Crypto airdrops have changed a lot over the years. In the early days, it was simple. You did a few tasks, and you got an airdrop. Now, it’s more complex and competitive. The landscape has drastically changed, and it's essential to understand these changes and adapt to succeed.

The Shift in Airdrop Criteria

1. Preference for NFT Holders: Many projects now prioritize those who hold or buy their NFTs. For instance, Bubble Game and MON Protocol have airdropped NFT holders, while other farmers are still waiting for their airdrop allocations. This shift makes it harder for traditional farmers who don't invest in NFTs to receive significant rewards.

2. Monetization of Airdrop Participation: Some projects have started charging fees to boost airdrop points. For instance, Tapswap required users to pay 1 TON to double their airdrop points, highlighting a trend where financial barriers are becoming part of the airdrop process. This practice has introduced a pay-to-play element to what was once a free activity.

3. Lack of Transparency: Some projects complete their Token Generation Events (TGE) and then go silent, leaving the community in the dark. This lack of communication can be frustrating for participants who have invested time and effort. This has left many airdrop farmers feeling uncertain about their efforts and rewards. When projects go silent post-TGE, it erodes trust. For instance, Bubble, MON lack of communication after their TGE led to a significant drop in community engagement and trust.

4. Increased Risk and Cost: Participating in airdrops now often involves higher risks and costs. Interacting with numerous smart contracts increases the risk of cybersecurity threats, and the cost of blockchain transactions can add up, making it an expensive endeavor without guaranteed returns

What Can Airdrop Farmers Do to Succeed?

Invest Wisely: If choosing to invest in NFTs or pay for boosting points, do so cautiously. Some projects may not deliver the expected value post-TGE, leading to potential losses. Always assess the project's roadmap and community engagement before making financial commitments. Additionally, some projects sell expensive NFTs, and after their TGE, the value of these NFTs can drop significantly. In some cases, the airdrop allocations are not even worth the initial investment. Do thorough research before buying.

Diversify Your Efforts: Don't focus on just one project. Engage with multiple projects across various blockchains to increase chances of receiving airdrops. Focus on newer projects that still value community participation over financial investment. Diversification can help mitigate the risk of any single project failing to deliver.

Active Participation: Engage actively in project communities. Join their social media channels, participate in discussions, and stay informed about updates. Being a visible and active member can sometimes lead to better airdrop opportunities.

Stay Informed: Follow the latest trends and updates in the crypto space. Knowing which projects are launching airdrops and understanding their requirements can help you be better prepared.

Enhance Security Measures: Protect your assets by using multiple wallets, removing old contract authorizations, and staying vigilant against phishing attempts and other cyber threats.

Is There Still a Free Way to Earn from Airdrops?

While the landscape has changed, there are still opportunities to earn from airdrops without spending money. However, these opportunities are fewer and more competitive. Focus on:

New Projects: Look for new projects that are still using the traditional model of rewarding community engagement without requiring financial investment.

Community-Focused Projects: Some projects still prioritize community building and may offer free airdrops to active participants.

Skill-Based Rewards: Participate in tasks that require effort but not necessarily money, such as creating content, translating documents, or contributing to project development.

Conclusion

The narrative around crypto airdrops has shifted significantly. To succeed in this evolving landscape, airdrop farmers need to adapt by investing in NFTs with caution, staying active in communities, diversifying efforts, and staying informed. While the days of easy, free airdrops are dwindling, opportunities still exist for those willing to put in the effort and adapt to new strategies.

Have you experienced these changes in crypto airdrops? Share your stories and tips in the comments below! Let's help each other navigate this new shift.