Airdrop
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See also: List of alternative cryptocurrencies
Airdrop is a means of distributing cryptocurrency units to multiple wallet or distributed-ledger addresses. Projects often use airdrops to promote or bootstrap a new token by distributing it for free or in exchange for simple promotional tasks.[1][2]
Types
Common distribution methods include:
- Standard airdrops, for which a participant supplies an eligible wallet address.
- Bounty airdrops, which require tasks such as promoting a project or joining one of its communication channels.
- Holder airdrops, allocated according to ownership of an existing token, sometimes in proportion to the amount held. Projects can determine eligibility from a snapshot of public blockchain balances.[1]
- Fork-related airdrops, in which units of a new cryptocurrency are distributed after a hard fork to addresses holding the legacy cryptocurrency. A hard fork does not necessarily include an airdrop, and the allocation need not be one-to-one.[2]
Security
Airdrop offers may be used for phishing or other scams. Claimants should not disclose wallet private keys or recovery phrases and should be cautious about connecting a wallet to an unfamiliar website.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 The Investopedia Team (10 August 2025). "Guide to Cryptocurrency Airdrops: How They Work and What to Expect". Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/airdrop-cryptocurrency.asp. Retrieved 19 July 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Revenue Ruling 2019-24". Internal Revenue Service. 28 October 2019. https://www.irs.gov/irb/2019-44_IRB. Retrieved 19 July 2026.