The year 2024 has been a landmark for crypto enthusiasts, marked by a surge in high-value airdrops that rewarded early adopters, loyal community members, and active participants across decentralized ecosystems. As market sentiment rebounds and innovation accelerates, projects are leveraging token distributions to bootstrap adoption, decentralize governance, and fuel long-term engagement.
From DeFi powerhouses to NFT giants and viral gaming phenomena, these airdrops have collectively distributed over $190 billion in peak valuation—reshaping wealth distribution in Web3 and redefining how users interact with blockchain protocols.
This article explores the top five cryptocurrency airdrops of 2024, analyzing their impact, distribution mechanics, and significance within the broader crypto landscape.
Hyperliquid: $10.84 Billion
Topping the list is Hyperliquid, a high-performance Layer-1 network optimized for decentralized finance (DeFi) trading. In November, the Hyper Foundation launched the HYPE token airdrop, distributing 31 million HYPE tokens to users of its flagship decentralized exchange (DEX).
Initially valued at $1.6 billion, the airdrop’s worth skyrocketed to over **$10.84 billion** at peak market prices—making it one of the most valuable token giveaways in crypto history.
Hyperliquid’s DEX stands out for offering perpetual futures trading with up to 50x leverage, attracting traders seeking speed, low latency, and deep liquidity. Since launch, the platform has served more than 312,000 unique users, according to official foundation data.
The HYPE token plays a central role in protocol governance and ecosystem incentives, reinforcing user ownership and long-term alignment. With its robust infrastructure and growing community, Hyperliquid has cemented itself as a major player in the DeFi space.
👉 Discover how early participation in DeFi platforms can unlock massive future rewards.
Starknet: $3.09 Billion
Starknet, an Ethereum Layer-2 scaling solution built on zero-knowledge (ZK) rollup technology, made waves in 2024 with the long-awaited launch of its STRK token airdrop.
After three years of development following its mainnet debut in 2021, Starknet finally distributed 700 million STRK tokens to early users, developers, and Ethereum stakers who interacted with the network.
These tokens are essential for governance and staking, enabling holders to vote on upgrades and earn rewards by securing the network. In June, StarkWare—the team behind Starknet—announced plans to expand ZK tech integration beyond Ethereum, including experimental work involving Bitcoin.
Notably, Starknet launched the first phase of its staking program, becoming the first Layer-2 network to reward users for participating in transaction validation. This move not only enhances decentralization but also strengthens economic incentives for sustained engagement.
With its cutting-edge ZK architecture and strong developer ecosystem, Starknet continues to lead the charge in scalable, secure blockchain innovation.
Pudgy Penguins: $3.064 Billion
Once a beloved NFT collection, Pudgy Penguins has evolved into a full-fledged consumer brand—and now, a tokenized ecosystem. The launch of its PENGU token on the Solana blockchain marked a pivotal moment in NFT monetization and community empowerment.
The project allocated half of its 88.88 billion PENGU supply to its existing NFT holders, other NFT communities (including Bored Ape Yacht Club and Doodles), and former FTT token holders from the collapsed FTX exchange.
At its peak, the airdrop reached a valuation of $3.064 billion, underscoring the enduring influence of blue-chip NFT brands. Beyond digital collectibles, Pudgy Penguins has expanded into physical products, with toys available at major retailers like Walmart and Target—a rare success story in a cooling NFT market.
The introduction of Pudgy Planet, a companion app for fans, further deepens user engagement. By blending real-world commerce with on-chain utility, Pudgy Penguins exemplifies how NFT projects can achieve mainstream relevance while rewarding early supporters.
👉 Learn how NFT communities are turning digital ownership into tangible value.
Notcoin: $2.274 Billion
In the world of play-to-earn and click-to-earn games, few have captured global attention like Notcoin—a simple yet addictive Telegram-based mini-app where players tap to mine coins.
Built on The Open Network (TON), Notcoin amassed a massive user base before launching its token in May. The final airdrop included 80.2 billion NOT tokens, distributed to active players who contributed to the game’s viral growth.
At its peak, the airdrop was valued at $2.274 billion, making it the largest gaming-related token distribution of 2024. Major exchanges like Binance quickly listed NOT, validating its market significance.
Notcoin’s success reflects a broader trend: "viral mechanics" used to onboard millions into crypto ecosystems. While some critics argue that tap-to-earn games lack depth, others see them as effective gateways for mass adoption—especially when backed by strong networks like TON.
Following Notcoin’s footsteps, other games like Hamster Kombat have emerged, drawing over 300 million players ahead of their own anticipated airdrops.
Jupiter: $2 Billion
Rounding out the top five is Jupiter, Solana’s leading DEX aggregator. In early 2024, Jupiter launched its first major token distribution, allocating 1 billion JUP tokens to users who had interacted with its platform.
Originally promising an additional 3 billion JUP in a second round—referred to internally as “Jupuary”—the project continues to build momentum despite no confirmed date for the next release.
As one of the largest DeFi projects on Solana, Jupiter has facilitated over $2 trillion in total trading volume, according to analytics platform Dune. Its aggregation engine routes trades across multiple DEXs to ensure optimal pricing and minimal slippage.
In a nod to its anonymous founder (“Meow”), the Jupiter community will host its first in-person event next month in Istanbul—dubbed "Katstanbul"—to strengthen global connections among developers and users.
With deep liquidity, strong analytics, and ongoing community-driven development, Jupiter remains a cornerstone of Solana’s DeFi ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a cryptocurrency airdrop?
A: An airdrop is a distribution of free tokens to wallet addresses, typically used to reward early users, promote adoption, or decentralize ownership of a blockchain project.
Q: How do I qualify for future airdrops?
A: Participate actively in emerging protocols—use DeFi apps, mint NFTs, stake assets, or engage with new blockchain networks before they launch tokens.
Q: Are all airdrops valuable?
A: No. While some deliver significant value (like HYPE or STRK), many result in low or zero returns. Focus on reputable projects with strong fundamentals.
Q: Can I sell my airdropped tokens immediately?
A: It depends on vesting schedules. Some tokens are fully unlocked at launch; others may be subject to gradual releases over months or years.
Q: Is participating in airdrops risky?
A: Yes. Scams are common. Never share private keys or pay fees to claim tokens. Use trusted wallets and verify official project channels.
Q: Why are gaming airdrops so popular now?
A: Games like Notcoin use simple mechanics to attract millions of users quickly. These large user bases make them attractive for token launches and exchange listings.
The 2024 crypto airdrop season has proven that user participation matters. Whether through trading on DeFi platforms, collecting NFTs, or playing mobile games, everyday users now have real pathways to own a piece of the blockchain future.
As protocols continue to innovate and distribute value more equitably, staying informed and engaged will be key to unlocking tomorrow’s opportunities.
👉 Start exploring blockchain ecosystems today and position yourself for the next big airdrop.