What is an NFT Airdrop and How Does It Work?

You might have heard the term NFT airdrop floating around, but what does it actually mean for you? With the NFT market cap sitting at a whopping $40.19 billion and over 1.3 billion NFTs listed across more than 8 million collections, it’s clear this space is booming. In this guide, we’re diving into everything you need to know about NFT airdrops and how to get one for free.

Key Takeaways: 

1. NFT airdrops are free digital assets or collectibles sent to crypto wallets as rewards or promotions for community engagement.
2. To claim NFT airdrops, connect your compatible wallet to the platform distributing the airdrop, verify eligibility based on their criteria, and follow instructions to mint NFT.
3. To find upcoming NFT airdrops, monitor NFT platforms, follow project social media, join community forums like Discord or Telegram, and check calendars or aggregator sites dedicated to NFT events.

NFT Airdrop Explained

NFT airdrops are when creators or projects give away NFTs (non-fungible tokens) for free. These NFTs are sent to people’s crypto wallets as part of promotions or rewards. Brands and projects use this method to grab attention, build hype, and grow their communities.

For example, in 2021, holders of Bored Ape NFTs got a free “Mutant Serum” airdrop. This wasn’t just a fun extra; some of these serums later sold for more than $10,000 each. That’s how big airdrops can be if the project becomes popular. But not all airdrops turn into gold. Some NFTs have no real use or value, while others could even be scams.

How does NFT airdrop work?

NFT airdrops are simple to understand but work differently depending on the type. You first need a crypto wallet that supports NFTs, like MetaMask. Your wallet address is public, so it’s safe to share when joining legit airdrops. This address is where the NFT will be sent. You don’t need to reveal private keys or passwords for an airdrop, and if someone asks for them, it’s a scam.

Creators often announce airdrops on platforms like Twitter or Discord. Sometimes, anyone can join, while other airdrops are exclusive to people who already support the project, like holders of certain NFTs or tokens. Projects may also ask for simple tasks, like sharing posts or joining mailing lists, in exchange for the NFT.

Step-by-Step Guide to Claim NFT Airdrop

Step 1: Check Eligibility Criteria

Before you do anything, you have to find out if you are eligible for the NFT airdrop. Some projects have specific rules, like holding a certain cryptocurrency or NFT in your wallet. 

The famous Bored Ape Yacht Club once gave airdrops to people holding their NFTs. Some projects might require you to complete small tasks, like following them on Twitter or joining their Discord group. Other times, you might need to have done something specific, like trading a certain amount of cryptocurrency within a set period. 

This step is super important because you won’t get anything if you don’t qualify. Always check these details on the official website or announcement page to avoid missing out.

Step 2: Get Compatible Crypto Wallet

Once you know you’re eligible, the next important step is getting a crypto wallet that supports the blockchain where the NFT airdrop will take place. Most NFT airdrops happen on popular blockchains like Ethereum and Polygon, and for these, MetaMask is a very common choice. 

For Ethereum-based airdrops, MetaMask is almost essential because it supports ERC-721 and ERC-1155 token standards, which are common for NFTs. Similarly, for Polygon airdrops, MetaMask works well since Polygon is compatible with Ethereum’s network. 

To set up MetaMask, you simply need to create a wallet, save your seed phrase (a unique recovery code), and you’re good to go. Remember, the seed phrase is private, and losing it means you could lose access to your wallet forever.

Apart from Ethereum and Polygon, many projects also take place on the Solana blockchain. For Solana NFT airdrops, Phantom Wallet is a popular choice.

Phantom is specifically built for Solana and offers a sleek, user-friendly design. Just like MetaMask, it’s free to download and works on browsers and mobile devices. Phantom supports SPL tokens, which are the standard for Solana NFTs.

When choosing a wallet, make sure it supports the blockchain you’ll be using. This is very important because wallets are not universally compatible with all blockchains. For example, you cannot receive a Solana NFT in a MetaMask wallet, as MetaMask only supports EVM-compatible blockchains.

Pro Tip: always create a new wallet for airdrops if possible. Keeping your main wallet separate from one used for airdrops can help protect your main assets. Scammers sometimes send fake airdrops or phishing links, and if you connect your wallet without caution, your funds could be at risk.

Step 3: Connect Wallet

After setting up your wallet, you may need to connect it to the NFT project’s website or app. This step is usually needed for claiming the NFT. Be careful when connecting your wallet. Make sure the website is legitimate to avoid scams.

Check the URL and only use official links shared by the project team. You should never give out your wallet’s private key or seed phrase. Your public wallet address is all they’ll need.

Step 4: Claim NFT Airdrop

If you meet all the requirements and your wallet is ready, you can now claim your NFT. Sometimes, the project sends the NFT directly to your wallet, and you don’t need to do anything. Other times, you’ll have to click on a “Claim” button on their site or app.

