The Fantom Foundation announced a major rebranding on December 18, 2024 — transforming the Fantom blockchain into Sonic, and converting its native token from FTM to S at a 1:1 ratio. This strategic upgrade aims to evolve Fantom into a high-speed, Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible Layer-1 blockchain with enhanced scalability and performance.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the transition, including how to convert your FTM tokens, key network improvements, staking opportunities, and how to qualify for upcoming airdrops.
What Is the Sonic Network?
Sonic is a next-generation blockchain designed for ultra-fast transaction processing. It targets 10,000 transactions per second (TPS) with finality under one second — a significant leap from Fantom’s average 1–2 second finality.
To achieve this performance boost, the development team replaced the traditional Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) with the new Sonic Virtual Machine (Sonic VM). This upgraded engine optimizes bytecode execution, supports advanced instructions, and streamlines common transaction types, enabling validators to process smart contracts more efficiently.
Despite these changes, Sonic remains fully EVM-compatible, ensuring seamless migration for developers and decentralized applications (dApps). This compatibility preserves existing tooling and developer ecosystems while unlocking new performance capabilities.
Key Upgrades in the Transition from Fantom to Sonic
- Throughput: Up to 10,000 TPS
- Finality: Sub-one-second confirmation times
- EVM Compatibility: Full support for Solidity and Vyper
- Developer Incentives: Revenue-sharing models for dApp creators
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Core Features of the Sonic Blockchain
Before diving into the conversion process, let’s explore what makes Sonic stand out in the competitive blockchain landscape.
1. Developer Fee Monetization (FeeM)
Sonic introduces FeeM, a revolutionary revenue model where 90% of transaction fees generated by a dApp go directly to its developers. The remaining 10% supports network validators.
This structure mirrors Web2 monetization platforms like YouTube, empowering developers to focus on innovation without worrying about funding. In contrast, non-FeeM dApps see 50% of fees burned, with the rest distributed to the ecosystem and validators.
2. Innovator Fund
To fuel ecosystem growth, Sonic Labs has allocated 200 million S tokens to the Innovator Fund. This capital will support startups and new dApp development through partnerships with prominent angel investors from projects like Aave, Compound, Curve, and Frax.
3. Consensus Mechanism
Sonic uses a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus model built on Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) and Asynchronous Byzantine Fault Tolerance (ABFT). This combination enhances energy efficiency and network security.
Validators must stake a minimum of 50,000 S tokens to participate — a threshold designed to deter Sybil attacks and ensure network integrity.
Sonic Tokenomics: Understanding the S Token
With the rebrand, the total supply of the new S token stands at 3.175 billion units. Here's how it's distributed:
- Circulating Supply at Launch: ~2.88 billion S
- Additional Emissions: 70 million S annually for the first four years (funded by residual Fantom rewards)
- Post-Year 4: New S tokens minted at 1.75% annual inflation to reward validators
The S token serves multiple purposes:
- Paying transaction fees
- Participating in governance
- Staking and validator operations
Sonic Airdrop: How to Qualify for Free S Tokens
Six months after mainnet launch — around June 2025 — Sonic will distribute 190.5 million S tokens (6% of total supply) via an airdrop to users active on both Fantom Opera and Sonic Mainnet.
The airdrop rewards participants through two systems: Points and Gems.
Sonic Points (For Users)
Earn points by interacting with supported assets on the Sonic ecosystem:
| Asset | Multiplier |
|---|---|
| S, LST | 3x |
| scUSD, scETH, ONE | 2x |
| USDC, USDT | 1x |
| SolvBTC, SolvBTC.BBN | 1x |
There are two types of points:
- Passive Liquidity Points: Earned by bridging assets to Sonic Mainnet
- Active Engagement Points: Additional multipliers when using assets in approved dApps
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Sonic Gems (For Developers)
Developers compete for 1.68 million Gems in Season 1. Winners can convert their Gems into S tokens:
| Gem Tier | S Tokens per Winner |
|---|---|
| Emerald | 13,125 |
| Sapphire | 8,750 |
| Ruby | 4,375 |
Linear Vesting & Token Burning Mechanism
To prevent sudden market shocks, Sonic implements a linear vesting model for airdropped tokens:
- 25% available immediately
- 75% locked in NFT positions over 270 days (9 months)
Users who withdraw early face progressive token burns:
| Withdrawal Window | Burn Rate |
|---|---|
| Days 0–30 | 100–88.9% |
| Days 31–60 | 88.9–77.8% |
| Days 61–90 | 77.8–66.7% |
| ... | ... |
| Days 241–270 | 11.2–0% |
After 270 days, unclaimed NFT positions can be traded on Sonic’s marketplace.
Why Convert FTM to S?
Upgrading from FTM to S unlocks several advantages:
1. Bitcoin Staking & DeFi Access
Via Solv Protocol, users can stake Bitcoin and receive wrapped tokens like SolvBTC and SolvBTC.BBN at a 1:1 ratio. These can be used across DeFi platforms for yield farming, liquidity provision, and advanced trading strategies.
