Airdrop
Also called: crypto airdrop · token airdrop
Definition
An airdrop is a distribution of free tokens to wallet addresses or exchange users, usually to reward early users, decentralize ownership or promote a new project.
How airdrop works
Projects run airdrops in different ways. Some take a snapshot of wallets that used their protocol before a certain date and let those wallets claim tokens. Others reward holders of an existing coin, or distribute tokens to exchange users who complete tasks or join a program such as a launchpool.
Real airdrops have been valuable, which is exactly why fake ones are everywhere. Scammers send worthless tokens to your wallet or post claim links on social media. Visiting the link and connecting your wallet can trigger a token approval or signature that lets them drain your assets.
Before claiming, find the claim page through the project's official channels, check that the contract address matches, and never enter your seed phrase. Many airdropped tokens face heavy selling at launch because recipients paid nothing, and in many countries airdropped tokens may be treated as taxable income.
Example
Suppose a protocol announces that every wallet that made at least 5 transactions before a snapshot can claim 400 tokens. You qualify. On the claim day the token trades at 1.20 USDT, so your allocation is worth 480 USDT. Claiming costs about 2 USDT in gas on the network used. If many recipients sell and the price drops to 0.70 USDT a week later, the same 400 tokens are worth 280 USDT.
Common mistakes
- Clicking an airdrop link from a direct message or a random token in your wallet.
- Signing a wallet request you do not understand while claiming.
- Spending more on gas and farming activity than the eventual airdrop is worth.
Learn and practise
FAQ
Are crypto airdrops free money?
The tokens are free to receive, but claiming can cost gas, farming can take time and money, and the value often drops after launch. Many airdrop offers are scams.
How do I know if an airdrop is real?
Check the project's official website and verified social accounts, confirm the contract address, and never connect your wallet to a site you reached from an unsolicited message.
Should I sell an unknown token that appeared in my wallet?
Be careful. Interacting with an unknown token's website or contract can be a trap. It is often safest to ignore or hide it.