Airdrops have become a vital method for distributing tokens, driving community engagement, and sparking excitement for new crypto projects. By offering tokens for free, these campaigns encourage users to participate, raise awareness, and support the growth of new platforms. Airdrops can vary, including types like Standard, Holder, Exclusive, and Bounty, each with its own criteria for participation. While claiming tokens is usually simple, their value can change over time, and some airdrops might pose security risks or be outright scams. It’s crucial for participants to research thoroughly before getting involved in any airdrop campaign.

Although token giveaways are an efficient way to capture attention and reward early supporters, they come with certain risks. Scams, security flaws, and poorly managed projects can cause disappointment. Furthermore, liquidity issues can arise, as many airdropped tokens aren’t immediately tradable on exchanges. To minimize these risks, participants should carefully assess each airdrop and make informed decisions to protect their investments while optimizing potential rewards.

In this article, we showcase ten notable crypto airdrops, each with unique features that distinguish them from one another. This list is based on our internal research, offering valuable insights, but we strongly advise readers to do their own research before making any investment decisions.

A Snapshot of 10 Notable Crypto Airdrops

Token	Reward	Eligibility
Layer Zero	ZRO token rewards based on online activity	Use Layer Zero Tokens and dApps
StarkNet	STRK tokens	Completing various quests
Zksync	Zksync Tokens	Join Zksync in testing phases
Ambient	Ambient Tokens	Engage with Ambient tokens
Shardeum	SHM Tokens	Claim faucet tokens and do social media as well as community activities
Kamino	KMNO tokens	Involve in KMNO token trading
Base	BASE Tokens	Use Base for asset bridging
Scroll	SCRL Tokens	Use SCRL for asset bridging
TEA	Tea Tokens	Use testnet tokens to try its features
Mode Network	Mode Tokens	Bridge assets, use ecosystem dApps, and refer friends

LayerZero

The LayerZero project is a cutting-edge blockchain interoperability protocol designed to enable seamless communication between different blockchain networks. This innovative initiative offers the essential foundational framework for decentralised applications (dApps) to operate effectively across various blockchains, making it highly sought after in the industry.

LayerZero made a public announcement on Twitter in December 2023 regarding a token distribution, scheduled for the first half of 2024. To qualify for the LayerZero airdrop, participants had to transfer tokens to the Layer Zero network and engage with various LayerZero dApps such as liquidity farming, swapping, staking, and voting.

StarkNet

StarkNet functions as an additional layer built on Ethereum, serving as a decentralised, permissionless validity rollup known as a “ZK rollup.” This approach maintains Ethereum’s security and compatibility while granting decentralised applications the ability to access unlimited processing capabilities. StarkNet achieves this by leveraging STARK, a highly scalable and secure cryptographic-proof system.

Recently, StarkNet made a public declaration about a $1.8 billion $STRK airdrop. Currently, it remains unclear whether the snapshot of eligible participants has been captured. Nevertheless, if you wish to increase your chances, you can engage in the following activities:

1. Establishing a StarkNet Wallet
2. Transferring Layer-1 EVM tokens from your wallet to StarkNet
3. Participating in decentralised exchanges on StarkNet through buying, selling, swapping, and providing liquidity
4. Getting involved in farming activities on StarkNet

ZkSync

ZkSync is an additional initiative constructed within the Ethereum blockchain ecosystem. This layer-2 solution aims to enhance transaction speeds on Ethereum and lower gas fees through the implementation of zero-knowledge (zk) technology. Addressing critical issues, ZkSync has fostered a thriving ecosystem of decentralised applications, solidifying its position as a significant Layer-2 solution for the Ethereum network.

To increase your chances of being eligible for a significant ZkSync airdrop, it is advisable to become an early adopter of ZkSync by actively taking part in testing phases. These phases involve:

1. Linking your wallet to the ZkSync mainnet.
2. Transferring Layer-1 EVM tokens from your wallet to the Layer-2 mainnet.
3. Creating NFTs using the platforms available on the ZkSync network.
4. Participating in farming activities on the ZkSync network.
5. Providing liquidity for decentralised exchanges on the ZkSync network.

Read more: Differences Between Blockchain Layers: Layer 1 vs Layer 2

Ambient

Ambient is a decentralised exchange (DEX) that enables the operation of two-sided Automated Market Makers (AMMs) within a unified smart contract. By utilising a single-contract framework, Ambient effectively minimises gas fees and transaction costs, offering users the convenience of managing their assets in one place without the need to transfer tokens across various pools.

