The crypto landscape is bracing for a significant wave of token unlocks between December 16 and December 23, 2024, with a total value of approximately $843 million entering circulation. This influx spans major Layer 1 blockchains and emerging protocols, featuring both cliff and linear release models that could influence market dynamics in the short term.
These unlocks are split into two primary categories: cliff unlocks, where tokens are released in full at a single point in time, and linear unlocks, which distribute tokens gradually over a set period. Understanding the scale, timing, and impact on circulating supply is key for investors navigating potential price volatility.
Major Cliff Token Unlocks Led by Arbitrum (ARB)
At the forefront of this unlock cycle is Arbitrum (ARB), preparing to release 92.65 million tokens valued at $96.81 million. According to on-chain data and token economists, this accounts for 2.26% of ARB’s current circulating supply—making it the largest single-value cliff unlock scheduled for the week.
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Arbitrum's position as a leading Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution means any shift in token availability can attract market attention. While the percentage of new supply may seem modest, the sheer dollar value could exert downward pressure if recipients choose to sell immediately.
Other notable cliff unlocks include:
- Mars Protocol (MRS): Releasing 10 million tokens worth $66.6 million, representing 11.87% of its circulating supply—an impactful release that may affect liquidity and price stability.
- Space ID (ID): Unlocking 78.49 million tokens valued at $42.55 million, or a significant portion of its available supply, potentially increasing selling pressure.
- ApeCoin (APE): Distributing 15.6 million tokens ($25.59 million), equivalent to 2.16% of supply—relevant given its strong community and NFT ecosystem ties.
- QAI Token (QAI): Releasing 232,350 tokens worth $22.38 million (5.16% of supply), signaling early team or investor exits.
- Cardano (ADA): A relatively minor impact with 18.53 million ADA unlocked ($20.38 million), only 0.05% of total supply.
Additional projects undergoing cliff releases:
- Elrond eGold (EGLD): 12.86 million tokens ($16.6 million, 0.44%)
- Mura (MURA): 20 million tokens ($14.58 million, 34.84%) — one of the highest relative releases
- Pixel (PIXEL): 54.38 million tokens ($12.87 million, 7.05%)
- Prime (PRIME): 750,000 tokens ($11.3 million, 1.46%)
- EigenLayer (EIGEN): 1.29 million tokens ($6.67 million, 0.61%)
- Karrat Protocol (KARRAT): 11.25 million tokens ($5.88 million, 6.98%)
Projects like Mura and Space ID stand out due to their high percentage of unlocked supply, suggesting possible shifts in holder concentration and trading volume.
Linear Token Unlocks: Worldcoin and Solana Take Center Stage
In contrast to sudden cliff releases, linear unlocks distribute tokens over time, often tied to vesting schedules for teams, investors, or ecosystem incentives.
This week, Worldcoin (WLD) leads the pack with the release of 37.23 million tokens, valued at $116.15 million, accounting for 4.80% of its circulating supply. As a project focused on digital identity and proof-of-personhood, increased token availability could influence governance participation and speculative trading.
Close behind is Solana (SOL), unlocking 524,030 tokens worth $118.54 million, or 0.11% of total supply. Despite the small percentage, Solana’s high valuation means even minor releases carry substantial dollar weight.
Other significant linear unlocks:
- TIA Protocol (TIA): 6.99 million tokens ($49.13 million, 1.54%)
- Dogecoin (DOGE): 94.47 million tokens ($38.82 million, 0.06%) — minimal impact due to massive existing supply
- Avalanche (AVAX): 700,000 tokens ($35.99 million, 0.17%)
- TAO Protocol (TAO): 50.4 million tokens ($29.43 million, 0.68%)
Mid-tier linear releases include:
- Polkadot (DOT): 2.81 million tokens ($25.61 million, 0.18%)
- NEAR Protocol (NEAR): 2.97 million tokens ($20.67 million, 0.24%)
- SEI Network (SEI): 26.97 million tokens
- Filecoin (FIL): 2.24 million tokens ($15.45 million, 0.37%)
While linear releases typically have less immediate market impact than cliffs, sustained selling from large entities can still create downward pressure over time.
Smaller Projects Facing Unlock Pressure
Some lower-cap projects are experiencing disproportionately large unlocks relative to their market size.
SuperRare (RARE) stands out with an unlock progress of 83.72%, releasing 13.34 million tokens worth approximately $1.94 million. Despite the influx, RARE has shown resilience—priced at $0.1458 with a 2.81% gain in 24 hours, maintaining a market cap of $104.68 million.
Similarly, Interstellar Gateway Finance (STG) is nearing the end of its vesting schedule with a staggering 94.43% unlock progress, releasing 14.72 million STG tokens valued at $5.14 million (1.47% of locked supply). Such high completion rates suggest reduced future unlock risks but may prompt profit-taking by early holders.
Other mid-tier unlocks:
- Nuklai (NAI): 371.3 million tokens ($3.66 million), though price has dropped 9.71% recently
- MerlinStarter (MSTAR): 36.44 million tokens ($556,532), representing 5.64% of locked supply
These smaller projects may face amplified volatility due to thinner liquidity and concentrated holder bases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a token unlock?
A token unlock refers to the release of previously locked cryptocurrencies—typically held by teams, investors, or advisors—into public circulation according to a predefined vesting schedule.
Why do token unlocks matter?
Unlocks increase circulating supply, which can lead to selling pressure if recipients offload tokens. Large unlocks may temporarily depress prices, especially for lower-volume assets.
How can investors prepare for token unlocks?
Monitor unlock calendars via platforms tracking on-chain data. Assess the percentage of new supply versus market cap and volume. Consider adjusting positions ahead of major events.
Are cliff unlocks riskier than linear ones?
Generally yes—cliff unlocks release all tokens at once, creating immediate supply shocks. Linear unlocks spread distribution over time, reducing sudden impacts.
Can token unlocks be bullish?
Yes—if the project has strong fundamentals and demand outpaces new supply, unlocks can coincide with price growth or be absorbed without major dips.
Where can I track upcoming token unlocks?
Several analytics platforms offer real-time unlock tracking using blockchain data—look for tools that show vesting schedules and historical price reactions.
The coordinated release of $843 million in crypto assets over just one week underscores the importance of transparency and planning in decentralized ecosystems. While some projects may weather the storm due to strong demand or gradual vesting structures, others—especially those with high unlock percentages—could see increased volatility.
Core keywords: token unlock, Arbitrum ARB, Worldcoin WLD, Solana SOL, cliff unlock, linear unlock, circulating supply, crypto market impact
As always, investors should conduct thorough research and consider macro trends alongside project-specific unlock data when making decisions in this dynamic environment.
👉 Learn how to analyze tokenomics and unlock schedules before entering any crypto position today.