The crypto world often buzzes with stories of people profiting from airdrops. But what commonalities exist among major historical airdrops, and how can you participate? This guide first explains what crypto airdrops are, then examines nine notable projects to uncover effective participation strategies.
What Are Crypto Airdrops?
Crypto airdrops refer to projects distributing free tokens to specific users. Why would projects give away tokens for free? Airdrops serve as marketing tools to:
- Promote project awareness
- Attract more users
- Build community engagement
Airdrop eligibility typically falls into two categories:
- Unannounced criteria: Projects create ambiguity, then release tasks (like test participation or platform usage) before revealing token requirements.
- Transparent criteria: Projects clearly outline requirements, often involving point competitions or rankings (e.g., trading volume leaderboards).
9 Notable Crypto Airdrops and Their Requirements
We analyze UNI, 1INCH, DYDX, ENS, GAL, APE, OP, APT, and BLUR airdrops chronologically:
1. Uniswap ($UNI)
- Category: DEX
- Launched: November 2018
- Airdrop: September 2020
Requirements (met by 09/01/2020):
- Liquidity providers
- Platform users
- NFT SOCKS holders
2. 1inch Network ($1INCH)
- Category: DEX Aggregator
- Launched: August 2020
Airdrops:
$1INCH (December 2020/February 2021):
- Early traders (pre-09/15/2020)
- Users with ≥4 transactions
- $20+ traders
- Mooniswap users
- OP tokens (August 2022): Optimism chain users
3. dYdX ($DYDX)
- Category: Derivatives Platform
- Launched: August 2017
- Airdrop: September 2021
Requirements:
- Historical depositors/traders (by 07/26/2021)
- Additional trading/liquidity rewards
4. Ethereum Name Service ($ENS)
- Category: Decentralized Domains
- Launched: September 2017
- Airdrop: November 2021
Requirements:
- .eth domain holders
- Community contributors
5. BAYC-ApeCoin ($APE)
- Category: NFT Governance
- Launched: April 2021
- Airdrop: March 2022
- Requirements: BAYC/MAYC NFT holders
6. Galxe ($GAL)
- Category: Credential Platform
- Launched: May 2021
- Airdrop: May 2022
- Requirements: Galxe NFT holders (by 04/28/2022)
7. Optimism ($OP)
- Category: L2
- Launched: December 2021
Airdrops:
- First (June 2022): Early users, DAO participants, Gitcoin donors
- Second (February 2023): Delegators, L2 users ($6.1+ gas spent)
8. Aptos ($APT)
- Category: L1
- Testnet: May 2022
- Airdrop: October 2022
- Requirements: Testnet node operators, NFT minters
9. Blur ($BLUR)
- Category: NFT Marketplace
- Launched: October 2022
- Airdrop: February 2023
- Requirements: Platform users, NFT traders, bidders
Key Takeaways
Airdrops generally require genuine product interaction rather than simple social media engagement. They fall into three main categories:
- Exchange-based (UNI, 1INCH, DYDX, BLUR): Platform usage
- NFT-based (ENS, APE, GAL): NFT ownership
- Chain-based (OP, APT): Varied participation
Most airdrops coincided with market trends:
- Exchange airdrops often preceded price rises
- NFT airdrops frequently occurred during declines
- Chain airdrops showed no consistent pattern
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FAQs
Q: How do I qualify for future airdrops?
A: Actively use new platforms, participate in testnets, and engage with projects' ecosystems.
Q: Are airdrops always profitable?
A: Not guaranteed. Research projects thoroughly as many tokens depreciate post-airdrop.
Q: What's the typical waiting period for airdrops?
A: Projects usually take ≥4 months from launch to airdrop, allowing ample research time.
Q: Do I need multiple wallets for airdrops?
A: Sometimes, but projects often detect sybil attacks and disqualify duplicate wallets.
Q: How can I track upcoming airdrops?
A: Follow project announcements and use 👉 trusted crypto platforms for updates.
Remember: Crypto involves high risk. Always conduct personal research and practice risk management before participating in airdrops or investments.