Crypto airdrops refer to the distribution of free tokens or cryptocurrencies to holders of an existing blockchain asset, typically as a marketing tactic by a blockchain project or company. The goal is to promote awareness, reward early adopters, or encourage engagement with a new platform.
### Types of Airdrops:
1. **Holder Airdrops**: These are the most common, where existing holders of a particular cryptocurrency receive free tokens of a new project. For example, holders of Ethereum might receive tokens of a new DeFi project as an airdrop.
2. **Community Airdrops**: Projects distribute tokens to users who perform specific actions like joining their Telegram group, following on social media, or participating in discussions.
3. **Hard Fork Airdrops**: When a blockchain undergoes a hard fork, holders of the original cryptocurrency may receive an equal amount of tokens on the new forked blockchain.
4. **Exchange Airdrops**: Sometimes cryptocurrency exchanges distribute tokens to users who hold a certain amount of assets on their platform.
### Examples of Airdrops:
- **Uniswap (UNI)**: Uniswap airdropped 400 UNI tokens to anyone who had used the platform before a certain date, rewarding early users.
- **Bitcoin Cash (BCH)**: When Bitcoin Cash forked from Bitcoin, Bitcoin holders received an equivalent amount of Bitcoin Cash tokens.
- **Ontology (ONT)**: Ontology conducted airdrops to NEO holders as part of their strategy to bootstrap their ecosystem.
### Strategies to Find and Participate in Airdrops:
1. **Monitor Airdrop Announcement Channels**: Follow cryptocurrency news websites, Twitter accounts, and dedicated Telegram channels that announce upcoming airdrops.
2. **Check Exchanges**: Some exchanges announce airdrops to users holding specific tokens on their platform. Keep an eye on exchange newsletters and announcements.
3. **Engage in Social Media and Forums**: Participate actively in cryptocurrency communities on Reddit, Bitcointalk, and other forums where airdrop announcements are often shared.
