Cardano’s Midnight Kicks Off Glacier Drop Airdrop, Targeting 30M Wallets Across 8 Chains

Andrew Chen
Cardano

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Key Takeaways:

  • Midnight’s Glacier Drop airdrop targets 30M wallets across 8 major blockchains.
  • Cardano wallets receive the largest NIGHT token allocation at 50%.
  • Phased claim and thaw system aims to ensure long-term adoption and prevent dumping.

Cardano’s privacy-focused sidechain, Midnight Network, has officially launched its highly anticipated NIGHT token airdrop—Glacier Drop—targeting over 30 million wallets across eight major blockchain ecosystems. Touted as one of the most ambitious airdrops in crypto history, this rollout marks a major milestone for the Cardano ecosystem and its broader interoperability goals.

Cardano and Bitcoin Lead the Airdrop Allocation

The Glacier Drop, which went live on August 5 and runs until October 4, distributes NIGHT tokens based on a snapshot taken on July 11. Wallets with at least $100 in native assets across Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, Solana, BNB Chain, Avalanche, XRP Ledger, and Brave were considered eligible.

Cardano wallets received the largest share—50% of the airdrop—while Bitcoin holders claimed 20%. The remaining 30% was split across the other supported chains, reflecting Midnight’s mission to integrate diverse ecosystems and reward long-term holders.

Redemption Process and Technical Hiccups

Claiming NIGHT tokens involves a three-step process through Midnight’s official portal. After submitting a Cardano address and signing a message for verification, users enter a token thawing phase. NIGHT tokens are initially frozen and will unlock in four 25% installments over 360 days, with an additional 90-day grace period for redemption.

While over 23,000 redemptions totaling 470 million NIGHT have already been processed, not all participants had a smooth experience. Some Cardano veterans reported ineligibility despite long-term ADA holdings. Technical issues, such as the “invalid signature” error and Ledger wallet limitations, further frustrated users. Midnight’s team is working on a fix, including a zero-value transaction workaround expected to be audited by August 25.

Long-Term Vision Through Phased Token Release

To ensure responsible distribution, the Glacier Drop is structured into three phases. After the 60-day claim window, a 30-day “Scavenger Mine” phase will redistribute unclaimed tokens via on-chain challenges. A final “Lost and Found” window will span four years, allowing late participants to claim their share.

This phased approach, combined with the gradual token thawing, aims to prevent market dumping and build a stable foundation for Midnight’s long-term ecosystem development.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.

Also Read: Cardano Approves $71M Treasury Grant as ADA Price Eyes Breakout to $1

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