Jito Labs operates a modified Solana validator client that introduces a pseudo-mempool called MempoolStream and a bundle execution system. When validators run the Jito client, transaction ordering is influenced not only by standard priority fees but also by Jito tips — SOL payments sent directly to a Jito tip account.

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Jito tips and priority fees are complementary tools — understanding both is key to landing transactions reliably on Solana.

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How Jito Tips Work

A Jito tip is a SOL transfer instruction added to your transaction that pays a specific Jito-designated account. Validators running the Jito client prioritize bundles — groups of up to five transactions — that include the highest tips. This system is particularly valuable for MEV searchers and arbitrageurs who need their transaction to execute atomically with specific other transactions.

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For regular users and developers, the Jito Block Engine exposes a REST API and gRPC interface for submitting bundles. The recommended tip amount fluctuates based on network demand and can be queried via the Jito tip floor API endpoint.

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Priority Fee vs. Jito Tip

Standard priority fees (set via ComputeBudgetProgram) are distributed as follows: 100% goes to the block-producing validator. Jito tips go directly to the Jito tip account and are redistributed to validators running the Jito client. Both mechanisms incentivize faster execution, but Jito bundles provide the added guarantee of atomic execution across multiple transactions.

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For most applications that simply want fast confirmation without complex MEV logic, standard priority fees are sufficient. Jito tips add value when you need guaranteed ordering relative to other transactions in the same block.