Speculation arose about the potential development of an Ambient token following a cryptic tweet from the project. Enhance your chances of qualifying for the Ambient airdrop by engaging in swaps, setting limit orders, and providing liquidity. Similarly, increase your likelihood of receiving a Scroll airdrop by choosing Scroll as your network.

Shardeum

Shardeum, a blockchain network based on the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), will utilise this technology to create a network of Shard chains capable of processing transactions. User requests are distributed across the shards as the network handles them. Shardeum aims for a projected speed of up to 2,000 transactions per second and operates on the Proof-of-Stake and Proof-of-Quorum consensus mechanism.

Furthermore, a portion of the token will be designated for the community. Shardeum has disclosed that 5% of its total token supply will be reserved for community airdrops. To access the Shardeum testnet, users can integrate the Shardeum network into their MetaMask wallet, claim faucet tokens, and share their experience via social media, with community engagement and testnet activities likely forming part of the eligibility criteria.

Kamino

Kamino represents a pioneering DeFi protocol that integrates Lending, Liquidity, and Leverage functionalities into a unified and secure DeFi product suite. Initially designed to provide users with a straightforward method of supplying liquidity and generating yield on-chain, Kamino Finance is set to introduce its token “KMNO” and conduct an airdrop for early adopters.

Users engaging in trading activities on the platform and accruing Kamino points will receive complimentary KMNO tokens based on their accumulated points. A portion of 7% of the total token supply has been earmarked for the airdrop. The snapshot of eligible users is scheduled for March 31st, allowing users the opportunity to participate and accumulate points to qualify for the airdrop.

Base

The base protocol operates as a Layer 2 blockchain layer constructed atop Ethereum and serves as the blockchain platform for the prominent crypto exchange, Coinbase.

Within its ecosystem, Base hosts various projects including the bridge platform Rhino.fi, DAO Llama, the DeFi platform Aave Protocol, gaming company Animoca Brands, and the NFT marketplace Decent.

Qualifying for potential airdrops within the Base ecosystem can be achieved by utilising the blockchain’s platform for asset bridging:

1. Visit https://bridge.base.org/deposit.
2. Select either “Deposit” (from Ethereum to Base) or “Withdraw” (from Base to Ethereum).
3. Choose the token you wish to bridge.
4. Enter the desired amount of tokens for bridging.
5. Confirm the transaction.

Scroll

Scroll is a layer 2 blockchain designed for Ethereum developers, offering a swift, reliable, and scalable network where existing Ethereum applications can seamlessly migrate to Scroll at a reduced cost. Notable projects within its ecosystem include the cross-chain aggregated DEX Chainge and the web3 wallet OKX Wallet.

To potentially qualify for a Scroll airdrop, utilising the platform for asset bridging is advantageous. As an Ethereum-based platform, Base supports Ethereum-compatible wallets, ensuring seamless integration for users.

For further details on potential airdrops and eligibility criteria, users are encouraged to actively engage with decentralised protocols on the Scroll network and stay updated on official communications from Scroll regarding airdrop conditions and notifications.

Read more: What is a DEX

Tea

Tea is a decentralised technology protocol to improve the sustainability and trustworthiness of the software supply chain.

“The mission of Tea is to empower contributors of open-source software to receive recognition for their contributions. Tea is introducing web3 advancements to open-source software. The Tea Protocol utilises Proof of Contribution, an innovative ranking algorithm that evaluates the influence of each project within the open-source software ecosystem.”

To get an opportunity for the airdrop sign up with a Google, Microsoft, or GitHub account. Try the features using the testnet tokens to secure more points.

Mode Network

Mode is a modular Layer 2 solution built on Ethereum, working in collaboration with Optimism to establish an on-chain cooperative.

“The objective of Mode is to empower developers and users to cultivate a thriving ecosystem of top-tier applications and receive direct rewards for their contributions. Mode constructs novel on-chain economic frameworks to facilitate application scalability for developers and offer enhanced yields for users. Transitioning to Mode is seamless for those experienced in deploying on any EVM chains.”

Summary

Airdrops have become an effective strategy for blockchain projects to distribute free tokens, attract early adopters, and drive platform growth. This approach is particularly popular with decentralized projects looking to increase visibility and build a dedicated user base. Those who receive tokens often turn into passionate supporters, helping to spread awareness and contribute to the project’s development. However, it’s crucial to remember that the content of this blog is intended for educational purposes only and should not be taken as financial advice. Always conduct your own research before making any investment decisions.

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