diff --git a/src/components/EventDetailViewer.tsx b/src/components/EventDetailViewer.tsx
index f832d03..9171b64 100644
--- a/src/components/EventDetailViewer.tsx
+++ b/src/components/EventDetailViewer.tsx
@@ -15,20 +15,8 @@ import { CommunityNIPDetailRenderer } from "./nostr/kinds/CommunityNIPDetailRend
 import { RepositoryDetailRenderer } from "./nostr/kinds/RepositoryDetailRenderer";
 import { JsonViewer } from "./JsonViewer";
 import { RelayLink } from "./nostr/RelayLink";
-import {
-  Copy,
-  CopyCheck,
-  FileJson,
-  Wifi,
-  Loader2,
-  WifiOff,
-  XCircle,
-  ShieldCheck,
-  ShieldAlert,
-  ShieldX,
-  ShieldQuestion,
-  Shield,
-} from "lucide-react";
+import { EventDetailSkeleton } from "@/components/ui/skeleton";
+import { Copy, CopyCheck, FileJson, Wifi } from "lucide-react";
 import {
   DropdownMenu,
   DropdownMenuContent,
@@ -41,76 +29,12 @@ import { useCopy } from "../hooks/useCopy";
 import { getSeenRelays } from "applesauce-core/helpers/relays";
 import { getTagValue } from "applesauce-core/helpers";
 import { useRelayState } from "@/hooks/useRelayState";
-import type { RelayState } from "@/types/relay-state";
+import { getConnectionIcon, getAuthIcon } from "@/lib/relay-status-utils";
 
 export interface EventDetailViewerProps {
   pointer: EventPointer | AddressPointer;
 }
 
-// Helper functions for relay status icons (from ReqViewer)
-function getConnectionIcon(relay: RelayState | undefined) {
-  if (!relay) {
-    return {
-      icon: <WifiOff className="size-3 text-muted-foreground" />,
-      label: "Unknown",
-    };
-  }
-
-  const iconMap = {
-    connected: {
-      icon: <Wifi className="size-3 text-green-500" />,
-      label: "Connected",
-    },
-    connecting: {
-      icon: <Loader2 className="size-3 text-yellow-500 animate-spin" />,
-      label: "Connecting",
-    },
-    disconnected: {
-      icon: <WifiOff className="size-3 text-muted-foreground" />,
-      label: "Disconnected",
-    },
-    error: {
-      icon: <XCircle className="size-3 text-red-500" />,
-      label: "Connection Error",
-    },
-  };
-  return iconMap[relay.connectionState];
-}
-
-function getAuthIcon(relay: RelayState | undefined) {
-  if (!relay || relay.authStatus === "none") {
-    return null;
-  }
-
-  const iconMap = {
-    authenticated: {
-      icon: <ShieldCheck className="size-3 text-green-500" />,
-      label: "Authenticated",
-    },
-    challenge_received: {
-      icon: <ShieldQuestion className="size-3 text-yellow-500" />,
-      label: "Challenge Received",
-    },
-    authenticating: {
-      icon: <Loader2 className="size-3 text-yellow-500 animate-spin" />,
-      label: "Authenticating",
-    },
-    failed: {
-      icon: <ShieldX className="size-3 text-red-500" />,
-      label: "Authentication Failed",
-    },
-    rejected: {
-      icon: <ShieldAlert className="size-3 text-muted-foreground" />,
-      label: "Authentication Rejected",
-    },
-    none: {
-      icon: <Shield className="size-3 text-muted-foreground" />,
-      label: "No Authentication",
-    },
-  };
-  return iconMap[relay.authStatus] || iconMap.none;
-}
-
 /**
  * EventDetailViewer - Detailed view for a single event
  * Shows compact metadata header and rendered content
@@ -124,8 +48,8 @@ export function EventDetailViewer({ pointer }: EventDetailViewerProps) {
   // Loading state
   if (!event) {
     return (
-      <div className="flex flex-col items-center justify-center h-full p-8 text-muted-foreground">
-        <div className="text-sm">Loading event...</div>
+      <div className="flex flex-col h-full p-8">
+        <EventDetailSkeleton />
       </div>
     );
   }
@@ -149,15 +73,6 @@ export function EventDetailViewer({ pointer }: EventDetailViewerProps) {
           relays: relays,
         });
 
-  // Format timestamp - compact format
-  // const timestamp = new Date(event.created_at * 1000).toLocaleString("en-US", {
-  //   month: "2-digit",
-  //   day: "2-digit",
-  //   year: "numeric",
-  //   hour: "2-digit",
-  //   minute: "2-digit",
-  // });
-
   // Get relay state for each relay
   const relayStatesForEvent = relays
     ? relays.map((url) => ({
diff --git a/src/components/GlobalAuthPrompt.tsx b/src/components/GlobalAuthPrompt.tsx
index 8edcadc..00221fd 100644
--- a/src/components/GlobalAuthPrompt.tsx
+++ b/src/components/GlobalAuthPrompt.tsx
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ function AuthToast({
               showInboxOutbox={false}
               variant="prompt"
               iconClassname="size-4"
-              urlClassname="text-sm"
+              urlClassname="break-all text-sm"
             />
           </div>
 
@@ -154,13 +154,7 @@ export function GlobalAuthPrompt() {
             relayUrl={challenge.relayUrl}
             challenge={challenge.challenge}
             onAuthenticate={async (remember) => {
-              console.log(
-                `[AuthPrompt] Authenticate with remember=${remember}`,
-              );
               if (remember) {
-                console.log(
-                  `[AuthPrompt] Setting preference to "always" for ${challenge.relayUrl}`,
-                );
                 await setAuthPreference(challenge.relayUrl, "always");
               }
 
