What it means
A crypto project wants a community before launch. To get one it gives away part of its tokens to people who try the product early: they use the test network, join the waitlist, collect points.
It is not a guaranteed gift. The project decides who gets what and when, and often announces it at the last minute.
The most common types
- Testnet: you try a network still in testing, with funds that have no value.
- Waitlist: you sign up early and sometimes move up a tier by inviting others.
- Point farming: you collect points by using the product; points may count toward the token.
- Yield farming and staking: you deposit real funds in a protocol and earn rewards.
- NFT mints, Discord roles and whitelists: you take part in the community to get access.
- Nodes: you keep software running that helps the network.
How the token reaches you
- Activity: you complete the tasks the project asks for.
- Snapshot: the project records who did what at a precise moment. What you did before counts.
- TGE: the token launches on the market.
- Claim: you collect the tokens from the official site, with the wallet you used.
What to expect
Not every project distributes tokens, and the reward can be small or nothing. Spend time and money only in proportion to what you can afford to lose.
In many countries received tokens can have tax consequences: check the rules of yours.
Warning: No serious airdrop asks for your seed phrase or for funds to "unlock" your tokens.