Additionally, staking BTC through Babylon Protocol allows users to earn additional rewards and participate in PoS validation on other chains.
2. Real-World Asset (RWA) Tokenization
Sonic has partnered with Backed, Chainlink, and Fortlake Asset Management to tokenize the Sigma Opportunities Fund, a global fixed-income investment vehicle targeting returns 7–10% above Australia’s federal interest rate.
This integration brings real-world financial assets on-chain, expanding investment opportunities for crypto users.
How to Convert FTM to S: Step-by-Step Guide
The FTM-to-S conversion began on December 18, 2024. The method depends on where your tokens are held.
Supported Wallets
You can use any of these wallets:
- MetaMask
- Rabby Wallet
- OKX Wallet
- Trust Wallet
- Bitget Wallet
- Coinbase Wallet
- Rainbow
- Fordfi
- Safe
- Fireblocks
Conversion Methods
✅ FTM/WFTM on Ethereum
Use the Sonic Gateway to bridge tokens from Ethereum.
✅ WFTM on Opera
Use the Sonic Upgrade Portal to convert directly.
✅ Centralized Exchanges (e.g., Binance)
Wait for the exchange to support automatic migration — no action needed from users.
✅ Staked or Delegated FTM
Unstake your tokens first. After a 24-hour cooldown period, withdraw and convert via the Upgrade Portal.
⚠️ Note: If daily upgrade transactions exceed 2 million, a small fee may be introduced to prevent spam.
Step-by-Step: Convert FTM on Opera Using MetaMask
Here’s how to manually upgrade using MetaMask:
Step 1: Deposit FTM into MetaMask
Transfer your FTM tokens to your MetaMask wallet if they’re stored elsewhere.
Step 2: Add Fantom Opera Network
In MetaMask:
- Click “Networks” > “Add Network”
Enter:
- Network Name: Fantom Opera
- RPC URL: https://rpc.ftm.tools/
- Chain ID: 250
- Symbol: FTM
- Block Explorer: https://ftmscan.com
Step 3: Use the Sonic Upgrade Portal
Go to my.soniclabs.com/upgrade and connect your MetaMask wallet. Enter the amount of FTM to upgrade and click “Upgrade.”
Step 4: Add Sonic Mainnet to MetaMask
Add the new network manually:
- Network Name: Sonic Mainnet
- RPC URL: https://rpc.soniclabs.com
- Chain ID: 146
- Symbol: S
- Block Explorer: https://sonicscan.org
What Happens If You Don’t Upgrade?
Nothing immediate — Fantom Opera will continue operating. However:
- No further upgrades or development will occur on the old chain
- You’ll need S tokens to interact with new dApps on Sonic
- After 90 days, only one-way conversion (FTM → S) will be possible
You can still convert later — there’s no expiration date — but early migration ensures access to all ecosystem benefits.
Binance Support for FTM-to-S Migration
Binance has confirmed full support for the rebrand:
Spot Trading
- January 13, 2025 (UTC): All FTM trading pairs suspended
- January 16, 2025 (UTC): S trading pairs go live
Futures & Margin
- All FTM perpetual positions closed by January 6, 2025
- Margin lending halted from December 24, 2024
Withdrawals for S will be announced post-migration.
Migration Timeline Summary
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Sonic Mainnet Launch | December 18, 2024 |
| Two-Way Conversion Window | Until March 18, 2025 |
| One-Way Migration Only | Starting March 19, 2025 |
Fantom will remain active but will no longer receive updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I convert FTM on Ethereum to S?
Yes — use the Sonic Gateway at gateway.soniclabs.com to bridge your tokens.
Can I use the Upgrade Portal with assets in dApps?
Not directly. You must first withdraw your assets to your wallet on the Opera chain before upgrading.
How do I convert FTM to S on an exchange?
No action is needed. Exchanges like Binance will handle the migration automatically once supported.
How long do I have to convert FTM to S?
You can convert anytime — there’s no deadline. However, two-way swaps end after March 18, 2025.
What happens if I don’t convert?
Your FTM remains safe on Fantom Opera, but you won’t access Sonic’s new features or airdrops unless you upgrade.
Can I stake S tokens?
Yes — visit MySonic to stake S. Minimum lock-up is 14 days.
Final Thoughts
The transition from Fantom (FTM) to Sonic (S) represents a major leap forward in blockchain performance and user empowerment. With faster transactions, EVM compatibility, developer incentives, and real-world asset integration, Sonic is positioning itself as a next-generation Layer-1 platform.
By upgrading your FTM tokens early, you gain access to:
- Airdrop eligibility
- Bitcoin staking opportunities
- RWA investment options
- Future governance rights
Don’t miss this pivotal moment in blockchain evolution — secure your place in the Sonic ecosystem today.
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