@@ -189,11 +183,7 @@ export function GlobalAuthPrompt() {
               }
             }}
             onReject={async (remember) => {
-              console.log(`[AuthPrompt] Reject with remember=${remember}`);
               if (remember) {
-                console.log(
-                  `[AuthPrompt] Setting preference to "never" for ${challenge.relayUrl}`,
-                );
                 await setAuthPreference(challenge.relayUrl, "never");
               }
 
diff --git a/src/components/ProfileViewer.tsx b/src/components/ProfileViewer.tsx
index 119cb7a..c4ccbf4 100644
--- a/src/components/ProfileViewer.tsx
+++ b/src/components/ProfileViewer.tsx
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 import { useProfile } from "@/hooks/useProfile";
 import { UserName } from "./nostr/UserName";
 import Nip05 from "./nostr/nip05";
+import { ProfileCardSkeleton } from "@/components/ui/skeleton";
 import {
   Copy,
   CopyCheck,
@@ -8,14 +9,6 @@ import {
   Inbox,
   Send,
   Wifi,
-  Loader2,
-  WifiOff,
-  XCircle,
-  ShieldCheck,
-  ShieldAlert,
-  ShieldX,
-  ShieldQuestion,
-  Shield,
 } from "lucide-react";
 import { kinds, nip19 } from "nostr-tools";
 import { useEventStore, useObservableMemo } from "applesauce-react/hooks";
@@ -31,76 +24,12 @@ import {
 } from "./ui/dropdown-menu";
 import { Tooltip, TooltipContent, TooltipTrigger } from "./ui/tooltip";
 import { useRelayState } from "@/hooks/useRelayState";
-import type { RelayState } from "@/types/relay-state";
+import { getConnectionIcon, getAuthIcon } from "@/lib/relay-status-utils";
 
 export interface ProfileViewerProps {
   pubkey: string;
 }
 
-// Helper functions for relay status icons (from EventDetailViewer)
-function getConnectionIcon(relay: RelayState | undefined) {
-  if (!relay) {
-    return {
-      icon: <WifiOff className="size-3 text-muted-foreground" />,
-      label: "Unknown",
-    };
-  }
-
-  const iconMap = {
-    connected: {
-      icon: <Wifi className="size-3 text-green-500" />,
-      label: "Connected",
-    },
-    connecting: {
-      icon: <Loader2 className="size-3 text-yellow-500 animate-spin" />,
-      label: "Connecting",
-    },
-    disconnected: {
-      icon: <WifiOff className="size-3 text-muted-foreground" />,
-      label: "Disconnected",
-    },
-    error: {
-      icon: <XCircle className="size-3 text-red-500" />,
-      label: "Connection Error",
-    },
-  };
-  return iconMap[relay.connectionState];
-}
-
-function getAuthIcon(relay: RelayState | undefined) {
-  if (!relay || relay.authStatus === "none") {
-    return null;
-  }
-
-  const iconMap = {
-    authenticated: {
-      icon: <ShieldCheck className="size-3 text-green-500" />,
-      label: "Authenticated",
-    },
-    challenge_received: {
-      icon: <ShieldQuestion className="size-3 text-yellow-500" />,
-      label: "Challenge Received",
-    },
-    authenticating: {
-      icon: <Loader2 className="size-3 text-yellow-500 animate-spin" />,
-      label: "Authenticating",
-    },
-    failed: {
-      icon: <ShieldX className="size-3 text-red-500" />,
-      label: "Authentication Failed",
-    },
-    rejected: {
-      icon: <ShieldAlert className="size-3 text-muted-foreground" />,
-      label: "Authentication Rejected",
-    },
-    none: {
-      icon: <Shield className="size-3 text-muted-foreground" />,
-      label: "No Authentication",
-    },
-  };
-  return iconMap[relay.authStatus] || iconMap.none;
-}
-
 /**
  * ProfileViewer - Detailed view for a user profile
  * Shows profile metadata, inbox/outbox relays, and raw JSON
@@ -262,11 +191,7 @@ export function ProfileViewer({ pubkey }: ProfileViewerProps) {
 
       {/* Profile Content */}
       <div className="flex-1 overflow-y-auto p-4">
-        {!profile && !profileEvent && (
-          <div className="text-center text-muted-foreground text-sm">
-            Loading profile...
-          </div>
-        )}
+        {!profile && !profileEvent && <ProfileCardSkeleton variant="full" />}
 
         {!profile && profileEvent && (
           <div className="text-center text-muted-foreground text-sm">
diff --git a/src/components/ReqViewer.tsx b/src/components/ReqViewer.tsx
index c1dc882..2e2267f 100644
--- a/src/components/ReqViewer.tsx
+++ b/src/components/ReqViewer.tsx
@@ -5,14 +5,6 @@ import {
   Radio,
   FileText,
   Wifi,
-  WifiOff,
-  Loader2,
-  XCircle,
-  ShieldCheck,
-  ShieldAlert,
-  ShieldX,
-  ShieldQuestion,
-  Shield,
   Filter as FilterIcon,
   Download,
   Clock,
@@ -20,6 +12,7 @@ import {
   Hash,
   Search,
   Code,
+  Loader2,
 } from "lucide-react";
 import { Virtuoso } from "react-virtuoso";
 import { useReqTimeline } from "@/hooks/useReqTimeline";
@@ -28,6 +21,7 @@ import { useRelayState } from "@/hooks/useRelayState";
 import { FeedEvent } from "./nostr/Feed";
 import { KindBadge } from "./KindBadge";
 import { UserName } from "./nostr/UserName";
+import { TimelineSkeleton } from "@/components/ui/skeleton";
 import { Tooltip, TooltipContent, TooltipTrigger } from "./ui/tooltip";
 import {
   DropdownMenu,
@@ -58,7 +52,6 @@ import {
 } from "./ui/accordion";
 import { RelayLink } from "./nostr/RelayLink";
 import type { NostrFilter } from "@/types/nostr";
-import type { RelayState } from "@/types/relay-state";
 import {
   formatEventIds,
   formatDTags,
@@ -70,6 +63,7 @@ import { sanitizeFilename } from "@/lib/filename-utils";
 import { useCopy } from "@/hooks/useCopy";
 import { CodeCopyButton } from "@/components/CodeCopyButton";
 import { SyntaxHighlight } from "@/components/SyntaxHighlight";
+import { getConnectionIcon, getAuthIcon } from "@/lib/relay-status-utils";
 
