If you've been following the cryptocurrency market at all in the past year, you've probably heard the term "crypto airdrop" tossed around quite a bit. But what is it, exactly, and how can you be a part of it? In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about the crypto airdrop, including how the rewards and risks work!
What is a Crypto Airdrop?
A crypto airdrop is a process whereby a blockchain project distributes free tokens or coins to the community. Airdrops can be used as a way to bootstrap new networks, reward loyalists, and attract new users. This is often part of a bigger marketing tactic to either build buzz about a new cryptocurrency or reward users for holding a particular cryptocurrency or using a specific wallet.
How does It work?
In order to qualify for a crypto airdrop, you'll typically need to hold a particular cryptocurrency in your wallet. For example, in order to be eligible for the Bitcoin Cash (BCH) airdrop, you must hold at least 0.01 BCH in your wallet on the snapshot date.
The snapshot date is when the blockchain project takes a record of all the eligible addresses and determines who will receive free tokens. After the snapshot date, the project will typically send out the tokens to all of the qualifying addresses. However, there are no set dates for airdrops. Instead, there are typically a set of tasks you'll need to complete in order to receive a reward.
Types of Airdrops
While airdrops have been a common occurrence in the cryptocurrency market, the way it's delivered has changed throughout the years. Here are some of the main types of airdrops that you may encounter.
Standard Airdrops
A standard airdrop is the most common type of airdrop. In order to qualify, you typically need to hold a particular cryptocurrency in your wallet, create an account at a virtual currency project, or sign up for an email list. Once you've completed the action, you'll be eligible to receive the airdrop.
Bounty Airdrops
Bounty airdrops are different from standard airdrops in that you don't need to hold any tokens to qualify. Instead, you'll need to complete specific tasks, such as joining a Telegram group, following the project on Twitter, sharing a Facebook post, or writing a blog post about the project. You may even be able to refer someone and receive additional bounty airdrops.
Exclusive Airdrops
Exclusive airdrops are airdrops that are only open to a select group of people. For example, you may need to be a follower of a specific blockchain community or part of a virtual currency project. This is typically done to ensure that there are a consistent amount of followers on the network by promising to send out airdrops.
Hard Fork Airdrops
This unusual airdrop is when a blockchain project splits into two different blockchains and distributes free tokens to the community. For example, Bitcoin Cash (BCH) was created as a hard fork of the Bitcoin (BTC) blockchain. The idea is that once the split happens, those who hold the original currency will receive an equal amount of tokens in their wallet address for the new token.
Holder Airdrop
If a user already holds a particular cryptocurrency, they may be eligible for a holder airdrop. This is when the blockchain project sends out free tokens to those who already own the currency.
Why Crypto Projects Do Airdrops?
There are many reasons why a blockchain project may choose to do an airdrop. Here are some of the main reasons:
Bootstrap new networks
Airdrops can be used as a way to bootstrap new networks by distributing free tokens to the community. This encourages users to join and helps build buzz around the project.
Reward loyalists
Airdrops can also be used as a way to reward loyalists for holding a particular cryptocurrency or using a specific wallet. This helps increase user engagement and encourages long-term holding.
Attract new users
Finally, airdrops can be used as a way to attract new users by rewarding them with free tokens for participating in the project. This helps increase adoption and helps build a community around the project.
DeFi Tokens Airdrops
A recent trend in airdrops is the DeFi tokens airdrop. DeFi, or decentralized finance, is a term used to describe financial products and services that are built on top of a blockchain network. The idea is that these products and services offer more security and transparency than traditional financial products.
DeFi tokens airdrops are airdrops that are only open to those who hold DeFi tokens. This is done to encourage users to hold the tokens and use them to participate in DeFi products and services.
Is it Profitable?
Whether or not it's profitable to participate in airdrops is a hotly debated topic. Many people believe that airdrops are a scam, while others believe that they're a way to make free money.
The truth is that it depends on the airdrop. Some airdrops are worth more than others, and some are more difficult to qualify for. It's important to do your research before participating in an airdrop or after you've received an airdrop to ensure it's worth your time or investment.
Risk Concerns
As with anything cryptocurrency-related, there are always risks involved. It's important to do your research before participating in an airdrop to ensure the project is reputable and has a solid track record. Here are a few risks that you'll want to be aware of before getting involved in an airdrop.
Dump Airdrops
Dump airdrops are airdrops that are sent to a large group of people to get everyone excited about a coin before it hits the exchange market. However, once the coin has been released and many people rush to buy it, the developers will quickly sell their tokens, otherwise known as dumping, to retain a profit.
Private Key Scams
Private key scams are when a user is asked to provide their private key to a specific wallet address and told that they would receive tokens in return. However, once the user sends out the private key information, they are scammed out of their tokens and never receive anything in return. It's important to never exchange private information like your key number in order to receive tokens.
Information Tolling
Information tolling is when a user is asked to provide sensitive information like their name, address, or email in order to participate in an airdrop. This information can then be used for other scams or nefarious activities as well as sold to third-party companies in order to earn money. It's important to never share this type of information with anyone in order to participate in an airdrop, or else you might find yourself on a list that you don't want to be on.
