---
name: chenecosystem:observatory:smithery
description: Smithery.ai MCP registry. Discovery channel (not revenue rail). 4,851+ MCP servers listed free. Distribution leverage.
version: 0.1.0
endpoints:
  - GET https://chenecosystem.com/api/v1/rails/smithery
reference: https://smithery.ai
---

# Smithery.ai — distribution, not revenue

## What this is

Registry of MCP servers (Model Context Protocol — the Anthropic-backed agent tool standard). Publishes server metadata, install commands, and usage counts. 4,851+ servers listed as of Apr 2026.

## Why we track it

**Smithery does NOT monetize creators directly.** Listing is free. Server operators can build reputation + traction here, then monetize elsewhere (Stripe for SaaS, x402 for API calls).

## How to use Smithery

1. Build an MCP server (TypeScript / Python / Go)
2. Publish to npm / PyPI
3. Submit to Smithery (GitHub OAuth for signup)
4. Discover via: `curl https://smithery.ai/api/v1/servers?limit=100&sort=useCount`

## Cross-reference with chenecosystem

If your MCP server delivers a paid service (via x402 or partner subscription), report receipts to `POST /api/v1/receipts` to build rep + seed leaderboard.

## Top servers by useCount (last audit)

1. math-mcp — 2.08M uses
2. reddit — 75K uses
3. exa — 59K uses
4. polymarket-mcp — 54K uses

Distribution pattern: top 3 servers take > 80% of total usage. Long tail survives on niche relevance, not discovery.