 // Memoized FeedEvent to prevent unnecessary re-renders during scroll
 const MemoizedFeedEvent = memo(
@@ -77,70 +71,6 @@ const MemoizedFeedEvent = memo(
   (prev, next) => prev.event.id === next.event.id,
 );
 
-// Helper functions for relay status icons
-function getConnectionIcon(relay: RelayState | undefined) {
-  if (!relay) {
-    return {
-      icon: <WifiOff className="size-3 text-muted-foreground" />,
-      label: "Unknown",
-    };
-  }
-
-  const iconMap = {
-    connected: {
-      icon: <Wifi className="size-3 text-green-500" />,
-      label: "Connected",
-    },
-    connecting: {
-      icon: <Loader2 className="size-3 text-yellow-500 animate-spin" />,
-      label: "Connecting",
-    },
-    disconnected: {
-      icon: <WifiOff className="size-3 text-muted-foreground" />,
-      label: "Disconnected",
-    },
-    error: {
-      icon: <XCircle className="size-3 text-red-500" />,
-      label: "Connection Error",
-    },
-  };
-  return iconMap[relay.connectionState];
-}
-
-function getAuthIcon(relay: RelayState | undefined) {
-  if (!relay || relay.authStatus === "none") {
-    return null;
-  }
-
-  const iconMap = {
-    authenticated: {
-      icon: <ShieldCheck className="size-3 text-green-500" />,
-      label: "Authenticated",
-    },
-    challenge_received: {
-      icon: <ShieldQuestion className="size-3 text-yellow-500" />,
-      label: "Challenge Received",
-    },
-    authenticating: {
-      icon: <Loader2 className="size-3 text-yellow-500 animate-spin" />,
-      label: "Authenticating",
-    },
-    failed: {
-      icon: <ShieldX className="size-3 text-red-500" />,
-      label: "Authentication Failed",
-    },
-    rejected: {
-      icon: <ShieldAlert className="size-3 text-muted-foreground" />,
-      label: "Authentication Rejected",
-    },
-    none: {
-      icon: <Shield className="size-3 text-muted-foreground" />,
-      label: "No Authentication",
-    },
-  };
-  return iconMap[relay.authStatus] || iconMap.none;
-}
-
 interface ReqViewerProps {
   filter: NostrFilter;
   relays?: string[];
@@ -972,8 +902,8 @@ export default function ReqViewer({
       <div className="flex-1 overflow-y-auto">
         {/* Loading: Before EOSE received */}
         {loading && events.length === 0 && !eoseReceived && (
-          <div className="text-center text-muted-foreground font-mono text-sm p-4">
-            Loading events...
+          <div className="p-4">
+            <TimelineSkeleton count={5} />
           </div>
         )}
 
diff --git a/src/components/nostr/EmbeddedEvent.tsx b/src/components/nostr/EmbeddedEvent.tsx
index 45387ca..68b8126 100644
--- a/src/components/nostr/EmbeddedEvent.tsx
+++ b/src/components/nostr/EmbeddedEvent.tsx
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 import { useNostrEvent } from "@/hooks/useNostrEvent";
 import { KindRenderer } from "./kinds";
+import { EventCardSkeleton } from "@/components/ui/skeleton";
 
 interface EmbeddedEventProps {
   /** Event ID string for regular events */
@@ -70,10 +71,10 @@ export function EmbeddedEvent({
     );
   }
 
-  // No onOpen handler - just show loading text
+  // No onOpen handler - show skeleton
   return (
-    <span className="text-sm text-muted-foreground italic">
-      Loading event...
-    </span>
+    <div className={className}>
+      <EventCardSkeleton variant="compact" />
+    </div>
   );
 }
diff --git a/src/components/nostr/MediaEmbed.tsx b/src/components/nostr/MediaEmbed.tsx
index 7d4a8c7..fd121f1 100644
--- a/src/components/nostr/MediaEmbed.tsx
+++ b/src/components/nostr/MediaEmbed.tsx
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
-import { useState } from "react";
+import { useState, useEffect } from "react";
 import Zoom from "react-medium-image-zoom";
 import "react-medium-image-zoom/dist/styles.css";
-import { Music, AlertCircle } from "lucide-react";
+import { Music, AlertCircle, Play, RotateCw } from "lucide-react";
 import {
   isImageURL,
   isVideoURL,
@@ -22,6 +22,13 @@ interface MediaEmbedProps {
   // Video/Audio-specific
   showControls?: boolean; // default: true
   onAudioClick?: () => void; // open dialog for audio
+
+  // Loading & Performance
+  aspectRatio?: string; // "16/9", "4/3", "1/1", "auto" - defaults based on media type
+  showPlaceholder?: boolean; // default: true
+  fadeIn?: boolean; // default: true
+  onLoad?: () => void;
+  onError?: (error: Error) => void;
 }
 
 const PRESETS = {
@@ -47,11 +54,55 @@ const PRESETS = {
   },
 } as const;
 
+/**
+ * Get default aspect ratio based on media type and preset
+ */
+const getDefaultAspectRatio = (
+  mediaType: string,
+  preset: string,
+): string | undefined => {
+  if (preset === "thumbnail") return "1/1";
+  if (mediaType === "video") return "16/9";
+  return undefined; // auto for images
+};
+
+/**
+ * Skeleton placeholder component with shimmer effect
+ */
+const SkeletonPlaceholder = ({
+  aspectRatio,
+  rounded,
+  children,
+}: {
+  aspectRatio?: string;
+  rounded: string;
+  children?: React.ReactNode;
+}) => (
+  <div
+    className={cn(
+      "absolute inset-0 bg-muted/20 animate-pulse flex items-center justify-center",
+      rounded,
+    )}
+    style={aspectRatio ? { aspectRatio } : undefined}
+    aria-busy="true"
+    aria-label="Loading media"
+  >
+    {children}
+  </div>
+);
+
 /**
  * MediaEmbed component for displaying images, videos, and audio with constraints
  * - Images: Use react-medium-image-zoom for inline zoom
  * - Videos: Show preview with play button, can trigger dialog
  * - Audio: Show audio player
+ *
+ * Features:
+ * - Loading placeholders with skeleton shimmer
+ * - Aspect ratio preservation to prevent layout shift
+ * - Smooth fade-in animations
+ * - Error handling with retry mechanism
+ * - Performance optimized with CSS containment
  */
 export function MediaEmbed({
   url,
@@ -62,8 +113,16 @@ export function MediaEmbed({
   enableZoom = true,
   showControls = true,
   onAudioClick,
+  aspectRatio,
+  showPlaceholder = true,
+  fadeIn = true,
+  onLoad,
+  onError: onErrorCallback,
 }: MediaEmbedProps) {
   const [error, setError] = useState(false);
+  const [isLoading, setIsLoading] = useState(true);
+  const [isLoaded, setIsLoaded] = useState(false);
+  const [retryCount, setRetryCount] = useState(0);
 
