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Toggle"Change your status with 0 dong" or "Zero to Hero" - a familiar phrase when mentioning Airdrop or Retroactive. But is this really true? Is the keyword "Airdrop" just a trick to attract users from the project, or a real opportunity for newcomers to the market? Let's analyze the full picture of Airdrop and Retroactive through the article below!
What is Airdrop/Retroactive?
Airdrop/Retroactive is when users participate in experiencing a project/product, after which the project evaluates the users' contributions and distributes free tokens. This is considered an effective marketing strategy to:
- Increase brand recognition
- Stimulate product usage
- Create an initial community
- Test tokenomics before official launch
Users participating in Airdrop & Retroactive may be required to perform tasks such as:
- Interact with dApp (swap, stake, mint NFT, etc.)
- Share content, participate in social media
- Hold tokens/stake wallet that meets conditions
- Participate in campaigns coordinated with Social platforms (Galxe, Taskon, etc.)
Why is there Airdrop/Retroactive?
For Web3 projects, community is a core factor in creating an initial stepping stone for future success. Airdrop not only helps attract real users but also widely spreads the project's message in the community. Although costly, many projects still choose Airdrop because:
- Rapid user growth
- Early product feedback
- Activate media FOMO effect
Common Types of Airdrop
Bounty Airdrop
Rewards for users who complete tasks such as testing products, writing content, referring users, etc.
Retroactive Airdrop
Rewards for those who interacted early with the product. Usually applied to testnet, node, staking, or early active users.
Staking/Holder Airdrop
Airdrop based on wallet snapshot, for those who stake or hold tokens during a specific period.
Hard Fork Airdrop
Occurs when the blockchain splits. Users will receive new tokens corresponding to their previous holdings.
- Example: BTC forked to BCH, ETH forked to ETC.
Raffle Airdrop
A "lucky draw" type. Register early or complete a simple task, but with low winning rate and low rewards.
Benefits of Airdrop/Retroactive
For Users
- Receive free tokens, potentially worth thousands of USD
- Increase product knowledge through research to meet eligibility criteria
- Connect with communities via Discord, Telegram, forums...
- Gain early user privileges (whitelist, badges, voting rights...)
For Projects
- Build an initial community with good spread
- Increase understanding and real interaction with the product
- Naturally promote the product with strong viral effect
Potential Risks When Participating in Airdrop/Retroactive
For Users
- Lack of transparency in reward criteria
- Being exploited for interactions without receiving an airdrop
- Spending experience and time costs with very low or no rewards
For Projects
- Wallet farming (cheaters), high costs without attracting real users
- Uneven or unfair distribution can cause negative reactions (e.g., Sei Network)
- Large token dump pressure when listed, affecting project value
Effective Airdrop/Retroactive Hunting Methods
Research & Find Potential Projects
- Follow Twitter, Discord, Airdrop Aggregator platforms (Airdrop.io, CoinMarketCap Airdrop...)
- Join communities like HC Gems, which update early projects and provide effective hunting guidance
Prepare Tools & Resources
- Crypto wallets: Metamask, Solflare, Pontem...
- Social media accounts: Telegram, Twitter, Discord, Email
- Sybil knowledge: avoid being marked as a bot/farmer
Continuous & Realistic Interaction
- Regularly perform on-chain tasks, leaving real user traces
- Communicate in communities, participate in testnets, provide product feedback
Read more:
Some Massive Airdrop Case Studies from the Past
- Uniswap (UNI): 400 UNI/wallet (~15,000 USD at peak)
- Aptos (APT): 150-300 APT/wallet (~1,000 – 2,000 USD)
- Arbitrum (ARB): Medium 1,000 USD/wallet
- Manta Network: 800 – 2,000 USD/wallet
Projects Likely to Airdrop in 2025
Allinstation has compiled a list of projects that may have large Airdrops this year. See details here.
Summary
Airdrop and Retroactive remain one of the shortest paths for newcomers to access Crypto and change their status with just effort and persistence. But opportunities come with risks. Always equip yourself with knowledge, stay updated on trends, and choose quality projects to not miss any rewards.
