Cardano Midnight Airdrop Goes Live: Here’s What You Need to Know

August 2025 has marked a milestone in the crypto world with the official launch of the Midnight airdrop, a cross-chain event led by the Cardano ecosystem. 

This airdrop distributes the new NIGHT token to select holders across eight major blockchains, making it one of the largest and most talked-about token distributions this year. 

Far beyond just another airdrop campaign, the Midnight airdrop underscores Cardano’s ambitions in privacy, cross-chain collaboration, and giving substantial value back to its loyal user base. 

With millions of wallets eligible and a strict claim window, the event brings both excitement and urgency to the crypto community seeking both utility and fair distribution.

What is Midnight and the NIGHT Token?

Midnight is a new privacy-centric sidechain operating within the Cardano network that aims to redefine privacy and data protection in blockchain ecosystems. 

At its core, Midnight leverages advanced cryptography, such as zero-knowledge proofs, to allow private transactions and secure computation, making it possible to build and use decentralized apps where sensitive data can stay confidential.

The NIGHT token is the native currency powering Midnight’s ecosystem. Its debut airdrop, called the Glacier Drop, is a unique multi-chain event that allocates NIGHT to users not just on Cardano, but also on Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Avalanche, Ripple (XRP), Binance Chain (BNB), and Brave (BAT). 

The total supply for this airdrop is an impressive 24 billion NIGHT tokens, making it a massive community allocation with Cardano holders uniquely positioned to receive half of the total drop.

Eligibility: Who Can Claim NIGHT in the Cardano Midnight Airdrop?

To participate, eligibility hinged on a snapshot taken on June 11, 2025. Users needed to hold at least $100 USD equivalent in supported tokens (ADA, BTC, ETH, XRP, SOL, AVAX, BNB, BAT) in a self-custody wallet (such as Yoroi, Eternl, MetaMask, or similar). 

Exchange wallets, like those on Binance or Coinbase, do not qualify as eligible. This community-first approach excludes any requirements for know-your-customer (KYC) verification, transaction fees, or third-party intermediaries.

Distribution breakdown is as follows:

• 50% (12 billion NIGHT) goes to Cardano (ADA) holders.
   
• 20% to Bitcoin (BTC) holders.
   
• The remaining 30% is split among Ethereum, XRP, Solana, Avalanche, BNB, and BAT holders.
   

Importantly, those with assets spread across multiple supported blockchains can earn allocations from each, as long as they meet the $100 minimum per chain and use a compatible self-custody wallet. This broadens accessibility and rewards diversified portfolios.

The claim process is open for a 60-day window starting in July 2025. Once the window closes in mid-September, any unclaimed tokens move to the Scavenger Mine and other secondary distribution methods.

Read Also: Ready to Breakout? Cardano (ADA) Price Prediction for August 2025

How to Claim NIGHT Tokens: Step-by-Step Process

The claim portal for the Midnight airdrop is open at the official Midnight website (midnight.gd). The process is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly, minimizing security risks and barriers to entry.

Follow these steps to secure your NIGHT tokens:

1. Check Eligibility: Confirm you had at least $100 in eligible tokens in a non-custodial wallet at the June 11 snapshot. You can use Yoroi, Eternl, MetaMask, or another supported wallet.

2. Access the Claim Portal: Go to midnight.gd or your wallet’s Midnight claim option. Be wary of phishing sites—always check for official announcements.

3. Connect and Verify Wallet: Connect your wallet, then sign a message to prove ownership. No private keys or seed phrases are required.

4. Provide a Clean Cardano Address: Enter a new, unused Cardano address for your NIGHT tokens. Using an address with prior transactions or exchange wallets may disqualify your claim.

5. Confirm and Complete: Follow instructions to complete your allocation. Receive a receipt or confirmation in-app.

6. Monitor Unlock Schedule: NIGHT tokens are vested over 360 days, unlocking in four equal phases of 25% every 90 days. Tokens are initially locked and become gradually tradable.
    

For users who miss the main airdrop window, secondary phases like the Scavenger Mine provide follow-up opportunities, though typically with added requirements or smaller allocations.

Unlocking, Redemption, and What Comes Next

Claimed NIGHT tokens are not available in full immediately. Their vesting schedule features four unlocks (25% each) every 90 days, meaning complete access arrives after 360 days. This staged release is designed to prevent sudden sell-offs and stabilize the token’s debut on the market.

All NIGHT distributions are linked to the destination address provided during the claim. Changes to this wallet are not supported after submission, so it’s crucial to safeguard your private keys and avoid using exchange addresses.

If you do not claim during the initial 60-day window, your tokens move to the Scavenger Mine pool, which enables retrieval through proof-of-work challenges or further verification processes. Applicants have up to four years to recover unclaimed NIGHT through this phase, though it may involve extra steps.

Looking ahead, Midnight’s roadmap includes expanding privacy tools, introducing governance features for holders, and fostering cross-chain decentralized app development. The airdrop serves as both a reward and an invitation to explore and shape the Midnight ecosystem.

Read Also: What is Midnight Airdrop?

Risks, Security, and Market Considerations

While the Midnight airdrop emphasizes privacy and user friendliness, there are important risks to keep in mind:

• Phishing Threats: Scam sites may try to replicate the claim portal. Always verify Midnight’s official X (Twitter) and site updates before connecting wallets.

• Key Security: Never share your wallet private key or seed phrase. The official process does not require this.

• Market Volatility: Upon unlocking, NIGHT’s price may fluctuate due to market sentiment, liquidity, and adoption trends. The phased release aims to reduce abrupt volatility, but as with any airdrop, price discovery is an ongoing process.

• Legal and Tax Considerations: Jurisdictions have different rules regarding crypto airdrops and taxes. Consult a qualified professional if you are concerned about compliance.
   

Being cautious, following official channels, and keeping up-to-date with Midnight and Cardano community news are key to remaining safe and making informed decisions.

Conclusion

The launch of Cardano’s Midnight airdrop underscores major trends in the crypto space: cross-chain collaboration, the growing demand for privacy solutions, and reward mechanisms that empower early adopters and long-term community members. 

For Cardano holders and those across other major chains, the NIGHT token’s arrival represents more than a token distribution—it’s an entry into a new paradigm of privacy-first decentralized technologies.

Understanding eligibility, executing a careful claim, and managing your tokens securely are crucial to making the most of this landmark event. As the ecosystem evolves, those engaged now are well-positioned to contribute, benefit, and shape the future of privacy on the blockchain.

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FAQ

Who is eligible for the Cardano Midnight airdrop?

Eligible users held at least $100 worth of ADA, BTC, ETH, XRP, SOL, AVAX, BNB, or BAT in a self-custody wallet as of June 11, 2025.

How do I claim NIGHT tokens?

Visit the official portal at midnight.gd, connect your eligible wallet, verify ownership by signing a message, and enter a new Cardano address to receive tokens.

When will my NIGHT tokens unlock?

Tokens vest over 360 days, with 25% unlocking every 90 days.

What happens if I miss the claim window?

Unclaimed tokens move to the Scavenger Mine pool. You can try to claim them for up to four years, though with extra steps.

Is there any fee or KYC required?

No. The process is fee-free and requires no KYC.

What wallets are supported?

You can use self-custody wallets like Yoroi, Eternl, MetaMask, or Blockchain.com DeFi Wallet. Exchange wallets are not eligible.

What is the purpose of the NIGHT token?

NIGHT powers the Midnight network, which focuses on privacy-preserving decentralized applications and secure computation.