   // Auto-detect media type if not specified
   const mediaType =
@@ -79,72 +138,174 @@ export function MediaEmbed({
 
   const presetStyles = PRESETS[preset];
 
+  // Determine aspect ratio (user override or default based on type/preset)
+  const effectiveAspectRatio =
+    aspectRatio || getDefaultAspectRatio(mediaType, preset);
+
+  // Reset states when URL changes
+  useEffect(() => {
+    setIsLoading(true);
+    setIsLoaded(false);
+    setError(false);
+  }, [url]);
+
   const handleError = () => {
+    setIsLoading(false);
     setError(true);
+    if (onErrorCallback) {
+      const error = new Error("Failed to load media");
+      onErrorCallback(error);
+    }
   };
 
-  // Error fallback UI
+  const handleLoad = () => {
+    setIsLoading(false);
+    setIsLoaded(true);
+    if (onLoad) onLoad();
+  };
+
+  const handleRetry = () => {
+    setError(false);
+    setIsLoading(true);
+    setRetryCount((prev) => prev + 1);
+  };
+
+  // Error fallback UI with retry
   if (error) {
     return (
       <div
         className={cn(
-          "flex flex-col items-center gap-2 p-4 border border-destructive/50 rounded-lg bg-destructive/10",
+          "flex flex-col items-center gap-3 p-4 border border-destructive/50 rounded-lg bg-destructive/10",
           className,
         )}
+        role="alert"
+        aria-live="polite"
       >
         <AlertCircle className="w-6 h-6 text-destructive" />
-        <p className="text-sm text-destructive">Failed to load media</p>
-        <a
-          href={url}
-          target="_blank"
-          rel="noopener noreferrer"
-          className="text-xs text-primary underline hover:text-primary/80"
-        >
-          Open in new tab
-        </a>
+        <p className="text-sm text-destructive font-medium">
+          Failed to load media
+        </p>
+        <div className="flex gap-2">
+          {mediaType === "image" && (
+            <button
+              onClick={handleRetry}
+              className="flex items-center gap-1 px-3 py-1 text-xs bg-primary text-primary-foreground rounded hover:bg-primary/90 transition-colors"
+              aria-label="Retry loading media"
+            >
+              <RotateCw className="w-3 h-3" />
+              Retry
+            </button>
+          )}
+          <a
+            href={url}
+            target="_blank"
+            rel="noopener noreferrer"
+            className="px-3 py-1 text-xs text-primary underline hover:text-primary/80"
+          >
+            Open in new tab
+          </a>
+        </div>
       </div>
     );
   }
 
-  // Image rendering with zoom
+  // Image rendering with zoom, placeholder, and fade-in
   if (mediaType === "image") {
-    const imageElement = (
-      <img
-        src={url}
-        alt={alt || "Image"}
-        loading="lazy"
-        className={cn(
-          "w-full h-auto object-contain",
-          presetStyles.rounded,
-          enableZoom && "cursor-zoom-in",
-          className,
+    const imageContent = (
+      <div
+        className={cn("relative overflow-hidden", presetStyles.rounded)}
+        style={
+          effectiveAspectRatio
+            ? {
+                aspectRatio: effectiveAspectRatio,
+                maxHeight: presetStyles.maxHeight,
+                maxWidth:
+                  preset === "thumbnail" ? presetStyles.maxWidth : "100%",
+                contain: "content", // Performance optimization
+              }
+            : {
+                maxHeight: presetStyles.maxHeight,
+                maxWidth:
+                  preset === "thumbnail" ? presetStyles.maxWidth : "100%",
+              }
+        }
+      >
+        {/* Skeleton placeholder */}
+        {showPlaceholder && isLoading && (
+          <SkeletonPlaceholder
+            aspectRatio={effectiveAspectRatio}
+            rounded={presetStyles.rounded}
+          />
         )}
-        style={{
-          maxHeight: presetStyles.maxHeight,
-          maxWidth: preset === "thumbnail" ? presetStyles.maxWidth : "100%",
-        }}
-        onError={handleError}
-      />
+
+        {/* Image with fade-in */}
+        <img
+          key={retryCount} // Force remount on retry
+          src={url}
+          alt={alt || "Image"}
+          loading="lazy"
+          className={cn(
+            "w-full h-full object-contain",
+            presetStyles.rounded,
+            enableZoom && "cursor-zoom-in",
+            fadeIn && "transition-opacity duration-300",
+            isLoaded ? "opacity-100" : "opacity-0",
+            className,
+          )}
+          onLoad={handleLoad}
+          onError={handleError}
+          aria-label={alt || "Image"}
+        />
+      </div>
     );
 
     return enableZoom ? (
-      <Zoom zoomMargin={40}>{imageElement}</Zoom>
+      <Zoom zoomMargin={40}>{imageContent}</Zoom>
     ) : (
-      imageElement
+      imageContent
     );
   }
 
