Definition
An airdrop is a method of distributing new crypto tokens or NFTs directly to users’ wallets at no cost to the recipient. It is commonly used by projects to spread ownership of a token, increase awareness, or recognize early users and community members. Airdrops can be based on simple criteria, such as holding a certain asset or using a specific application during a defined period. They are part of broader crypto culture, often creating buzz and attention around new or evolving projects.
In some cases, airdrops are linked to activity in emerging digital environments, including spaces associated with the Metaverse. The distribution is typically recorded on a blockchain, making it transparent who received which tokens and when. While recipients do not pay for the tokens themselves, the project team controls the rules that determine eligibility and the amount each wallet receives. As a concept, airdrops sit at the intersection of marketing, community incentives, and token distribution in the crypto ecosystem.
In Simple Terms
An airdrop is like a free giveaway of digital coins or collectibles sent straight to a crypto wallet. Projects use it to get their token into more people’s hands and to reward those who were early or active. These giveaways can be tied to online worlds and experiences, including those related to the Metaverse, but the core idea is always the same: spreading tokens widely without asking recipients to buy them.