Minimal Impact Of The Received Coins
Airdrops can sometimes not be as profitable as people think. The impact of the received coins is minimal in comparison to the work done to get those coins. There are a lot of scams and fake airdrops happening lately, so it is important to be careful before participating in any kind of airdrop.
Bait And Switch Airdrops
Bait and switch airdrops are airdrops that promise a large number of tokens in return for signing up or participating but then don't deliver. This can be frustrating for participants who put in a lot of work to qualify for the airdrop only to not receive anything in return or to receive something completely different.
Getting Know About Upcoming Airdrops
Here are some of the upcoming airdrop projects you should know about:
Protocol X bounty
In order to encourage more people from all over the world, one MM $PX token will be given away for every three weeks' worth of shilling. The best way you can get this lucky reward? Via Twitter!
Ryiuji Inu escrowed bounty (BSC)
In order to receive the reward of 2,000 BUSD, you'll need to shill new dog money for four weeks and report it in a spreadsheet through various social media networks such as Reddit, Instagram, Telegram, or Twitter.
CryptoCitizen bounty (CCASH)
In order to be eligible, you'll need to join a pool of 15k BUSD with CCASH.
ElfMatrix Airdrop
To participate in this airdrop, you'll need to follow a few directions, including following accounts and sharing information to win 100 ELM.
Things to Consider Participating in an Airdrop
Don't Pay To Recieve An Airdrop
One thing to keep in mind when participating in an airdrop is that you should not have to pay anything to receive the tokens. If an airdrop asks for money or for you to send coins to a specific address, it is likely a scam.
Don't Provide Personal Information
Another thing to keep in mind is that you should never provide your personal information when participating in an airdrop. An airdrop's main purpose is to distribute tokens, not to collect personal data. If an airdrop asks for your name, address, or email, it is likely a scam.
Don't Give Out Your Private Key
Make sure to never share your private key with anyone. If someone asks for your private key, it is likely a scam.
Use Different Passwords For Different Websites
It is important to use different passwords for different websites. If you use the same password for multiple websites, it is easy for someone to hack your accounts.
Be Careful When Clicking Links
When clicking links in emails or online, make sure to be careful and check the URL before clicking. Scammers often create fake websites that look similar to legitimate websites. Be sure to check the website's URL and make sure that it is correct before entering any personal information.
Do Your Research
Before participating in an airdrop, it is important to do your research and make sure that the airdrop is legitimate. There are many scams out there, so it is important to be vigilant when participating in any type of cryptocurrency activity.
How to Withdraw Airdrop Tokens?
Once you have received your airdrop tokens, you will need to find an exchange that supports the token in order to withdraw them. If the airdrop is for an ERC20 token, you can likely withdraw them from any Ethereum-based exchange. If the airdrop is for a different type of token, be sure to check with the exchange to see if they support that token.
Once you have found an exchange that supports the token, you will need to create an account and deposit some funds into the exchange. After your account is set up, you can then begin trading the airdrop tokens for other cryptocurrencies or fiat currency. Be sure to research the exchange before depositing any funds, as not all exchanges are safe and trustworthy.
Summary
Airdrops are a great way to get involved in new cryptocurrency projects and earn free tokens. However, it's important to do your research before participating in an airdrop to ensure the project is reputable and has a solid track record. There are also risks involved, so it's important to be aware of them before getting involved. Happy airdropping! Before getting involved with airdropping, make sure to purchase your Bitcoin from a reliable source, such as buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and other cryptocurrencies quickly, easily, and securely.
FAQ
Where can I find free airdrops?
There are a number of websites that list free airdrops, including AirdropAlert, Airdrop List, and Icodrops. Make sure to do your research before participating in any airdrop to ensure the project is reputable and has a solid track record.
Are airdrops worth it?
It depends on the airdrop. Some airdrops are worth more than others, and some are more difficult to qualify for. It's essential to do your research before participating in an airdrop or after you've received an airdrop to ensure it's worth your time or investment.
Can you make money with airdrops?
It's possible to make money with airdrops, but it depends on the airdrop. Some airdrops are worth more than others, and some are more difficult to qualify for. Make sure to understand the terms and conditions of any airdrop before participating.
Are There Instant Crypto Airdrops?
Some airdrops are instant, but others require you to complete tasks or meet certain conditions before you can receive your tokens. Make sure to read the terms and conditions of any airdrop before participating to ensure you know what's required.
Are airdrops anonymous?
No, airdrops are not anonymous. You will need to provide personal information in order to participate in most airdrops. Make sure to never share sensitive information like your private key with anyone in order to participate in an airdrop. However, some airdrops allow you to remain anonymous if you choose to do so.
Can I sell my airdrop tokens?
Yes, you can sell your airdrop tokens once you receive them. However, it's important to do your research before selling any tokens in order to ensure you're getting a fair price. There are also risks involved in selling tokens, so make sure you understand them before proceeding.