-  // Video rendering with inline playback
+  // Video rendering with placeholder and loading state
   if (mediaType === "video") {
     return (
-      <video
-        src={url}
-        className={cn("w-full", presetStyles.rounded, className)}
-        style={{ maxHeight: presetStyles.maxHeight }}
-        preload="metadata"
-        controls={showControls}
-        onError={handleError}
-      />
+      <div
+        className={cn("relative overflow-hidden", presetStyles.rounded)}
+        style={{
+          aspectRatio: effectiveAspectRatio,
+          maxHeight: presetStyles.maxHeight,
+          maxWidth: "100%",
+          contain: "content", // Performance optimization
+        }}
+      >
+        {/* Skeleton placeholder with play icon */}
+        {showPlaceholder && isLoading && (
+          <SkeletonPlaceholder
+            aspectRatio={effectiveAspectRatio}
+            rounded={presetStyles.rounded}
+          >
+            <Play className="w-12 h-12 text-muted-foreground/50" />
+          </SkeletonPlaceholder>
+        )}
+
+        {/* Video with fade-in */}
+        <video
+          key={retryCount} // Force remount on retry
+          src={url}
+          className={cn(
+            "w-full h-full",
+            presetStyles.rounded,
+            fadeIn && "transition-opacity duration-300",
+            isLoaded ? "opacity-100" : "opacity-0",
+            className,
+          )}
+          preload="metadata"
+          controls={showControls}
+          onLoadedMetadata={handleLoad}
+          onError={handleError}
+          aria-label={alt || "Video"}
+        />
+      </div>
     );
   }
 
diff --git a/src/components/nostr/QuotedEvent.tsx b/src/components/nostr/QuotedEvent.tsx
index c1b036b..660acd9 100644
--- a/src/components/nostr/QuotedEvent.tsx
+++ b/src/components/nostr/QuotedEvent.tsx
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ import { KindRenderer } from "./kinds";
 import { UserName } from "./UserName";
 import { ChevronDown, ChevronUp } from "lucide-react";
 import { cn } from "@/lib/utils";
+import { CompactQuoteSkeleton } from "@/components/ui/skeleton";
 
 interface QuotedEventProps {
   /** Event ID string for regular events */
@@ -65,11 +66,7 @@ export function QuotedEvent({
       );
     }
 
-    return (
-      <span className="text-sm text-muted-foreground italic">
-        Loading event...
-      </span>
-    );
+    return <CompactQuoteSkeleton className={className} />;
   }
 
   // For depth 0-1: Show full content inline by default
diff --git a/src/components/nostr/kinds/ChatMessageRenderer.tsx b/src/components/nostr/kinds/ChatMessageRenderer.tsx
index 65e5ac3..52a2ea6 100644
--- a/src/components/nostr/kinds/ChatMessageRenderer.tsx
+++ b/src/components/nostr/kinds/ChatMessageRenderer.tsx
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ import { MessageCircle } from "lucide-react";
 import { useGrimoire } from "@/core/state";
 import { getTagValues } from "@/lib/nostr-utils";
 import { isValidHexEventId } from "@/lib/nostr-validation";
+import { InlineReplySkeleton } from "@/components/ui/skeleton";
 
 /**
  * Renderer for Kind 9 - Chat Message (NIP-C7)
@@ -36,7 +37,12 @@ export function Kind9Renderer({ event, depth = 0 }: BaseEventProps) {
 
   return (
     <BaseEventContainer event={event}>
-      {/* Show quoted parent message if this is a reply */}
+      {/* Show quoted message loading state */}
+      {quotedEventId && !parentEvent && (
+        <InlineReplySkeleton icon={<MessageCircle />} />
+      )}
+
+      {/* Show quoted parent message once loaded (only if it's a chat message) */}
       {quotedEventId && parentEvent && parentEvent.kind === 9 && (
         <div
           onClick={handleQuoteClick}
diff --git a/src/components/nostr/kinds/NoteRenderer.tsx b/src/components/nostr/kinds/NoteRenderer.tsx
index 2f8ecd3..54022fe 100644
--- a/src/components/nostr/kinds/NoteRenderer.tsx
+++ b/src/components/nostr/kinds/NoteRenderer.tsx
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ import { useNostrEvent } from "@/hooks/useNostrEvent";
 import { UserName } from "../UserName";
 import { Reply } from "lucide-react";
 import { useGrimoire } from "@/core/state";
+import { InlineReplySkeleton } from "@/components/ui/skeleton";
 
 /**
  * Renderer for Kind 1 - Short Text Note
@@ -30,6 +31,10 @@ export function Kind1Renderer({ event, depth = 0 }: BaseEventProps) {
 
   return (
     <BaseEventContainer event={event}>
+      {/* Show parent message loading state */}
+      {pointer && !parentEvent && <InlineReplySkeleton icon={<Reply />} />}
+
+      {/* Show parent message once loaded */}
       {pointer && parentEvent && (
         <div
           onClick={handleReplyClick}
diff --git a/src/components/nostr/kinds/ReactionRenderer.tsx b/src/components/nostr/kinds/ReactionRenderer.tsx
index fefda2b..52939f1 100644
--- a/src/components/nostr/kinds/ReactionRenderer.tsx
+++ b/src/components/nostr/kinds/ReactionRenderer.tsx
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ import { useNostrEvent } from "@/hooks/useNostrEvent";
 import { useMemo } from "react";
 import { NostrEvent } from "@/types/nostr";
 import { KindRenderer } from "./index";
+import { EventCardSkeleton } from "@/components/ui/skeleton";
 
 /**
  * Renderer for Kind 7 - Reactions
@@ -133,8 +134,8 @@ export function Kind7Renderer({ event }: BaseEventProps) {
 
