The cryptocurrency sector is currently observing a significant multi-chain initiative, marked by the forthcoming airdrop of Midnight Network’s NIGHT token. Midnight Network is a privacy-focused blockchain, meticulously integrated within the Cardano ecosystem. This extensive token distribution, specifically targeting holders across eight prominent blockchain networks, stands as one of the largest cross-chain airdrops conducted to date. Its primary objectives are to expand participation and foster decentralization for the network’s impending launch.
Eligibility and Snapshot Mechanics
Midnight Network, leveraging zero-knowledge proofs to ensure enhanced privacy, has earmarked a substantial total of 24 billion NIGHT tokens for this distribution event. Eligibility for the airdrop is extended to individuals who held a minimum of $100 worth of native tokens on any of eight specified blockchain networks: Cardano (ADA), Bitcoin (BTC), Ripple (XRP), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Basic Attention Token (BAT), BNB Chain (BNB), and Avalanche (AVAX). A critical security protocol involved pegging token prices to CoinMarketCap rates at the moment of the snapshot. This snapshot, randomly selecting wallets across the aforementioned networks, was executed on June 11, 2025. This methodological approach was designed to counter bot activities and Sybil attacks, thereby ensuring a fair and secure distribution to an estimated 37 million eligible wallets. Charles Hoskinson, founder of Cardano, publicly confirmed the snapshot’s successful completion via a brief video posted on X, signaling the imminent commencement of the distribution process.
Token Allocation Breakdown
The allocation structure for the 24 billion NIGHT tokens strategically prioritizes specific blockchain ecosystems. Participants within the Cardano network are designated to receive the predominant share, accounting for 50% of the total, or 12 billion NIGHT tokens. Bitcoin holders are allocated a significant 20%, translating to 4.8 billion NIGHT tokens. The remainder of the supply will be disseminated among holders of XRP, ETH, BAT, BNB, SOL, and AVAX. Notably, XRP users are slated to receive 1.4 billion NIGHT tokens from this residual pool. The exact quantity of tokens an individual receives will be directly proportional to their holdings recorded during the snapshot period, thus ensuring that substantial holders within the Cardano and Bitcoin networks are positioned to receive the most considerable allocations.
Phased Distribution Strategy
The distribution of NIGHT tokens is meticulously structured into a multi-phased approach, with initial disbursements set to commence in July. The inaugural phase, designated as the “Glacier drop,” provides qualified users a 60-day window to claim their entire allocated token amount. Subsequent to this, the “Scavenger Mine” phase will activate for a 30-day period, allowing participants to acquire supplementary tokens by undertaking minor computational tasks, such as transaction validation or contributing to the network’s consensus mechanism. A concluding “Lost and Found” phase is slated to extend for four years, offering a prolonged opportunity for eligible individuals who may have missed earlier claiming periods to recover a fraction of their initial allocation through similar task-based engagement. Any tokens remaining unclaimed after this extensive period will be returned to the Midnight treasury.
Vesting and Long-Term Market Integration
A crucial element of this airdrop, designed to ensure long-term market stability and avert immediate token saturation, is its meticulously structured vesting schedule, officially termed the “Thawing and Redemption Period.” All NIGHT tokens claimed during the initial “Glacier drop” and “Scavenger Mine” phases will be subject to a lock-up period, followed by a staggered release. Specifically, 25% of the claimed tokens will be disbursed every 90 days, culminating in a full release over a 360-day period. Claimants are afforded the flexibility to either receive their allocations via this quarterly vesting schedule or to claim their entire allotment in a lump sum at the conclusion of the 360-day period. The dedicated claim portal will remain operational for an additional 90 days following the final vesting installment, providing extensive time for all redemptions. This strategic, phased approach to token release is intended to facilitate a more gradual and orderly integration of NIGHT tokens into the wider cryptocurrency market, thereby aligning with Midnight Network’s overarching long-term development objectives.
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