# Staked TAO (Root)

> Staked TAO (Root) is staking TAO to Bittensor's root layer (Subnet Zero) to earn a proportional share of emissions from subnets. Rewards can be auto-converted t...

- Canonical URL: https://iq.wiki/wiki/staked-tao-root
- Categories: Cryptoassets
- Tags: Layer 1, AI Token, Developer, Infrastructure
- Created: 2026-04-20T19:08:44.000Z
- Last updated: 2026-04-26T21:04:22.000Z
- Source: IQ.wiki — the world's largest blockchain and crypto encyclopedia (https://iq.wiki)

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**Staked TAO (Root)** is the practice of [staking](https://iq.wiki/wiki/staking) the [Bittensor](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bittensor-tao) network’s native token, [TAO](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bittensor-tao), to the network’s root layer (commonly called “Subnet Zero”) so stakers receive a proportional share of emissions generated by the subnets in which their chosen validator participates. Rewards may be automatically converted into [TAO](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bittensor-tao) (root claim), retained as subnet-specific tokens (alpha claim), or split selectively (hybrid), while the staked principal remains denominated in [TAO](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bittensor-tao). [\[1\]](#cite-id-I6WPk9MeaJ8J2Kbm)​

## Overview

Staked [TAO](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bittensor-tao) (Root) refers to staking the native token [TAO](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bittensor-tao) within the root layer of the [Bittensor](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bittensor-tao) network, where returns are derived from emissions generated across multiple subnets. These emissions are distributed in the form of subnet tokens (“alpha”), a portion of which is allocated to root stakers based on a defined root proportion. Traditionally, these rewards are automatically converted into [TAO](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bittensor-tao) and added back to the staked balance, a process known as “root claim.” Following updates introduced in 2025, reward distribution occurs at random intervals, typically every 1 to 2 days, rather than at fixed, short intervals. The updated model offers an alternative, the “alpha claim,” in which earned rewards are retained as subnet-specific tokens rather than converted to [TAO](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bittensor-tao). Under this approach, stakers accumulate small amounts of alpha across the subnets their [validator](https://iq.wiki/wiki/validator) participates in, while their original root stake remains unchanged. A hybrid option also exists, allowing selective conversion of some subnet rewards while retaining others as alpha. Root [staking](https://iq.wiki/wiki/staking) is generally structured to preserve the underlying [TAO](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bittensor-tao) value, while the treatment of rewards determines whether returns remain in [TAO](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bittensor-tao) or are exposed to subnet-level variability. [\[2\]](#cite-id-zoKpd6WE6Gj1G2pW)​

![](https://ipfs.everipedia.org/ipfs/QmbgAfnuupXCDs68bgN6qKn3zzzB8uGV9nRwbLnbxYWup3)

## Features

​[Staking](https://iq.wiki/wiki/staking) on the root layer (“Subnet Zero”) of the [Bittensor](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bittensor-tao) network allows participants to stake [TAO](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bittensor-tao) directly to [validators](https://iq.wiki/wiki/validator) without converting it into subnet-specific tokens. The staked asset remains in [TAO](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bittensor-tao), and rewards are also distributed in [TAO](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bittensor-tao), making the process simpler than subnet-based [staking](https://iq.wiki/wiki/staking). [Staking](https://iq.wiki/wiki/staking) and related actions incur a small fixed network fee, and moving stake between [validators](https://iq.wiki/wiki/validator) involves both unstaking and restaking costs. Returns are influenced by [validator](https://iq.wiki/wiki/validator) selection, as each [validator](https://iq.wiki/wiki/validator) has different commission rates and performance histories. Staked [TAO](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bittensor-tao) contributes to earning emissions across all subnets in which the chosen [validator](https://iq.wiki/wiki/validator) participates.

​[Validator](https://iq.wiki/wiki/validator) fees are applied as a percentage of rewards before distribution to stakers, with each [validator](https://iq.wiki/wiki/validator) setting its own commission rate. After fees are deducted, the remaining emissions are allocated proportionally to stake contributions. Compared to subnet [staking](https://iq.wiki/wiki/staking), root [staking](https://iq.wiki/wiki/staking) involves lower complexity and avoids exposure to token price fluctuations associated with subnet tokens. Subnet [staking](https://iq.wiki/wiki/staking), by contrast, requires exchanging [TAO](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bittensor-tao) for subnet-specific tokens and introduces greater variability in returns. Root [staking](https://iq.wiki/wiki/staking) is generally characterized by simpler mechanics and more stable reward structures, though it still depends on network conditions and [validator](https://iq.wiki/wiki/validator) performance. [\[4\]](#cite-id-ZmMBjpm0Cdeu4ZTy) 

[YOUTUBE@VID](https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ed7SCDGmM4Q)