In some cases, you might have to pay a small gas fee in cryptocurrency, especially on networks like Ethereum. After claiming, the NFT should show up in your wallet. If it doesn’t, check the project’s updates or announcements to see if there’s a delay.

How to Find NFT Airdrop?

• Follow Social Media and Community Platforms: Twitter and Discord are the top platforms for NFT airdrop announcements. Most NFT projects, like Bored Ape Yacht Club, use these platforms to share updates. Join project-specific Discord servers or follow their official Twitter accounts to stay informed. Over 70% of NFT creators use Discord to engage their audience, making it a key tool.
• Use NFT Calendar Websites: Websites like NFTCalendar.io and NFTevening Drops list upcoming NFT airdrops, providing dates, eligibility requirements, and blockchain details. These platforms are well-organized, letting you filter drops by project type or blockchain. NFTevening covers airdrops on Ethereum, Solana, and more, offering easy access to verified information.
• Join Telegram Groups and Reddit Forums: Communities such as Telegram channels and Reddit forums are great for finding airdrops. Members often share insights about legitimate airdrops and how to avoid scams. These platforms are excellent for beginners looking for guidance.
• Check NFT Marketplaces: NFT platforms like OpenSea, Rarible, and Solana’s Magic Eden sometimes partner with projects for promotional airdrops. For example, LooksRare Marketplace users were rewarded with LOOKS tokens in 2022 for being active traders. Keeping an eye on these marketplaces can lead to discovering exclusive airdrops.
• Follow Blockchain-Specific News Portals: For Ethereum-based airdrops, use tools like Etherscan’s token tracker. For Solana, check Phantom Wallet notifications or updates from Solana projects. Staying connected to blockchain-specific news increases your chances of catching airdrops on time.
• Use Airdrop Aggregator Sites: Dedicated airdrop aggregator sites, like AirdropAlert, compile ongoing and upcoming NFT and crypto airdrops. These platforms are handy for tracking multiple airdrops in one place, saving you time and effort.

Top Upcoming NFT Airdrop

#1. The Very Dragons

The Very Dragons is a super cool NFT project dropping from November 27 to December 4, 2024. If you love cyberpunk vibes mixed with the mystic power of dragons, this one’s for you. Each NFT features a unique dragon designed with a mix of ancient dragon elements and a futuristic, neon-heavy cyberpunk style. It’s all about blending the mythical with the modern.

These NFTs aren’t just collectibles; they also unlock access to a special community. Owners get perks like invites to exclusive digital events, a chance to explore themed realms, and priority for future drops. Plus, the project is built on Ethereum, making it easily accessible for most NFT fans. The creators aim to make this a standout collection, and they’ve partnered with OpenSea for the marketplace.

#2. Chelonians NFT

Chelonians is an upcoming NFT drop that stands out with its cute, cartoon-style turtle-themed profile picture (PFP) designs. Scheduled from December 14 to December 21, 2024, this collection is hosted on the Solana blockchain, making transactions fast and cost-effective. The best part? It’s completely free to mint! You just need to participate actively in their events and giveaways to secure your chance at owning one of these digital collectibles.

This project is designed to attract NFT enthusiasts who love collectibles with artistic value. Though specific details about the total supply are unclear, the focus on fun and accessibility makes it worth exploring, especially if you’re into Solana-based projects. The minting will likely be linked to platforms like Magic Eden.

#3. The Bitters NFT

The Bitters NFT is a fresh, exciting airdrop happening soon, featuring 6,000 unique NFTs. This collection lives on the Base blockchain, and each NFT is built using pixel art with different combinations of traits like clothing, accessories, and facial features. The NFTs are grouped into categories like Regulars, Chunky, and Irregulars, with rarities ranging from common to ultra-rare one-of-a-kind pieces.

The NFT presale starts on December 12, 2024, with a price of just 0.002 ETH per NFT. This low entry cost makes it accessible for collectors. The launch is happening on the Rarible and Magic Eden platforms, two well-known marketplaces for digital collectibles.

Bitters is all about building a community-driven brand. It offers collectors more than just art—holders gain access to exclusive events, merch, and decision-making for future projects. Their goal is to become the biggest community on Base while creating cultural products that blend Web3 with real-world value.

How to Avoid NFT Airdrop Scams?

