Airdrops are one of the most popular and lucrative ways to get free cryptocurrency tokens. However, not all airdrops are created equal, and knowing when to sell them can make a big difference in your returns. CoinGecko, a leading cryptocurrency data platform, has conducted a comprehensive study on the performance of the 50 biggest airdrops in history, and revealed some interesting insights and tips on how to maximize profits from airdrops.

What are airdrops and why do they matter?

Airdrops are the distribution of free tokens or coins to existing or potential users of a cryptocurrency project or platform. Airdrops are usually done to promote awareness, adoption, and loyalty of the project, as well as to reward the community for their support and participation.

Airdrops can be a great way to get exposure to new and promising projects, as well as to diversify your portfolio with different tokens. Some airdrops can also provide significant returns, as the tokens may appreciate in value over time, depending on the market conditions and the growth of the project.

However, not all airdrops are worth holding, as some tokens may lose value or become worthless over time, due to various factors such as competition, regulation, or lack of innovation. Therefore, knowing when to sell your airdrop tokens can be crucial for maximizing your profits and minimizing your losses.

When is the best time to sell airdrops?

CoinGecko has analyzed the price performance of the 50 biggest airdrops in history, based on the total value of the airdrop at the time of distribution. The study covers airdrops that occurred between August 2017 and January 2024, and tracks the price changes of the airdrop tokens from the date of distribution until February 23, 2024.

The study found that 23 out of the 50 biggest airdrops (46%) recorded their peak token prices within the first two weeks of their airdrop date. This suggests that the best time to sell airdrop tokens may be within 14 days of receiving them, in order to take maximum profits.

Some of the airdrop tokens that reached their highest price returns in the short term include:

Ethereum Name Service (ENS), which increased by 73% by day 2 of trading.
X2Y2, which increased by 121% by day 2 of trading.
Blur, which increased by 90% by day 6 of trading.
LooksRare, which increased by 192% by day 10 of trading.
ArbDoge AI, which increased by 425% by day 14 of trading.

The study also found that 27 out of the 50 biggest airdrops (54%) reached their peak gains more than two weeks after their airdrop date, ranging from 15 days to 581 days. This suggests that some airdrop tokens may have longer-term potential, and may be worth holding for longer periods, depending on the market conditions and the growth of the project.

Some of the airdrop tokens that reached their highest price returns in the long term include:

Uniswap (UNI), which increased by 1,145% by day 581 of trading.
1inch (1INCH), which increased by 216% by day 101 of trading.
Gitcoin (GTC), which increased by 242% by day 101 of trading.
Bankless DAO (BANK), which increased by 94% by day 101 of trading.
Optimism (OP), which increased by 186% by day 547 of trading.

What are the factors that affect the price of airdrop tokens?

The study also identified some of the factors that may influence the price performance of airdrop tokens, such as:

Market conditions: The overall trend and sentiment of the cryptocurrency market may affect the demand and supply of airdrop tokens, as well as the risk appetite and behavior of investors. For example, 19 out of the 50 biggest airdrops recorded their all-time highs in 2021, amid the crypto bull market. Similarly, 21 out of the 50 biggest airdrops recorded their all-time highs in 2023 and 2024, following the approval of the spot Bitcoin ETFs in the US.
Project growth: The development and innovation of the project or platform that issued the airdrop may affect the value and utility of the airdrop tokens, as well as the loyalty and engagement of the users. For example, Uniswap, 1inch, and Gitcoin are among the leading decentralized platforms in their respective fields, and have continued to grow and improve their products and services, attracting more users and increasing the demand for their tokens.
Airdrop strategy: The design and execution of the airdrop may affect the distribution and circulation of the airdrop tokens, as well as the expectations and reactions of the recipients. For example, some airdrops may have vesting or locking periods, which may limit the supply and increase the scarcity of the tokens. Some airdrops may also have eligibility or participation criteria, which may filter the quality and quantity of the recipients. Some airdrops may also have marketing or promotion campaigns, which may increase the awareness and interest of the tokens.

How to find and claim airdrops?

If you are interested in finding and claiming airdrops, there are several ways to do so, such as:

CoinGecko: CoinGecko is one of the best sources for finding and tracking airdrops, as it provides comprehensive and updated information on the latest and upcoming airdrops, as well as the instructions and requirements for claiming them. You can also use CoinGecko’s tools and features, such as the Airdrop Calendar, the Airdrop Alert, and the Airdrop Tracker, to stay on top of the airdrop opportunities and monitor your airdrop portfolio.
Crypto wallets: Crypto wallets are essential for storing and managing your cryptocurrency assets, as well as for receiving and sending airdrop tokens. Some crypto wallets may also support or partner with certain airdrop projects or platforms, and may offer exclusive or preferential access to their users. For example, MetaMask, Trust Wallet, and Coinbase Wallet are some of the popular crypto wallets that have supported or facilitated various airdrops in the past.
Crypto platforms: Crypto platforms are the places where you can interact and transact with various cryptocurrency projects or platforms, and may also be the sources or destinations of airdrop tokens. Some crypto platforms may also host or sponsor their own airdrops, or collaborate with other airdrop projects or platforms, and may offer special or additional benefits to their users. For example, Coinbase, Binance, and OKEx are some of the leading crypto platforms that have offered or participated in various airdrops in the past.

Airdrops are a great way to get free cryptocurrency tokens, and potentially make huge profits from them. However, not all airdrops are equal, and knowing when to sell them can make a big difference in your returns. CoinGecko’s study provides some valuable insights and tips on how to maximize profits from airdrops, based on the analysis of the 50 biggest airdrops in history. Whether you are a beginner or an expert in the crypto space, you can use CoinGecko’s data and tools to find and claim the best airdrops, and make the most out of them.