         {/* Loading state */}
         {reactedEventId && !reactedEvent && (
-          <div className="border border-muted p-2 text-xs text-muted-foreground">
-            Loading referenced event...
+          <div className="border border-muted p-2">
+            <EventCardSkeleton variant="compact" showActions={false} />
           </div>
         )}
       </div>
diff --git a/src/components/ui/skeleton/CompactQuoteSkeleton.tsx b/src/components/ui/skeleton/CompactQuoteSkeleton.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c6dde36
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/components/ui/skeleton/CompactQuoteSkeleton.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+import * as React from "react";
+import { Skeleton } from "./Skeleton";
+
+export type CompactQuoteSkeletonProps = React.HTMLAttributes<HTMLDivElement>;
+
+const CompactQuoteSkeleton = React.forwardRef<
+  HTMLDivElement,
+  CompactQuoteSkeletonProps
+>(({ className, ...props }, ref) => {
+  return (
+    <div
+      ref={ref}
+      className={`border-l-2 border-muted pl-3 space-y-2 ${className || ""}`}
+      role="status"
+      aria-label="Loading quoted event..."
+      {...props}
+    >
+      {/* Author name */}
+      <Skeleton variant="text" width="6rem" height={14} />
+
+      {/* Quote Content: 2 lines */}
+      <div className="space-y-2">
+        <Skeleton variant="text" width="100%" height={12} />
+        <Skeleton variant="text" width="80%" height={12} />
+      </div>
+    </div>
+  );
+});
+
+CompactQuoteSkeleton.displayName = "CompactQuoteSkeleton";
+
+export { CompactQuoteSkeleton };
diff --git a/src/components/ui/skeleton/EventCardSkeleton.tsx b/src/components/ui/skeleton/EventCardSkeleton.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..066ea18
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/components/ui/skeleton/EventCardSkeleton.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,95 @@
+import * as React from "react";
+import { cva, type VariantProps } from "class-variance-authority";
+import { Skeleton } from "./Skeleton";
+
+const eventCardSkeletonVariants = cva("flex flex-col gap-2", {
+  variants: {
+    variant: {
+      default: "",
+      compact: "",
+      detailed: "",
+    },
+    timeline: {
+      true: "p-3 border-b border-border/50",
+      false: "",
+    },
+  },
+  defaultVariants: {
+    variant: "default",
+    timeline: false,
+  },
+});
+
+export interface EventCardSkeletonProps
+  extends
+    React.HTMLAttributes<HTMLDivElement>,
+    VariantProps<typeof eventCardSkeletonVariants> {
+  showActions?: boolean;
+  isLast?: boolean;
+}
+
+const EventCardSkeleton = React.forwardRef<
+  HTMLDivElement,
+  EventCardSkeletonProps
+>(
+  (
+    {
+      className,
+      variant = "default",
+      timeline = false,
+      showActions = true,
+      isLast = false,
+      ...props
+    },
+    ref,
+  ) => {
+    // Content line count based on variant
+    const contentLines =
+      variant === "compact" ? 2 : variant === "detailed" ? 6 : 4;
+
+    return (
+      <div
+        ref={ref}
+        className={`${eventCardSkeletonVariants({ variant, timeline })} ${timeline && isLast ? "border-0" : ""} ${className || ""}`}
+        role="status"
+        aria-label="Loading event..."
+        {...props}
+      >
+        {/* Header: Name + Timestamp (matches BaseEventContainer) */}
+        <div className="flex flex-row justify-between items-center">
+          <div className="flex flex-row gap-2 items-baseline">
+            <Skeleton variant="text" width="8rem" height={16} />
+            <Skeleton variant="text" width="4rem" height={12} />
+          </div>
+          {/* Menu placeholder */}
+          <Skeleton variant="rectangle" width={20} height={20} />
+        </div>
+
+        {/* Content */}
+        <div className="space-y-2">
+          {Array.from({ length: contentLines }).map((_, i) => (
+            <Skeleton
+              key={i}
+              variant="text"
+              width={i === contentLines - 1 ? "70%" : "100%"}
+              height={14}
+            />
+          ))}
+        </div>
+
+        {/* Footer: Action buttons */}
+        {showActions && (
+          <div className="flex gap-4">
+            <Skeleton variant="text" width="3rem" height={12} />
+            <Skeleton variant="text" width="3rem" height={12} />
+            <Skeleton variant="text" width="3rem" height={12} />
+          </div>
+        )}
+      </div>
+    );
+  },
+);
+
+EventCardSkeleton.displayName = "EventCardSkeleton";
+
+export { EventCardSkeleton, eventCardSkeletonVariants };
diff --git a/src/components/ui/skeleton/EventDetailSkeleton.tsx b/src/components/ui/skeleton/EventDetailSkeleton.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..904fca0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/components/ui/skeleton/EventDetailSkeleton.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,54 @@
+import * as React from "react";
+import { Skeleton } from "./Skeleton";
+
+export type EventDetailSkeletonProps = React.HTMLAttributes<HTMLDivElement>;
+
+const EventDetailSkeleton = React.forwardRef<
+  HTMLDivElement,
+  EventDetailSkeletonProps
+>(({ className, ...props }, ref) => {
+  return (
+    <div
+      ref={ref}
+      className={className}
+      role="status"
+      aria-label="Loading event details..."
+      {...props}
+    >
+      <div className="space-y-6">
+        {/* Header: Name + timestamp (matches BaseEventContainer) */}
+        <div className="flex flex-row gap-2 items-baseline">
+          <Skeleton variant="text" width="10rem" height={18} />
+          <Skeleton variant="text" width="6rem" height={14} />
+        </div>
+
+        {/* Event Content: 5 lines */}
+        <div className="space-y-3">
+          <Skeleton variant="text" width="100%" height={16} />
+          <Skeleton variant="text" width="100%" height={16} />
+          <Skeleton variant="text" width="95%" height={16} />
+          <Skeleton variant="text" width="98%" height={16} />
+          <Skeleton variant="text" width="85%" height={16} />
+        </div>
+
+        {/* Metadata Section */}
