Cryptocurrency projects frequently use airdrops to distribute free coins or tokens to help jumpstart awareness, engagement, and adoption in their communities. But what exactly are crypto airdrops, and how do they work?
What Are Crypto Airdrops?
An airdrop refers to the free distribution of new cryptocurrency assets to a specified group of potential users or token holders in order to boost initial circulation and decentralization. These freely distributed assets can be new coins/tokens or forked coins from an existing blockchain.
Crypto projects conduct airdrops as a way to get their new coins into more user hands right away rather than just a few major centralized entities holding the supply. The goal is to spread awareness and incentivize participation by giving away free assets.
How Airdrops Work
The mechanics of an airdrop involve the project behind it setting specific eligibility requirements, taking a snapshot of the blockchain, distributing assets to eligible addresses, and enabling recipients to claim the airdropped coins.
Typically, projects will airdrop token allotments to targeted communities, influencers, or holders of another cryptocurrency that meets a minimum balance threshold. For example, an Ethereum-based token may airdrop to all ETH addresses holding over 0.5 ETH.
Other eligibility requirements can include completing promotional tasks like joining Telegram groups, retweeting posts, writing reviews, and more. These “bounty” airdrops aim to spur grassroots marketing.
There are a variety of airdrop types, including:
- Holder airdrops for major coin holders
- Bounty airdrops for marketing actions
- Exchange airdrops targeting exchange userbases
- Smart contract airdrops for protocol usage
- Fork airdrops for legacy coin holders
Major Examples and Benefits
Historically, airdrops have been quite successful at bootstrapping adoption for new crypto projects. Uniswap, Stellar, OMG, and Ontology all leveraged airdrops early on to get their tokens into wider circulation and stimulate growth.
For cryptocurrency projects, airdrops offer an innovative way to build immediate community awareness and incentivize their new blockchain technology usage. Recipients enjoy the potential upside of getting free crypto assets that may appreciate over time.
Airdrops also allow projects to distribute tokens in a fairer way compared to an ICO dominated by large investors. And recipients have essentially zero barrier to entry.
Conclusion
Overall, airdrops represent an effective promotional giveaway tactic for decentralized, fair distribution in the crypto space. But be sure to do research to avoid scams.
See my full article on Ebutemetaverse to learn about airdrop mechanics, major examples, benefits, tips, and more.