr: What is a Nostr event?

An event is the basic Nostr data object.

2026-08-14
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Switchboard Tech Services


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## Short answer

An event is the basic Nostr data object. It includes a creator public key, timestamp, kind number, tags, content, event ID, and signature. The kind tells clients how to interpret it, such as a profile, follow list, or short note. A valid signature proves the event was signed by the matching private key; it does not prove the author's real-world identity.

## Sources

[NIP-01: Basic protocol](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/01.md), [Nostr Improvement Proposals index](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/README.md).

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Canonical URL: https://switchboardtechservices.com/guides/nostr-what-is-a-nostr-event/

Language: en-us

Content type: guide

Author: Switchboard Tech Services

Published: 2026-08-14T19:49:34+00:00

Description: A practical answer to What is a Nostr event?