+        <div className="space-y-2 pt-4 border-t border-border">
+          <Skeleton variant="text" width="8rem" height={12} />
+          <Skeleton variant="text" width="10rem" height={12} />
+          <Skeleton variant="text" width="6rem" height={12} />
+        </div>
+
+        {/* Action Buttons */}
+        <div className="flex gap-4 pt-4">
+          <Skeleton variant="rectangle" width="5rem" height={36} />
+          <Skeleton variant="rectangle" width="5rem" height={36} />
+          <Skeleton variant="rectangle" width="5rem" height={36} />
+        </div>
+      </div>
+    </div>
+  );
+});
+
+EventDetailSkeleton.displayName = "EventDetailSkeleton";
+
+export { EventDetailSkeleton };
diff --git a/src/components/ui/skeleton/InlineReplySkeleton.tsx b/src/components/ui/skeleton/InlineReplySkeleton.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b1a97d8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/components/ui/skeleton/InlineReplySkeleton.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+import * as React from "react";
+import { Skeleton } from "./Skeleton";
+
+export interface InlineReplySkeletonProps {
+  /** Icon to show on the left (Reply, MessageCircle, etc.) */
+  icon: React.ReactNode;
+  className?: string;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Inline skeleton for loading parent message previews
+ * Matches the exact structure and spacing of the reply box
+ */
+const InlineReplySkeleton = React.forwardRef<
+  HTMLDivElement,
+  InlineReplySkeletonProps
+>(({ icon, className }, ref) => {
+  return (
+    <div
+      ref={ref}
+      className={`flex items-start gap-2 p-1 bg-muted/20 text-xs text-muted-foreground rounded ${className || ""}`}
+      role="status"
+      aria-label="Loading parent message..."
+    >
+      {/* Icon - visible during loading */}
+      {React.isValidElement(icon) ? (
+        <div className="size-3 flex-shrink-0 mt-0.5">{icon}</div>
+      ) : null}
+
+      {/* Content placeholder - matches text line-height */}
+      <div className="flex-1 min-w-0 py-0.5">
+        <Skeleton variant="text" width="70%" className="h-3" />
+      </div>
+    </div>
+  );
+});
+
+InlineReplySkeleton.displayName = "InlineReplySkeleton";
+
+export { InlineReplySkeleton };
diff --git a/src/components/ui/skeleton/ProfileCardSkeleton.tsx b/src/components/ui/skeleton/ProfileCardSkeleton.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..490cb3e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/components/ui/skeleton/ProfileCardSkeleton.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,74 @@
+import * as React from "react";
+import { cva, type VariantProps } from "class-variance-authority";
+import { Skeleton } from "./Skeleton";
+
+const profileCardSkeletonVariants = cva("flex flex-col gap-4", {
+  variants: {
+    variant: {
+      full: "",
+      compact: "",
+      inline: "flex-row items-baseline gap-2",
+    },
+  },
+  defaultVariants: {
+    variant: "full",
+  },
+});
+
+export interface ProfileCardSkeletonProps
+  extends
+    React.HTMLAttributes<HTMLDivElement>,
+    VariantProps<typeof profileCardSkeletonVariants> {
+  showBio?: boolean;
+  showNip05?: boolean;
+}
+
+const ProfileCardSkeleton = React.forwardRef<
+  HTMLDivElement,
+  ProfileCardSkeletonProps
+>(
+  (
+    { className, variant = "full", showBio = true, showNip05 = true, ...props },
+    ref,
+  ) => {
+    // Name height based on variant (ProfileViewer uses 2xl font)
+    const nameHeight = variant === "full" ? 32 : 16;
+    const nameWidth = variant === "full" ? "16rem" : "8rem";
+
+    return (
+      <div
+        ref={ref}
+        className={profileCardSkeletonVariants({ variant, className })}
+        role="status"
+        aria-label="Loading profile..."
+        {...props}
+      >
+        {/* Name */}
+        <Skeleton variant="text" width={nameWidth} height={nameHeight} />
+
+        {/* NIP-05 (optional, only for full variant) */}
+        {showNip05 && variant === "full" && (
+          <Skeleton variant="text" width="12rem" height={12} />
+        )}
+
+        {/* Bio (only for full and compact variants) */}
+        {showBio && variant !== "inline" && (
+          <div className="space-y-2">
+            {variant === "full" && (
+              <Skeleton variant="text" width="3rem" height={10} />
+            )}
+            <Skeleton variant="text" width="100%" height={14} />
+            <Skeleton variant="text" width="95%" height={14} />
+            {variant === "full" && (
+              <Skeleton variant="text" width="85%" height={14} />
+            )}
+          </div>
+        )}
+      </div>
+    );
+  },
+);
+
+ProfileCardSkeleton.displayName = "ProfileCardSkeleton";
+
+export { ProfileCardSkeleton, profileCardSkeletonVariants };
diff --git a/src/components/ui/skeleton/Skeleton.tsx b/src/components/ui/skeleton/Skeleton.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..800bd4f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/components/ui/skeleton/Skeleton.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,53 @@
+import * as React from "react";
+import { cva, type VariantProps } from "class-variance-authority";
+
+const skeletonVariants = cva("animate-skeleton-pulse bg-muted rounded", {
+  variants: {
+    variant: {
+      circle: "rounded-full",
+      rectangle: "rounded",
+      text: "rounded h-4",
+    },
+  },
+  defaultVariants: {
+    variant: "rectangle",
+  },
+});
+
+export interface SkeletonProps
+  extends
+    React.HTMLAttributes<HTMLDivElement>,
+    VariantProps<typeof skeletonVariants> {
+  width?: number | string;
+  height?: number | string;
+}
+
+const Skeleton = React.forwardRef<HTMLDivElement, SkeletonProps>(
+  ({ className, variant, width, height, style, ...props }, ref) => {
+    const inlineStyle: React.CSSProperties = {
+      ...style,
+      ...(width !== undefined && {
+        width: typeof width === "number" ? `${width}px` : width,
+      }),
+      ...(height !== undefined && {
+        height: typeof height === "number" ? `${height}px` : height,
+      }),
+    };
+
+    return (
+      <div
+        ref={ref}
