Airdrop
Free token distribution to users — usually for project promotion.
An airdrop is the distribution of free cryptocurrencies or tokens directly to user wallets. Projects use airdrops for:
•Rewarding early protocol users
•Increasing project awareness
•Decentralizing token ownership
•Community building
Types of airdrops:
•Retroactive — users who used the protocol before a snapshot date receive tokens (Uniswap UNI 2020, Arbitrum ARB 2023)
•Task-based — complete tasks (follow on X, join Discord) for reward
•Holder airdrop — if you hold X tokens on snapshot day
Famous airdrops:
•Uniswap (UNI, 2020): 400 UNI to all early users (~$3,000 then, $16,000+ at peak)
•Arbitrum (ARB, 2023): up to 10,250 ARB
Caution: scam airdrops that steal funds through malicious smart contracts. Never approve unlimited permissions to unknown contracts.