Liquid staking platforms, where users can stake their staked assets in the form of liquidity tokens to participate in automated market makers and earn rewards, are gaining popularity in the cryptocurrency space. These platforms allow users to maximize the utility of their staked assets while still earning staking rewards.

The total locked value (TVL) refers to the total value of assets locked in smart contracts on decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms. As you mentioned, liquid staking platforms are nearing 8 billion in total locked value, indicating the growing interest and adoption of these platforms by cryptocurrency users.

By staking assets in liquidity pools, users can not only earn staking rewards but also benefit from trading fees generated on the platform. This can provide users with additional income streams and incentives to participate in DeFi ecosystems.

Popular liquid staking platforms include Alchemix, Lido Finance, and StakeHound, among others. These platforms allow users to stake assets such as Ethereum, Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies and receive staking rewards while maintaining liquidity.

As the total locked value in liquid staking platforms continues to grow, it signifies the increasing demand for staking services and the evolution of DeFi platforms that offer innovative ways for users to earn passive income on their cryptocurrency holdings. Investors and users should carefully research and evaluate different liquid staking platforms to find the one that best meets their needs and risk tolerance.