Top 10 DID Projects to Watch in 2025

Introduction

Digital identity is quickly becoming one of the most important narratives in Web3. From decentralized identifiers (DIDs) to blockchain-based naming systems, projects are racing to make online interactions more secure, private, and user-friendly. Whether through wallet-readable domains, compliance-friendly credentials, or on-chain verification systems, identity solutions are essential for mass adoption.

In 2025, several protocols stand out for their unique approaches. This article explores 10 leading projects shaping the decentralized identity sector: Worldcoin ($WLD), Ethereum Name Service ($ENS), Concordium ($CCD), Syscoin ($SYS), Solana Name Service ($SNS), Everest ($ID), Humanity ($HMND), NameSys ($NS), Cheqd ($CHEQ), and BAS. Together, they represent the spectrum of identity innovation—from domain naming to zero-knowledge credentials.

Worldcoin ($WLD) – Biometric Identity at Scale

Worldcoin, co-founded by Sam Altman, uses biometric verification (the Orb iris scanner) to create unique human identities. Its goal is to solve the “proof of personhood” problem, ensuring that one person can only have one digital identity.

• Strengths: Massive adoption push, with millions of users onboarded. Ties into the “World ID” standard.
• Risks: Privacy concerns around biometric data, regulatory scrutiny.
• Use Case: A universal ID layer for payments, DeFi access, and AI-driven economies.

Ethereum Name Service ($ENS) – The Standard of Web3 Naming

ENS is Ethereum’s decentralized naming protocol that turns wallet addresses into human-readable .eth domains. It’s the oldest and most mature name service.

• Strengths: 600+ integrations, DAO governance, and widespread use in DeFi, NFTs, and DAOs.
• Risks: High fees on Ethereum mainnet, premium names are expensive.
• Use Case: Wallet resolution, decentralized websites via IPFS, and verifiable Web3 identity.

Concordium ($CCD) – Identity Layer for Enterprises

Concordium is a layer-1 blockchain built with ID at the protocol level. Every wallet is linked to a real-world identity verified by third parties, enabling compliance with KYC/AML regulations.

• Strengths: Enterprise adoption focus, built-in regulatory compliance.
• Risks: Less popular among privacy-maxi crypto users.
• Use Case: Cross-border financial services where governments require verifiable IDs.

Syscoin ($SYS) – Bridging Web2 Identity and Web3 Security

Syscoin combines Bitcoin’s security model with Ethereum-style smart contracts. Its identity efforts focus on scalable DID implementations with low transaction costs.

• Strengths: Bitcoin-grade security with Ethereum compatibility.
• Risks: Smaller ecosystem compared to Ethereum or Solana.
• Use Case: High-performance DID solutions for financial applications.

Solana Name Service ($SNS) – Fast and Affordable Naming

SNS provides .sol domains that map to wallets, NFTs, and dApps on Solana. With sub-second resolution and low fees, it’s Solana’s answer to ENS.

• Strengths: Ultra-low fees, Twitter handle integrations, and rapid growth.
• Risks: Solana’s network reliability issues.
• Use Case: Everyday payments, NFT provenance, and Solana-native dApp logins.

Everest ($ID) – Global Digital Identity Platform

Everest is a blockchain-based identity project using $ID as its utility token. It provides biometric ID, eKYC, and compliance-ready credentialing for individuals and businesses.

• Strengths: Strong focus on banking and fintech integrations.
• Risks: Competing against big players like Worldcoin.
• Use Case: Digital banking, remittances, and regulated DeFi access.

Humanity ($HMND) – Proof of Humanity with Privacy

Humanity ($HMND) is focused on creating a verifiable proof of humanity system without sacrificing user privacy. Instead of biometrics, it leverages cryptography and attestations from trusted parties.

• Strengths: Privacy-first approach, avoids storing sensitive biometric data.
• Risks: Adoption depends on network effects and validator trust.
• Use Case: Social media anti-sybil defense, DAO membership verification.

NameSys ($NS) – Decentralized Naming Beyond Ethereum and Solana

NameSys is an emerging naming protocol providing cross-chain domain resolution. It seeks to integrate DID frameworks with multiple ecosystems, not just a single chain.

• Strengths: Multi-chain flexibility.
• Risks: Early stage, fewer integrations.
• Use Case: Acting as a cross-chain ENS/SNS competitor for unified naming.

Cheqd ($CHEQ) – Self-Sovereign Identity and Verifiable Credentials

Cheqd focuses on enabling verifiable credentials (VCs) with strong compliance support. It works with organizations to issue, hold, and verify digital claims.

• Strengths: Enterprise-ready, GDPR-aligned, supports monetization of credentials.
• Risks: Less visible in retail Web3 communities.
• Use Case: Enterprise KYC, government IDs, education certificates.

BAS – Blockchain Authentication Standard

BAS is developing as an open authentication layer for Web3, focusing on DID standards and secure login protocols. It is positioned more as an infrastructure framework than a consumer-facing brand.

• Strengths: Infrastructure-first design, potential for wide adoption if standards take hold.
• Risks: Competes with entrenched standards (OAuth, OpenID).
• Use Case: Passwordless login, DID integration for Web3 apps.

Comparative Snapshot

TLDR

• $WLD (Worldcoin): Biometric identity at scale, but privacy debates.
• $ENS (Ethereum Name Service): The gold standard in Web3 naming.
• $CCD (Concordium): Identity-native blockchain for enterprise.
• $SYS (Syscoin): DID-focused, Bitcoin-grade security.
• $SNS (Solana Name Service): Cheap, fast, growing in Solana’s ecosystem.
• $ID (Everest): eKYC and biometric compliance for fintech.
• $HMND (Humanity): Proof of humanity without biometrics.
• $NS (NameSys): Emerging cross-chain naming protocol.
• $CHEQ (Cheqd): Verifiable credentials for enterprises.
• $BAS: Blockchain authentication standards for Web3 apps.

Conclusion

Identity is the missing puzzle piece for Web3 adoption. From ENS and SNS simplifying addresses to Worldcoin and Humanity tackling proof of personhood, and Concordium, Everest, and Cheqd building compliance-ready frameworks, these projects illustrate the variety of approaches to blockchain identity.

The future will likely be hybrid: consumer-friendly naming systems for everyday use, enterprise-grade DID frameworks for compliance, and universal authentication standards for interoperability. As 2025 unfolds, these 10 projects are worth tracking closely for their potential to redefine how identity and access work in the decentralized era.