+        className={skeletonVariants({ variant, className })}
+        style={inlineStyle}
+        role="status"
+        aria-busy="true"
+        aria-label="Loading..."
+        {...props}
+      />
+    );
+  },
+);
+
+Skeleton.displayName = "Skeleton";
+
+export { Skeleton, skeletonVariants };
diff --git a/src/components/ui/skeleton/TimelineSkeleton.tsx b/src/components/ui/skeleton/TimelineSkeleton.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9f2d2e1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/components/ui/skeleton/TimelineSkeleton.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,53 @@
+import * as React from "react";
+import {
+  EventCardSkeleton,
+  type EventCardSkeletonProps,
+} from "./EventCardSkeleton";
+
+export interface TimelineSkeletonProps extends Omit<
+  EventCardSkeletonProps,
+  "className" | "isLast" | "timeline"
+> {
+  count?: number;
+  className?: string;
+}
+
+const TimelineSkeleton = React.forwardRef<
+  HTMLDivElement,
+  TimelineSkeletonProps
+>(
+  (
+    {
+      count = 3,
+      variant = "compact",
+      showActions = false,
+      className,
+      ...props
+    },
+    ref,
+  ) => {
+    return (
+      <div
+        ref={ref}
+        className={className}
+        role="status"
+        aria-label="Loading timeline..."
+      >
+        {Array.from({ length: count }).map((_, i) => (
+          <EventCardSkeleton
+            key={i}
+            variant={variant}
+            showActions={showActions}
+            timeline={true}
+            isLast={i === count - 1}
+            {...props}
+          />
+        ))}
+      </div>
+    );
+  },
+);
+
+TimelineSkeleton.displayName = "TimelineSkeleton";
+
+export { TimelineSkeleton };
diff --git a/src/components/ui/skeleton/index.ts b/src/components/ui/skeleton/index.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e07adbb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/components/ui/skeleton/index.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+export { Skeleton, skeletonVariants } from "./Skeleton";
+export type { SkeletonProps } from "./Skeleton";
+
+export {
+  ProfileCardSkeleton,
+  profileCardSkeletonVariants,
+} from "./ProfileCardSkeleton";
+export type { ProfileCardSkeletonProps } from "./ProfileCardSkeleton";
+
+export {
+  EventCardSkeleton,
+  eventCardSkeletonVariants,
+} from "./EventCardSkeleton";
+export type { EventCardSkeletonProps } from "./EventCardSkeleton";
+
+export { TimelineSkeleton } from "./TimelineSkeleton";
+export type { TimelineSkeletonProps } from "./TimelineSkeleton";
+
+export { EventDetailSkeleton } from "./EventDetailSkeleton";
+export type { EventDetailSkeletonProps } from "./EventDetailSkeleton";
+
+export { CompactQuoteSkeleton } from "./CompactQuoteSkeleton";
+export type { CompactQuoteSkeletonProps } from "./CompactQuoteSkeleton";
+
+export { InlineReplySkeleton } from "./InlineReplySkeleton";
+export type { InlineReplySkeletonProps } from "./InlineReplySkeleton";
diff --git a/src/lib/relay-status-utils.tsx b/src/lib/relay-status-utils.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..df4e2b7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/relay-status-utils.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,82 @@
+import {
+  Wifi,
+  WifiOff,
+  Loader2,
+  XCircle,
+  ShieldCheck,
+  ShieldAlert,
+  ShieldX,
+  ShieldQuestion,
+  Shield,
+} from "lucide-react";
+import type { RelayState } from "@/types/relay-state";
+
+/**
+ * Get connection icon and label for a relay state
+ */
+export function getConnectionIcon(relay: RelayState | undefined) {
+  if (!relay) {
+    return {
+      icon: <WifiOff className="size-3 text-muted-foreground" />,
+      label: "Unknown",
+    };
+  }
+
+  const iconMap = {
+    connected: {
+      icon: <Wifi className="size-3 text-green-500" />,
+      label: "Connected",
+    },
+    connecting: {
+      icon: <Loader2 className="size-3 text-yellow-500 animate-spin" />,
+      label: "Connecting",
+    },
+    disconnected: {
+      icon: <WifiOff className="size-3 text-muted-foreground" />,
+      label: "Disconnected",
+    },
+    error: {
+      icon: <XCircle className="size-3 text-red-500" />,
+      label: "Connection Error",
+    },
+  };
+  return iconMap[relay.connectionState];
+}
+
+/**
+ * Get authentication icon and label for a relay state
+ * Returns null if no authentication is required
+ */
+export function getAuthIcon(relay: RelayState | undefined) {
+  if (!relay || relay.authStatus === "none") {
+    return null;
+  }
+
+  const iconMap = {
+    authenticated: {
+      icon: <ShieldCheck className="size-3 text-green-500" />,
+      label: "Authenticated",
+    },
+    challenge_received: {
+      icon: <ShieldQuestion className="size-3 text-yellow-500" />,
+      label: "Challenge Received",
+    },
+    authenticating: {
+      icon: <Loader2 className="size-3 text-yellow-500 animate-spin" />,
+      label: "Authenticating",
+    },
+    failed: {
+      icon: <ShieldX className="size-3 text-red-500" />,
+      label: "Authentication Failed",
+    },
+    rejected: {
+      icon: <ShieldAlert className="size-3 text-muted-foreground" />,
+      label: "Authentication Rejected",
+    },
+    none: {
+      icon: <Shield className="size-3 text-muted-foreground" />,
+      label: "No Authentication",
+    },
+  };
+  return iconMap[relay.authStatus] || iconMap.none;
+}
diff --git a/tailwind.config.js b/tailwind.config.js
index f38162f..8795f69 100644
--- a/tailwind.config.js
+++ b/tailwind.config.js
@@ -23,11 +23,16 @@ export default {
         'accordion-up': {
           from: { height: 'var(--radix-accordion-content-height)' },
           to: { height: '0' }
+        },
+        'skeleton-pulse': {
+          '0%, 100%': { opacity: '1' },
+          '50%': { opacity: '0.5' }
         }
       },
       animation: {
         'accordion-down': 'accordion-down 0.2s ease-out',
-        'accordion-up': 'accordion-up 0.2s ease-out'
+        'accordion-up': 'accordion-up 0.2s ease-out',
+        'skeleton-pulse': 'skeleton-pulse 1.5s ease-in-out infinite'
       },
       colors: {
         background: 'hsl(var(--background))',