Airdrops have moved far beyond simple token giveaways—they’re now a powerful tool for driving growth in new blockchain projects. Modern airdrops are designed to bring users straight into a platform’s ecosystem, rewarding active engagement rather than passive sign-ups. By completing tasks like exploring features, interacting with protocols, or participating in communities, users can earn tokens while actually experiencing the product—tokens that may increase in value as the platform develops.
For developers, this method sparks early traction, tests products in real-world conditions, and builds a lively, committed user base from day one. For users, airdrops provide a low-risk way to explore new platforms, learn how they operate, and potentially gain from their future growth. Below are ten notable examples where early participants reaped significant rewards through airdrops.
A Snapshot of 10 Notable Crypto Airdrops
| Token | Reward | Eligibility |
| Berachain (BERA) | ~$678.7 million total | Early users, content creators & community participants via profile access. |
| Kaito AI (KAITO) | ~$200.4 million total | Holders of Genesis NFT, program participants & Binance BNB Earn users. |
| Story Protocol (IP) | ~$190 million total | Early testers and active community contributors. |
| Solayer Labs (LAYER) | ~$123.6 million total | DeFi users, especially those engaging with synthetic assets. |
| Plume Network (PLUME) | ~$112 million total | Registered participants completing testnet tasks, faucets & referrals. |
| BUZZEUM (BUZZ) | ~$55.6 million total | Complete social media tasks and participate in the BUZZEUM community to earn entry. |
| Nillion Network (NIL) | ~$54.5 million total | Testnet participants, community contributors, developers; Binance Launchpool supporters. |
| Initia (INIT) | ~$37.25 million total | Early platform contributors and testers. |
| Kamino Finance (KMNO) | ~$26.49 million total | Solana-based Season 3 stakers. |
| BSquared Network (B2) | ~$10.5 million total | Early builders and contributors. |
1. Berachain (BERA)
Berachain’s airdrop stood out as one of the year’s biggest, with 79 million tokens distributed to early participants across its ecosystem. This included users of the testnet, holders of Bong Bear NFTs, and community builders who helped shape its early presence.
The initiative was carefully designed to reach across its user base—from technical testers to content creators—ensuring that those who contributed to Berachain’s early momentum were given meaningful rewards. This laid the groundwork for high engagement post-launch.
2. Kaito AI (KAITO)
Kaito recognized the growing interest in AI-integrated blockchain platforms with a major airdrop that awarded tokens to early adopters. Eligible recipients included Genesis NFT holders, members of its social “Yaps” program, and users involved through Binance’s ecosystem.
Despite some early volatility as recipients offloaded tokens, the airdrop succeeded in building attention and onboarding thousands of new users. It split the crowd between short-term traders and long-term believers in AI’s role in Web3.
3. Story Protocol (IP)
Story Protocol made a mark by rewarding those who supported its early efforts to build a decentralized framework for managing digital intellectual property. Testers, early contributors, and community participants were all included in the airdrop.
The campaign helped shape a tight-knit, mission-aligned user base focused on collaborative storytelling and rights management—positioning Story Protocol as more than just a token, but a tool for creators to reclaim ownership.
Also Read: Differences Between Blockchain Layers: Layer 1 vs. Layer 2
4. Solayer Labs (LAYER)
Solayer Labs delivered a strong DeFi-focused airdrop, targeting users who interacted with synthetic assets and derivatives within its ecosystem. Active traders and liquidity providers were prioritized for rewards.
This strategy not only drove platform usage but also attracted sophisticated users likely to engage long-term. The campaign reinforced Solayer’s reputation as a go-to platform for advanced financial instruments in the crypto space.
5. Plume Network (PLUME)
Plume’s airdrop gained attention with its creative format, letting users pick between a smaller, instant reward or a larger, delayed claim. Participants earned eligibility through testnet activity, faucet claims, and referrals.
The gamified structure encouraged ongoing engagement and added an element of strategy to claiming rewards, making the entire process more interactive and rewarding for users who stuck with the project.
6. Buzzeum (BUZZ)
Buzzeum’s approach was highly social—users could earn tokens by completing short online tasks and referring others to the platform. With token “drops” available frequently, the campaign encouraged repeat interaction and collaboration.
The project turned airdrop farming into a competitive game, blending elements of social sharing and community building. This drove rapid user growth and created buzz (pun intended) across crypto Twitter and Telegram groups.
7. Nillion Network (NIL)
Nillion Network introduced a dual airdrop strategy—allocating tokens to early testers and developers, while also opening up farming opportunities through Binance’s Launchpool. This mix attracted both technical and retail users.
The initiative struck a balance between rewarding core contributors and bringing in new faces, helping to expand the network’s reach and decentralization without sacrificing quality engagement.
Also Read: What Is a Crypto Airdrop?
8. Initia (INIT)
Focusing on its modular Layer-1 and Layer-2 stack, Initia rewarded early testers and contributors who engaged with its ecosystem during the build phase. The airdrop targeted users who helped stress-test features or contributed to its development.
Rather than go for wide distribution, Initia prioritized quality over quantity—rewarding those most likely to support the network’s growth from a technical and community-building perspective.
9. Kamino Finance (KMNO)
Kamino’s airdrop was based on user activity during its third incentive season. Participants who provided liquidity, staked assets, or used its leverage features on Solana were rewarded based on a points-driven model.
This approach encouraged deep engagement with the protocol’s offerings and was designed to reward consistent usage. Auto-staking mechanisms added to the appeal for long-term participants.
Also Read: What is a DEX
10. BSquared Network (B2)
BSquared took a playful and engaging route, turning its airdrop into a simulation of mining Bitcoin. Users could earn tokens through platform participation, cross-chain activity, and referrals—mirroring the rewards of mining rigs.
This mining-inspired approach fostered strong community interaction, as users competed and collaborated to boost their token earnings while supporting the project’s early adoption.
Summary
As the crypto landscape expands rapidly, airdrops have become a popular way for new blockchain projects to gain attention and onboard early users. By offering free tokens, projects encourage people to explore their platforms, test features, and engage with the ecosystem from the very start. For users, airdrops provide a low-risk opportunity to discover innovative ideas before they reach mainstream adoption.
Part of their appeal lies in simplicity—most airdrops only require a few basic steps, making them accessible to both beginners and seasoned crypto enthusiasts. However, it’s important to approach each airdrop carefully. Take the time to understand the project’s goals, check its roadmap, and verify the credibility of its team to avoid unnecessary risks.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Always do your own research and stay alert to potential scams when participating in any airdrop.
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