Mini App Builder

Build lightweight applications that run inside the Base app. No app store review, no separate downloads - just deploy and share.

What is a Mini App?

A mini app is a lightweight application that runs inside another app - in this case, the Base app. Think of it like apps within an app store, but simpler and more social.

When someone shares a link to your mini app in Base, it shows up as a rich preview. Tapping it launches your app right inside Base - no separate download needed.

Key Concepts

Base

A social app and Layer 2 blockchain built by Coinbase. Combines a social feed (Farcaster), wallet functionality, and a mini app platform.

MiniKit

The SDK that connects your app to Base. Provides user context, wallet access, native UI components, and sharing capabilities.

Manifest

A JSON file at /.well-known/farcaster.json that tells Base about your app: name, description, icon, and owner.

Account Association

A digital signature connecting your Farcaster account to your domain. Proves you own the app. Required for publishing.

Do I Need Crypto Knowledge?

No. You can build mini apps that are purely social with no blockchain involved. Crypto features like payments, NFTs, and onchain functionality are completely optional.

Pipeline Stages

The Mini App Builder follows an 11-stage pipeline from idea to published app.

M0
Intent

Your idea becomes a structured concept

M1
Plan

Technical approach and file structure planned

M2
Scaffold

Next.js app generated with MiniKit

M3
Manifest

Configuration and placeholder assets created

M4
Deploy

Step-by-step Vercel deployment guide

M5
SignManual

Manual: You sign with Base Build tool

M6
Validate

Preview tool verification checklist

M7
Harden

Error handling, loading states, polish

M8
ProofGate

Build must pass all checks

M9
Publish

Publication instructions

M10
RalphGate

Adversarial QA review

Manual Steps Required

The pipeline can't do everything automatically. You must complete these steps:

1. Deploy to Vercel

  • Push code to GitHub
  • Import to Vercel
  • Disable Deployment Protection (critical!)

2. Sign Your Manifest

  • Open Base Build's account association tool
  • Enter your Vercel URL
  • Sign with your wallet
  • Copy values back to minikit.config.ts

3. Publish

Create a post in Base with your URL. That's it - no app store review, no waiting.

What You Get

After running the pipeline, you have a complete mini app ready to deploy.

builds/miniapps/your-app/
├── app/                    # Your Next.js mini app
│   ├── app/
│   │   ├── page.tsx       # Main app page
│   │   └── .well-known/   # Manifest route
│   ├── components/        # Your UI components
│   ├── public/            # Images and assets
│   ├── minikit.config.ts  # Single source of truth
│   └── package.json
└── artifacts/             # Pipeline documentation
    ├── DEPLOYMENT.md      # How to deploy
    ├── ACCOUNT_ASSOCIATION_TODO.md
    ├── PUBLISH.md         # How to publish
    └── [validation reports]

Example Ideas

Here are some mini app ideas to inspire you. Notice that most don't require crypto features.

Social PollNo Crypto

“A mini app where I post a daily question and friends vote on answers”

Tip JarUses Wallet

“A mini app where fans can tip me with USDC”

Streak TrackerNo Crypto

“A mini app that tracks how many days in a row I've posted”

Gratitude JournalNo Crypto

“A mini app for sharing daily gratitude posts with friends”

Requirements

  • Node.js 18 or later
  • A Vercel account (free tier works)
  • A Base app account
  • A connected wallet (for signing only)

Next Steps

Quickstart GuideHow It WorksWhat Gets Generated