Hello everyone, today we are going to talk about airdropping. In recent years, airdrop projects in the blockchain world have emerged one after another, and many people have earned thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars from airdropping. So what is the trick to airdropping? What pitfalls should you pay attention to? Does airdropping really require costs? Can ordinary people get large airdrops? Today, we will discuss this matter in detail.
What exactly is airdropping?
Airdropping, put simply, is getting something for nothing. Many new blockchain projects distribute their tokens for free to attract early users as a reward. Our task is to interact during the early stages of the project and then harvest when the project issues tokens. There are many forms of airdrops, mainly including the following types:
1. Interactive airdrop
This is the most common way to airdrop, which is to use their services (like depositing, borrowing, trading, etc.) before the project launches, so that the project recognizes you as an 'early active user' and ultimately rewards you. For example:
Arbitrum, Optimism: Early users can receive airdrops worth thousands of dollars just by interacting.
Blur: An NFT trading platform where many traders received token rewards worth thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars.
Paraswap: A decentralized trading aggregator that offered large airdrops to early interacting users.
2. Testnet airdrops
Some projects will launch testnets before officially going live, allowing users to experience features in advance, and the project will reward active users with airdrops.
StarkNet, ZkSync: Currently still in the testnet phase, expected to airdrop to early users.
Aptos: Previously distributed a large amount of tokens to test users during the testnet phase.
3. Social task airdrops
Some projects may require you to follow their social media (Twitter, Discord, Telegram, etc.), retweet posts, and complete some promotional tasks, ultimately distributing airdrops randomly or based on contribution levels.
Galxe, Zealy (formerly Crew3): Many projects will publish tasks on these platforms, and completing them can earn points that can ultimately be exchanged for airdrops.
Official airdrop tasks: For example, EigenLayer and StarkNet have released social tasks, and completing them qualifies you for airdrops.
4. NFT holder airdrops
Some projects will airdrop tokens to specific NFT holders. For example:
BAYC (Bored Ape Yacht Club) airdropped ApeCoin, allowing holders to easily gain tens of thousands of dollars.
ENS (Ethereum Name Service) airdropped tokens, providing significant returns to early ENS domain purchasers.
5. Historical snapshot airdrops
If you hold a certain coin or NFT at a certain point in time, the project may airdrop to you. For example:
1INCH airdrop: Distributed 1INCH tokens to users who had previously used DeFi protocols.
Uniswap airdrop: Early users who traded on Uniswap received 400 UNI each, worth over $4,000.
How much does it cost to airdrop?
Airdropping seems like 'getting something for nothing', but there are actually some costs involved:
1. On-chain transaction fees (GAS fees)
Operating on the blockchain usually requires paying gas fees, especially on the Ethereum network, where the costs are high. If you choose L2 (like Arbitrum, Optimism) or other public chains (like Solana, Aptos), the fees will be much cheaper.
2. Time cost
Airdropping requires long-term attention to various projects, learning the rules, completing tasks, and some projects require continuous interaction; otherwise, you may miss the qualification.
3. Capital cost (optional)
Some projects require you to deposit or stake funds. Although the principal will not be lost, it may be locked up or face opportunity costs in the short term.
4. Multi-wallet costs
If you want to aim for larger airdrops, you usually need to operate multiple wallets (starting from 5-10 accounts), which requires multiple email addresses and Twitter accounts, and you also need a VPN to disguise your IP address to avoid being identified as a bot by the project.
3. What skills are needed for airdropping?
To successfully airdrop and avoid pitfalls, you need to possess the following skills:
Information gathering skills: Follow Twitter, Discord, airdrop websites (like DeBank, Dune, Zerion) to get information as soon as possible.
On-chain operation skills: Learn to use Metamask, cross-chain, DeFi interactions, contract calls, etc.
Ability to operate in bulk: Use multiple wallets to increase profits.
Scam prevention skills: Avoid falling into phishing websites and malicious contracts.
4. How can you get a large airdrop?
If you want to get a large airdrop, you need a strategy:
1. Focus on potentially large projects
The most profitable airdrops are often large projects like Arbitrum, Optimism, and Blur.
2. Early participation and deep interaction
Single interactions may not yield much; continuous interaction and long-term use can earn more rewards.
3. Multi-wallet airdrop
If one wallet can get a $100 airdrop, then 10 wallets will be $1,000. But remember to disguise your IP and diversify your funding paths to avoid being identified as a bot.
4. Follow airdrop news to not miss the claim time.
Many people have airdropped for months, only to miss the claim time and waste the opportunity.
5. Pitfalls and precautions for airdropping
1. Beware of phishing websites
Do not click on unfamiliar websites casually and do not connect your wallet carelessly.
2. Be cautious with permissions
Use Revoke.cash to check wallet permissions and avoid token theft.
3. Do not disclose your private key
If someone asks you for your private key or mnemonic phrase, they are definitely a scammer.
4. Stay away from junk airdrops
Some projects may actively give you airdrops of worthless tokens; do not trade these tokens, as this could lead to your wallet being stolen.
6. Conclusion: Can airdropping make you rich?
Airdropping can indeed make money, even allowing you to achieve financial freedom, but it's not a windfall; it's a long-term game that requires patience, skills, and execution. If you master the information, operate in bulk, focus on big projects, and avoid various pitfalls, you can definitely earn a decent profit in this field.
That's all for this introduction. If you find it useful, you can follow my YouTube channel [Crypto Airdrop Talk].
