New
Cryptocurrency
Lesson 35
7 min

What are crypto airdrops?

Crypto airdrops are an exciting way to receive free coins or tokens, such as Ethereum (ETH) or BTC. Blockchain projects use this method to attract new users and build their communities. Often, completing small tasks, like sharing social media posts, is enough to qualify for participation. But what exactly are crypto airdrops, how do they work, and what should you watch out for to ensure safe participation? Discover everything you need to know about crypto airdrops in our guide.

  • Crypto airdrops distribute free coins or tokens to users to increase project awareness and build communities

  • Participation often requires holding certain cryptocurrencies or completing small tasks like social media activities

  • Profits are possible if the received tokens increase in value, but tax obligations such as holding periods must be considered

  • Legitimate airdrops are safe, but there are risks of phishing, fake airdrops, and hidden fees, making thorough research essential

What is a crypto airdrop?

A crypto airdrop is a method by which blockchain projects distribute free coins or tokens to generate attention and build a community. The goal is to raise awareness of a project and promote the spread of a token. This strategy is often used as a marketing tool to attract new users or reward existing ones.

In an airdrop, users receive coins or tokens directly into their wallets. In some cases, this happens without any requirements, but often small actions are expected, such as:

  • Following social media channels

  • Sharing posts

  • Registering on a platform

These actions help projects increase their reach and connect with potential users. The entire process usually takes place via smart contracts or centralised platforms, ensuring the tokens are distributed automatically and securely.

Types of crypto airdrops

Crypto airdrops come in various forms, differing in goals and requirements:

  • Standard airdrop: Users receive tokens for free without any action required, making these airdrops ideal for quickly gaining attention

  • Bounty airdrop: Participants must complete simple tasks like sharing social media content or following channels to earn tokens and boost the project’s reach

  • Holder airdrop: Tokens are distributed to holders of specific cryptocurrencies, such as Ethereum or Bitcoin (BTC), with the quantity often based on the wallet balance

  • Exclusive airdrop: These target a specific user group, e.g., loyal community members or early supporters of a project, to reward their engagement

  • NFT airdrop: Users receive non-fungible tokens (NFTs), often providing special features such as access to exclusive offers or events within the project

The variety of crypto airdrop types allows projects to tailor their approach to token distribution and user engagement. For participants, reviewing the conditions is worthwhile to identify the most suitable airdrops.

Notable crypto airdrops

Some of the most well-known crypto airdrops include:

Bitcoin Cash (BCH) (2017)

  • Distributed tokens: 1 BCH per BTC

  • Highlights: BTC holders received the same amount of BCH after the Bitcoin blockchain split

Ontology (ONT) (2018)

  • Distributed tokens: 1,000 ONT for NEO holders

  • Highlights: NEO holders received ONT as a reward due to the close connection between the projects

Stellar (XLM) (2019)

  • Distributed tokens: 2 billion XLM

  • Highlights: Tokens were distributed via wallets and partnerships with platforms like Blockchain.com

Uniswap (UNI) (2020)

  • Distributed tokens: 400 UNI per wallet

  • Highlights: Every user who had utilised the platform before the airdrop received tokens as a thank-you for their support

Ethereum Name Service (ENS) (2021)

  • Distributed tokens: Varying amounts of ENS

  • Highlights: Users who registered ENS domains received tokens based on their activity duration

These examples demonstrate the evolution and versatility of crypto airdrops. They highlight how projects use this method to efficiently distribute tokens, strengthen their communities, and achieve long-term marketing goals. While some airdrops occur without any action required, others demand small tasks such as social media activities or holding specific cryptocurrencies. This diversity allows blockchain projects to address their specific needs and actively involve users in the project's development, creating win-win scenarios for both projects and participants.

How do cryptocurrency airdrops work?

Cryptocurrency airdrops follow a clear process, which may vary depending on the project. Typically, an airdrop involves three steps:

Check eligibility
Projects define criteria for user participation, such as:

  • Holding a specific cryptocurrency like Ethereum or BTC in a wallet

  • Completing tasks, e.g., following a social media channel or sharing a post

  • Using a project early on, prior to a specific date

These requirements ensure that airdrops are distributed to active and interested users.

Distribute tokens
Coins and tokens are distributed automatically via smart contracts or manually through centralised platforms. Smart contracts operate on a decentralised network of nodes, securely and transparently executing transactions. This makes the process efficient and ensures tokens are directly sent to eligible wallets. In other cases, tokens are issued after users register or verify their participation with the project.

Redeem tokens
Users often need to provide a compatible wallet aligned with the blockchain of the airdrop. Additional registration or access to a specific platform may sometimes be necessary to unlock the tokens. Once distributed, tokens can be checked in the wallet and used for transactions, staking, or trading.

Crypto airdrops offer an easy way to obtain free tokens, though they often require specific steps or contributions. Understanding and fulfilling the requirements is key to benefiting from these opportunities.

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Can you earn money with crypto airdrops?

Yes, you can earn money with crypto airdrops since the distributed coins or tokens often hold a trading value. After receiving them, they can be held in a wallet, used for transactions, or exchanged on exchanges for other cryptocurrencies or fiat money. The potential profit largely depends on the success of the project and the long-term value of the tokens.

The financial benefit of an airdrop depends on various factors. Tokens may gain value if the underlying project succeeds and demand increases, but there are no guarantees of long-term value appreciation. Some users also earn through staking the received tokens if offered by the project.

Important: Tax considerations must be addressed. In some countries, the holding period is critical as the time between receiving and selling the tokens can impact tax obligations. Airdrop tokens are often considered taxable income, even without compensation. Taxation timing varies by country: it may be based on the token's value at receipt or upon sale. To avoid tax risks, consult an expert or lawyer knowledgeable in cryptocurrency regulations.

Are crypto airdrops safe?

Crypto airdrops can be safe if conducted by legitimate projects. However, vigilance is necessary as there are risks, including scams and phishing attempts. Thoroughly researching the airdrop and the project behind it is essential to avoid security issues.

Potential risks include:

  • Phishing attempts: Scammers impersonate known projects to steal personal data or wallet keys

  • Fake airdrops: Fraudsters lure users with false promises, offering worthless tokens or no tokens at all

  • Wallet access: Some airdrops require wallet access, posing a security risk if the platform is untrustworthy

  • High transaction costs: Certain airdrops involve paying fees, e.g., on the Ethereum blockchain, risking losses if tokens lack value

  • Tax pitfalls: Lack of awareness about tax obligations can lead to legal or financial issues if the airdrop is considered taxable income

How to protect yourself:
To safely participate in airdrops, only use official project channels. Never share private keys and be cautious of unusual demands. A critical review of conditions and the project will help minimise risks.

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Who can participate in a crypto airdrop?

Generally, anyone meeting the requirements of the specific project can participate in a crypto airdrop. For instance, holders of Ethereum-based coins may qualify if they have a certain wallet address and have held their coins by a given date.

Other participation criteria include:

  • Wallet compatibility: A wallet compatible with the airdrop’s blockchain, e.g., an Ethereum wallet for ERC-20 tokens

  • Task completion: Some airdrops require users to perform small actions, such as following social media channels, sharing posts, or registering on a platform

  • Project usage: Airdrops often reward early adopters who have used or tested the project

  • Holding specific coins: Certain airdrops target holders of specific cryptocurrencies like BTC or ETH, with distribution often proportional to their holdings

Since these criteria vary by project, reviewing the conditions beforehand is essential to ensure eligibility.

Explore more crypto topics

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