1/2 - Understanding Crypto Airdrops
**Crypto airdrops** are a method used by blockchain-based projects to distribute free tokens or coins to a community. These distributions often serve as a promotional tool to increase awareness, incentivize participation, or reward early supporters.
### How Airdrops Work
1. **Eligibility:** Airdrops can be targeted at users who hold a particular cryptocurrency, participate in specific activities, or register on a project’s platform.
2. **Distribution:** Tokens are usually sent directly to users' wallets. Sometimes, users might need to claim them manually via the project’s website.
3. **Notification:** Participants are often informed through social media, crypto forums, or direct emails.
### Types of Airdrops
1. **Standard Airdrop:** A predetermined amount of tokens is distributed to wallet addresses that meet certain criteria (e.g., holding a specific amount of another cryptocurrency).
- **Example:** Stellar Lumens (XLM) airdropped tokens to Bitcoin holders.
2. **Bounty Airdrop:** Users earn tokens by completing tasks like social media posts, writing articles, or inviting friends.
- **Example:** Projects often use platforms like Bitcointalk or Reddit to promote bounty airdrops.
3. **Holder Airdrop:** Tokens are distributed to existing holders of a particular cryptocurrency.
- **Example:** Ontology (ONT) airdropped ONT tokens to NEO holders.
4. **Exclusive Airdrop:** Targeted at specific groups such as early adopters, loyal community members, or event attendees.
- **Example:** Event attendees might receive exclusive tokens for participating in a conference.
5. **Fork Airdrop:** New tokens are distributed when a blockchain forks from an existing one.
- **Example:** Bitcoin Cash (BCH) was distributed to Bitcoin (BTC) holders after the Bitcoin fork.