The Cardano Airdrop refers to the upcoming “Glacier Drop,” a major token distribution initiative by the Midnight Network, a privacy-centric partner chain built on Cardano. This airdrop will distribute 24 billion NIGHT tokens across multiple blockchains, but Cardano users receive the lion’s share – 50% of the total allocation. Holders with at least $100 in ADA at the June snapshot are eligible to claim tokens in July.
Why Cardano Airdrop Matters
The Midnight airdrop isn’t just another giveaway. It represents a strategic push for wider adoption and cross-chain privacy using zero-knowledge protocols. With 50% of tokens minted on Cardano and staking integration via stake pool operators, it could boost ADA’s utility and ecosystem participation. In addition, historical statements suggest the airdrop may reach up to 37 million wallets, making it the largest Cardano-centric event to date.
Tokenomics & Airdrop Structure
The Glacier Drop unlocks in three phases:
- Glacier Drop phase: A 60-day claim window starting in July for ADA holders who met snapshot criteria. Claimed NIGHT tokens are initially locked in a smart contract on Cardano.
- Scavenger Mine phase: A 30-day period post-claim where unclaimed tokens are redistributed through computational contribution tasks.
- Lost-and-Found phase: Over a four-year span, eligible users can recover missed tokens; leftover tokens ultimately go to the Midnight treasury.
To reduce immediate sell pressure, NIGHT tokens will “thaw” in four randomized installments over 360 days.
How to Participate & Claim
ADA holders must have had at least $100 worth of ADA in a Cardano wallet at snapshot time (around mid-June). Claiming is simple and gas-free: sign with your wallet, verify your address, and receive tokens—no KYC or fees. Some guides also suggest stake pool operators can earn NIGHT alongside ADA staking rewards, leveraging Midnight’s dual-token model.
Estimating Your NIGHT Rewards
Each user’s NIGHT allocation depends on their proportion of total eligible ADA. For example, a 5,000 ADA holder in a 1.5 billion ADA snapshot pool might receive ~40,000 NIGHT tokens. Token value projections vary: if NIGHT reaches a $500 million market cap, each token could be worth ~$0.0208, making such an allocation around $800.
Multichain Scale & Interoperability
This isn’t limited to Cardano. Other chains like BTC, ETH, SOL, BNB, XRP, AVAX, and BAT are also part of the Glacier Drop. Allocations are split: 50% for ADA, 20% for BTC holders, and the remaining 30% equally among other tokens. This cross-chain design promotes interoperability and user adoption beyond Cardano.
Why Cardano Holders Should Care
• Large allocation – ADA holders get half of all NIGHT tokens, offering strong upside potential.
• New ecosystem layer – Midnight introduces zero-knowledge privacy and a second token (DUST) for transactions, enhancing Cardano’s utility.
• Incentivized stakeholders – SPOs can earn additional rewards without sacrificing ADA yielding.
• Deferred token release – Strategic thawing discourages sell-offs and fosters gradual ecosystem stability.
Potential Risks & Considerations
• Price impact – Despite phased unlocks, large airdrops may pressure ADA prices over time.
• Claim deadline compliance – Missing the initial claim window without scavenger-phase participation could mean loss of tokens.
• Complexity – Involvement in Scavenger Mine or Lost-and-Found phases may require technical understanding.
• Ecosystem adoption – Real value depends on developer uptake of Midnight’s tools and integration with Cardano apps.
What Comes Next
Midnight’s mainnet is expected roughly 90 days after the Glacier Drop begins, likely late 2025. Watch for developer SDKs, smart contract tools, and interoperability integrations to materialize. Upcoming community resources and tutorials will be critical to help ADA holders claim and engage effectively.
Final Assessment
The Cardano Airdrop (Glacier Drop) represents a bold move to strengthen Cardano through privacy, cross-chain functionality, and community incentives. With 50% of NIGHT tokens allocated to ADA wallets, phased unlocking to curb volatility, and Strool pool rewards baked in, it’s a heavy bet on ecosystem growth. If you held at least $100 in ADA during the June snapshot, ensure you’re ready to claim in July. Monitor official Midnight Network channels and developer materials to stay informed on mainnet and tool rollouts. This airdrop could mark a pivotal moment in Cardano’s evolution—or a missed opportunity if you don’t act.
Also Read :Best Upcoming Airdrops in 2025: Top Crypto Opportunities