Does running a tor hidden service require a relay?

1. How does a Tor hidden service work?
2. Should I run a Tor relay?
3. What is the use of Tor relay?

How does a Tor hidden service work?

Tor hidden service allow users to publish their service without revealing their identity (IP address). Users can connect to this service using rendezvous point without knowing the publisher of service and revealing their identities.

Should I run a Tor relay?

By running a Tor relay you can help make the Tor network: faster (and therefore more usable) more robust against attacks. more stable in case of outages.

What is the use of Tor relay?

Tor relays are also referred to as "routers" or "nodes." They receive traffic on the Tor network and pass it along. Check out the Tor website for a more detailed explanation of how Tor works. There are three kinds of relays that you can run in order to help the Tor network: middle relays, exit relays, and bridges.