What to Expect from Crypto Airdrops in 2025

Last year, I predicted that the trend of issuing airdrop “points” would gain momentum in 2024. DeFi projects, wary of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) labeling their tokens as securities, opted for points to sidestep regulatory risks.

Over the past year, points have become increasingly common in the crypto space. With Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January, signaling a more relaxed regulatory approach to crypto, and SEC Chair Gary Gensler’s likely resignation, the legal necessity to issue points instead of tokens may soon diminish.

Even so, points are expected to remain a critical part of airdrops in 2025—perhaps even more so than before. Here’s why:

The Hyperliquid Effect

Using points instead of tokens does more than just appease regulators—it has tangible benefits for DeFi protocols. When executed effectively, points-based campaigns can be powerful marketing tools, fostering user loyalty and creating a sense of progression.

Take Hyperliquid as an example. Its November token launch, supported by a points campaign, was arguably the most successful airdrop of the year. Users were rewarded solely based on their activity on the platform, resulting in a fair and generous distribution of tokens.

The success of Hyperliquid’s HYPE token, which saw a 623% rally post-launch, underscores the campaign’s effectiveness. However, it wasn’t just the points campaign driving interest—investors believed in the project itself.

It’s likely we’ll see several projects trying to replicate Hyperliquid’s success in 2025. However, caution is warranted: whenever an idea gains traction in crypto, opportunists often emerge, trying to exploit the trend for quick profits.

Looser Regulations on the Horizon

Another key factor for 2025 is the regulatory environment. With Paul Atkins, a crypto-friendly advocate, expected to lead the SEC, the industry anticipates an end to the current crackdown.

This friendlier climate could encourage crypto projects that were hesitant about launching tokens to move forward. For instance, Trump’s affiliated DeFi project, World Liberty Financial, has issued WLFI governance tokens but kept them non-tradable to avoid regulatory scrutiny. Under a more favorable administration, similar projects may choose to make their tokens tradable or launch new ones entirely.

Potential Airdrop Candidates for 2025

Some projects have already announced upcoming airdrops:

• Jupiter: The Solana-based aggregator will airdrop $860 million worth of JUP tokens in January.
• Pump.fun: The memecoin platform has hinted at a token launch.
• Polymarket & OpenSea: Both have teased future token launches, possibly through airdrops.

This list is far from exhaustive. As always, the crypto space is full of surprises.

BitGalactic’s Perspective:

At BitGalactic, we see airdrops in 2025 as a unique mix of opportunity and caution. The shift in regulations could open doors for projects to innovate, but it also increases the chances of scams and copycat campaigns. Hyperliquid’s case sets a strong example, but investors must focus on projects with genuine value and sustainable growth strategies.

As always, airdrops remain one of the most accessible ways for users to participate in the crypto ecosystem. However, diligence is key—only engage with reputable projects that prioritize fairness and transparency in their tokenomics.