Intermediate
Tokenomics Drift : Understanding the calendar and its implications
Drift Protocol project arouses growing interest in the world of decentralized finance ( DEFI ). For those who plan to invest in its native token DRIFT , we dissect the Drift tokenomics , decentralized trading platform Solana . The evolution of the supply in circulation, the chip unlocking calendar and their potential impact on the price of the DRIFT play a major role in any investment decision.
Table of contents
What does Drift Protocol offer?
Drift Protocol is a decentralized trading platform built on the Solana . It offers:
- Trading of perpetual contracts with a lever up to 50x on major assets like Bitcoin ( BTC ) , Ethereum (ETH) or Solana (Sol) .
- Cash trading (spot) with a lever up to 5x, allowing rapid and direct exchanges of assets.
- Predictive markets via its BET , where users can bet on real events.
- A loan service and borrowing assets to generate passive income.
All this without KYC (identity verification), while keeping full custody of its funds on a non-custodial portfolio compatible with Solana . Drift also allows you to shield the market , which is prohibited on centralized exchanges in certain countries (France, Belgium, etc.).
Overview of the Drift Protocol Tokenomics
DRIFT offer is set at 1 billion tokens. As of April 26, 2025, approximately 227 million DRIFT were in circulation, or around 23 % of the total offer. This means that the majority of tokens (around 77 %) are still locked, but will be gradually released according to a specific calendar.
Initial distribution of DRIFT tokens
The distribution of tokens follows a strategic logic to support the growth of the project:
- Development of the ecosystem and trading awards : 43 % (430 million DRIFT ).
- Development of the protocol : 25 % (250 million DRIFT ).
- Strategic participants : 22 % (220 million DRIFT ).
- Community sale : 10 % (100 million DRIFT ).
These data is visible directly to aggregators like Tokenomics .
Tokenomics Drift : Calendar to release tokens, cliffs and linear jacket
The launch of the DRIFT was accompanied by a carefully thought out vesting
- A Cliff Unlock took place in May 2024, releasing around 100 million DRIFT , or almost 44 % of the current supply in circulation.
- From November 2025 , a new cycle begins, with approximately 463,000 DRIFT unlocked every day for several months.
- Between November 2025 and May 2027 , the offer in circulation will almost triple, which represents strong inflationary pressure .
Who are the new released tokens for?
- Development of the ecosystem : to finance trading awards, liquidity incentives, future Airdrops.
- Development of the protocol : remunerating developers, supporting improvements and innovation.
- Strategic participants : partners who have invested or supported the project from its beginnings.
- Community sale : reserved for initial users who participated in the launch.
This planned release stems from a successful initial fundraising which made it possible to finance development without depending exclusively on the secondary market. The strategy aims to balance the liquidity injection and the valuation of the long -term project.
Impact of the Tokens Liberation Calendar on the Prize
The sales pressure generated by the rapid increase in the available offer could weigh on the price of the DRIFT , especially between the end of 2025 and 2027 . During each new unlocking phase:
- Beneficiaries can sell their tokens to secure their earnings.
- The market must absorb a significant amount of new tokens.
- Dilution can make the price increase in slower price if demand does not increase as fast as supply.
To better anticipate these effects and estimate future price levels, do not hesitate to consult our article dedicated to our Drift Protocol price predictions .
Why Drift remains interesting despite inflation?
Despite the prospect of significant dilution, Drift Protocol retains several major advantages:
- decentralized trading model without banking intermediary or intrusive verification.
- The possibility of keeping full ownership of its assets via your own portfolio.
- Access to shorting selling (uncovered sale) often impossible on centralized platforms in certain jurisdictions.
- Competitive trading costs compared to market standards.
- Growth potential if the DEFI volumes continue to migrate outside traditional CEX
Visual summary of Drift Tokenomics
- Maximum offer : 1 billion DRIFT
- Offer in circulation on April 26, 2025 : ~30 %
- Next massive releases : from November 2025
- Planned end of most of the jacket : current 2027
Where to buy DRIFT ?
DRIFT token is available on several platforms:
- Bitvavo : An excellent option for European users, offering:
- The lowest costs USDC pairs ).
- regulated environment registered with financial authorities (Netherlands).
- Local deposit methods (SEPA, Ideal, bank cards).
- An intuitive interface adapted to beginners and advanced users.
For non -European users:
- Kraken : solid and recognized platform worldwide, suitable for experienced traders.
- Directly on Drift Protocol via its Spot market by paying DRIFT / USDC (by connecting via Phantom, Trust Wallet , Exodus etc.).
Conclusion
Understanding the tokenomics of Drift Protocol is essential to assess its investment potential. Between a fairly aggressive progressive release model from the end of 2025 and solid technologically and commercial fundamentals, Drift is positioned as an actor to follow in the world of decentralized trading .
If you plan to buy DRIFT , be aware of the inflationary context to come while keeping an eye on the rise of the DEFI ecosystem on Solana . And to go further in your analysis, remember to consult our price predictions on Drift protocol.
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Yohan Uzzan
Training engineer, I quickly became interested in the field of finance. Convinced that decentralized finance has a bright future ahead of it, I participate in its democratization by developing Crypternon.
