In cryptocurrency slang, 'airdrop hunting' is a whole subculture. People literally 'hunt' for free tokens that projects distribute for activity.
What is an airdrop?
Airdrop is the distribution of tokens to users. Projects do this to:
-attract attention to oneself,
-reward early users,
-stimulate activity in the network.
For example, if you used early versions of Uniswap or Arbitrum, you might later receive tokens simply for being active before others. Sometimes such distributions were worth thousands of dollars.
Who are 'airdrop hunters'?
These are crypto enthusiasts who systematically participate in all potential projects to increase their chances of receiving free tokens. They:
-create multiple wallets,
-actively use testnets and new protocols,
-complete tasks (for example, 'make a swap', 'provide liquidity', 'subscribe to Discord').
Pros of hunting for airdrops:
The opportunity to earn without investments.
A great way to explore new projects and technologies.
Sometimes it really is a 'ticket to the future' — some airdrops have brought tens of thousands of dollars.
Cons and risks:
A huge waste of time and effort.
Not every project does an airdrop — efforts may be in vain.
Scammers: phishing sites that steal seed phrases or tokens often hide under the guise of 'airdrop'.
Legal nuances: some countries may consider airdrops as taxable income.
How to hunt safely?
1. Use separate wallets for tests.
2. Never enter the seed phrase on websites.
3. Check the project's reputation and domain.
4. Keep a tracking table — so you don't forget where you have already participated.
Conclusion: Airdrop hunting is a mix of gambling and crypto research. For some, it's just a hobby, for others — almost a profession. But to avoid ending up losing assets, always filter projects and think about safety.