• Never Share Private Keys or Recovery Phrases: Your private key or recovery phrase is like the password to your wallet. Legitimate airdrops only need your public wallet address, not your private information. Scammers may set up fake websites asking for these details. If you share them, your wallet can be drained.
• Verify Official Sources: Double-check the source of an airdrop announcement. Look for updates on official websites or verified social media accounts. Scammers often create fake websites or profiles that look real. Platforms like OpenSea and Magic Eden have blue checkmarks on Twitter to show authenticity.
• Avoid Interacting with Unknown NFTs: If a random NFT appears in your wallet, don’t try to sell, transfer, or click links related to it. These could be scam NFTs designed to steal your funds.
• Use Trusted Wallets and Secure Connections: Stick to well-known wallets like MetaMask, Phantom, or Trust Wallet. These wallets are regularly updated to protect users. When connecting to websites, ensure the URL starts with “https://” and avoid using public Wi-Fi.
• Research the Project Thoroughly: Before participating, look for details about the project, such as the whitepaper, roadmap, or team information. Scammers often promise unrealistic rewards or provide little information about their plans. Legitimate projects are transparent and have detailed explanations of their goals.
• Be Skeptical of Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers: Scams often offer massive rewards with minimal effort. If an airdrop promises guaranteed profits or seems too easy, it’s likely fake. Trustworthy airdrops are realistic and require some form of participation or eligibility.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, NFT airdrops are a cool way to get free digital items. They help projects reward people or find new users. Some airdrops, like BAYC, gave NFTs worth a lot of money – sometimes thousands of dollars. 

But not every airdrop is valuable, and some might not be safe. You should always check if the project is real and never click strange links. Using a safe wallet like MetaMask is also smart. Airdrops can help you grow your NFT collection without spending money. Even if an NFT starts with no value, it could become very popular later.

FAQs

Can I sell my airdrop NFTs?

You can usually sell an NFT you received through an airdrop. When you get an airdrop NFT, it is added to your digital wallet, and from there, you own it. Since it’s yours, you can list it for sale on NFT marketplaces like OpenSea, Rarible, or Magic Eden. However, the value of your airdrop NFT depends on the project. Some NFTs might sell for high prices if they are rare or in demand, while others may not sell easily if the project isn’t popular.

Make sure to check if there are any restrictions tied to the NFT. For example, some NFTs might have a lock-in period before they can be sold. Also, selling NFTs involves gas fees, especially if the blockchain is Ethereum, so make sure it’s worth the transaction cost.

Are NFT airdrops worth it for investors?

NFT airdrops can be worth it, but it depends on the project and your goals. For investors, they are often seen as a “free reward”. Some airdrops turn out to be very valuable, like early Bored Ape Yacht Club-related NFTs, which later sold for thousands of dollars.

The key is research. If the team behind the project is reputable and has big plans, the airdrop might be worth your time. Plus, if it’s free to claim, there’s no financial risk involved.

How much does it cost to airdrop an NFT?

The cost of airdropping NFTs varies based on the blockchain used. For example, Ethereum airdrops can be expensive because of high gas fees. It might cost anywhere from $1 to $30 per NFT to airdrop, depending on how busy the network is. Blockchains like Polygon or Solana are much cheaper, with fees sometimes less than $1 per NFT.

For creators or companies, these fees add up when airdropping to thousands of wallets, making the total cost significant. That’s why many projects choose lower-cost blockchains for airdrops. For collectors, the good news is that airdrops are often free to receive, though you might pay small gas fees to claim them.

Can airdropped NFTs scam?

Yes, airdropped NFTs can sometimes be scams. Scammers might send malicious NFTs to your wallet to trick you into interacting with them. When you try to sell or transfer these NFTs, they might steal your wallet’s private keys or assets. This is a common issue on Ethereum and similar blockchains.

To stay safe, avoid interacting with unknown NFTs or visiting shady links. Only engage with airdrops from trusted projects or creators, and double-check the official websites and social media before taking action.

What’s the best NFT airdrop app?

There isn’t one single app that’s the “best” for NFT airdrops, but a few platforms are very popular. For example, Rarible and OpenSea are commonly used to claim airdrops. Wallet apps like MetaMask or Phantom also make it easy to track and store your NFTs after an airdrop.

If you want to stay updated about upcoming airdrops, tools like NFT Calendar or Discord communities of specific projects can be helpful.

Can I get a free NFT drop?

Free NFT drops are common, especially from new projects looking to grow their audience. Many times, you just need to hold a specific cryptocurrency or join a project’s Discord group to qualify for a free drop.

Some projects even give free NFTs to people who engage with their posts on social media or complete simple tasks like retweeting or signing up on their website.

However, even with free drops, you might need to pay a small gas fee to claim the NFT. If the project is big or hyped, the free NFT could turn out to be worth a lot in the future.

Are NFT Airdrops Safe?

Most NFT airdrops are safe, but it’s important to stay alert for scams. Scammers might send fake airdrops with hidden traps, such as links that steal your wallet information.

To keep your wallet secure, never click on suspicious links or share your private keys. Trusted projects usually announce their airdrops on official social media or websites, so always verify the source before claiming.