Drift Foundation, the governing body behind the Solana-based decentralized exchange protocol for trading crypto perpetual futures, has commenced its DRIFT token airdrop, inviting participants to claim a share of 120 million tokens, constituting 12% of DRIFT's total supply.

This airdrop announcement represents a significant milestone for Drift, as it introduces a distinctive bonus component, setting it apart from previous token distribution events. Cindy Leow, co-founder of Drift, highlighted the innovative approach, noting that Drift is likely the first protocol to incorporate such a bonus mechanism into its airdrop strategy. The objective is twofold: to deter early selling and alleviate network congestion on the Solana blockchain.

Historically, airdrop claims have led to network congestion and suboptimal user experiences, as users and bots rush to claim their tokens simultaneously. To mitigate these challenges and reward loyal participants, Drift has devised a bonus mechanism that grants users additional tokens if they wait to claim their allocation over a six-hour period. This strategy incentivizes patience and ensures a smoother distribution process.

Eligible users will receive two allocations: an initial allocation available at launch and a bonus allocation that unlocks gradually over six hours. Vesting commences at launch and concludes upon token claim. Leow elaborated on the process, highlighting the potential for users to double their token holdings by waiting to claim their bonus allocation.

The bonus allocation, constituting 2% of the total supply, is sourced from the ecosystem rewards portion of the token supply, ensuring that other allocations remain unaffected.

In anticipation of the token launch, Coinbase has added DRIFT to its roadmap, signaling potential listing on the platform in the near future. Bybit has also announced plans to list DRIFT, further bolstering its accessibility to traders.

As DRIFT prepares for its market debut, stakeholders eagerly await its trading price and fully diluted valuation. Since its inception in 2021, Drift has emerged as a leading DeFi protocol on Solana, facilitating significant trading volume and boasting a substantial total value locked.

The introduction of DRIFT tokens through this airdrop represents a significant step forward for Drift Foundation, as it continues to innovate and expand its presence within the Solana ecosystem. With its unique bonus structure and growing adoption, DRIFT is poised to make waves in the decentralized finance landscape.