An airdrop is a distribution of cryptocurrency tokens to a group of wallet addresses, usually for free, as a way for a project to reward early supporters, encourage adoption, or build awareness around a new token launch. Recipients are often chosen based on previous activity, such as having used a particular application before its token existed.
Some of the most well-known airdrops in crypto history have resulted in significant value for early users who had no prior expectation of receiving anything, which has led many people to actively use new and experimental applications partly in hopes of qualifying for a potential future airdrop.
Not every airdrop is legitimate, however. Scammers frequently use the promise of a fake airdrop to lure victims into connecting their wallet to a malicious website or revealing sensitive information. A genuine airdrop never requires you to send funds or share your seed phrase to receive it.