Total Value Locked (TVL) refers to the total amount of assets that are currently being staked or utilized within a decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol. It represents the combined value of all tokens locked in smart contracts across various blockchain platforms.TVL serves as a key metric to assess the popularity and overall health of a DeFi project. A higher TVL indicates more trust and engagement from users, which can often lead to increased liquidity and better services within the platform. It reflects the assets deposited by users for various purposes, such as lending, borrowing, or liquidity provisioning.The value is usually expressed in a specific cryptocurrency or converted into a fiat equivalent to provide a clearer understanding. Tracking TVL helps investors gauge the potential growth and stability of a DeFi protocol, making it an important consideration for those looking to participate in these financial services. Overall, TVL provides insight into how much capital is being committed to a project, influencing its viability and attractiveness for investors.