The Most Famous Airdrops in Crypto: A Look at the Biggest Token Giveaways

Introduction

Crypto airdrops have changed how blockchain projects distribute tokens and engage users. Over the years, many of the biggest crypto airdrops have given out billions of dollars worth of tokens. These events don’t just reward early adopters but also generate huge excitement. In fact, they’ve helped shape the entire cryptocurrency ecosystem.

This article highlights the most famous airdrops in airdrop history. From the game-changing Uniswap airdrop to the more recent crypto airdrops in 2024, we’ll explore an airdrop list that has had a lasting impact on the market.

Curious about recent airdrop history? Let’s dive into the biggest airdrops of all time!

1. Uniswap (UNI) – The Largest Airdrop: $6.43 Billion

On September 16, 2020, Uniswap made history with the largest airdrop ever. The platform distributed $6.43 billion worth of UNI tokens. Every user who had previously used Uniswap received 400 UNI tokens, which were valued at their all-time high (ATH) of $42.88. This massive airdrop remains the biggest in crypto airdrop history.

The UNI airdrop helped launch DeFi Summer and brought decentralized finance (DeFi) to mainstream attention. For many users, it was a powerful reminder of the potential rewards within the crypto space.

2. Apecoin (APE) – $3.54 Billion for NFT Holders

In March 2022, Apecoin (APE) took the crypto world by storm with a $3.54 billion airdrop. This token distribution targeted holders of Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) and Mutant Ape Yacht Club (MAYC) NFTs. Each BAYC holder received up to 10,950 APE tokens, valued at $258,737 when the token hit its ATH of $23.63.

The Apecoin airdrop created massive value for its community and highlighted the growing connection between NFTs and tokenized assets.

3. dYdX (DYDX) – $2 Billion in Tokens

The dYdX airdrop on September 8, 2021, was another milestone in the DeFi space. It distributed $2 billion worth of DYDX tokens. What set this airdrop apart was the vesting schedule, where users could only unlock their tokens over a five-year period. This approach encouraged long-term participation in the decentralized exchange, aligning user incentives with the platform’s growth.

4. Arbitrum (ARB) – $1.97 Billion in 2023

In March 2023, Arbitrum carried out the biggest crypto airdrop of that year, distributing $1.97 billion worth of ARB tokens. The airdrop was based on users’ activity within the Arbitrum ecosystem, making it a highly anticipated event. As a result, the ARB airdrop significantly boosted the platform’s total value locked (TVL).

5. Ethereum Name Service (ENS) – $1.87 Billion

The Ethereum Name Service (ENS) airdrop took place after a snapshot on October 31, 2021, and distributed $1.87 billion worth of ENS tokens. The airdrop was reserved for holders of .ETH domain names, allowing them to receive governance tokens and participate in the project’s decentralized governance structure.

The ENS airdrop stands out in airdrop history as a model of how to reward active users while decentralizing control of a protocol.

For more insights on how airdrops impact long-term token holding, check out our post on The Impact of Airdrops on Long-Term Token Holding.

The Most Famous Airdrops in Crypto

6. Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) – $1.74 Billion to Early Users

In May 2021, Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) distributed $1.74 billion worth of ICP tokens to its early supporters. The airdrop targeted 50,000 users, each receiving 2,513 ICP tokens. The ICP airdrop wasn’t just about financial rewards—it focused on engaging active community members and developers involved in the project’s early stages.

7. Bonk (BONK) – $1.33 Billion Meme Token Airdrop

At the end of 2022, the meme token Bonk (BONK) was airdropped, distributing $1.33 billion worth of tokens. The BONK airdrop took place right before the token reached its ATH in December 2023, quickly cementing its place among the largest airdrops in recent history. Despite being a meme token, BONK gained widespread attention and showed the ongoing appeal of speculative tokens in the crypto space.

8. Celestia (TIA) – $730 Million to Contributors

In October 2023, Celestia (TIA) carried out a $730 million airdrop. This airdrop was designed to reward developers, researchers, and contributors to public goods and essential protocol infrastructure. By focusing on those who contributed to the Cosmos Hub and Osmosis ecosystems, Celestia showed that airdrops could also drive real-world progress in the development of blockchain networks.

9. LooksRare (LOOKS) – $712 Million for NFT Traders

In 2022, LooksRare distributed $712 million in LOOKS tokens to NFT traders. The LOOKS airdrop targeted users who had traded at least 3 ETH on OpenSea, attracting them to the LooksRare platform. By rewarding users for their trading activity, LooksRare successfully positioned itself as a strong competitor to OpenSea in the NFT marketplace.

10. 1inch Network (1INCH) – $671 Million to DEX Users

In December 2023, the 1inch Network airdropped $671 million in tokens to users who had provided liquidity or interacted with decentralized exchanges like Uniswap, Gnosis, and Mooniswap. By targeting active users, the 1INCH airdrop helped the project expand its ecosystem and strengthen its foothold in the decentralized finance space.

Conclusion

The biggest crypto airdrops have distributed billions of dollars worth of tokens, shaping the landscape of decentralized finance, NFTs, and blockchain projects. From Uniswap’s record-breaking UNI airdrop to more recent events like the ARB airdrop in 2023, these token giveaways have benefited early adopters while fueling project growth.

As the crypto industry continues to evolve, the role of airdrops remains crucial. Whether you’re a crypto enthusiast or a curious investor, keeping an eye on recent airdrop history can offer exciting opportunities for participation and rewards.

Looking to get involved in future airdrops? Stay updated and explore upcoming opportunities that could boost your crypto holdings at Freecoins24.io.

FAQs

1. What is the biggest crypto airdrop in history?
The Uniswap (UNI) airdrop, valued at $6.43 billion, is the largest airdrop ever.

2. Can I see airdrop history for my tokens?
Yes, blockchain explorers allow users to track their airdrop history and see which tokens they have received.

3. How can I participate in crypto airdrops?
You can stay informed by following airdrop lists on platforms like CoinMarketCap and AirdropAlert to find upcoming events.

4. What was the biggest crypto airdrop of 2023?
The largest crypto airdrop in 2023 was the Arbitrum (ARB) airdrop, distributing $1.97 billion worth of tokens.

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