In the wild world of meme coins, where volatility is the name of the game, one strategy stands out for its counterintuitive brilliance: dropping airdrops when the market feels like it's hit rock bottom. This idea was recently spotlighted in a tweet by @kmoney, a prominent figure in the crypto space associated with projects like Mog Coin and Party Hat DAO. Let's break down what he said and why it makes so much sense, especially looking back at how BONK breathed new life into Solana after the FTX debacle.

The Tweet That Sparked the Conversation

Here's the tweet in question:

unironically best time to do an airdrop is when things are the darkest

post ftx solana eco was pretty brutal and then bonk did their airdrop and helped breathe life back into that ecosystem

they won a lot of favor with active participants and that led to brand loyalty

— @kmoney

@kmoney hits the nail on the head. Airdrops—free distributions of tokens to users' wallets—are a staple in crypto, but timing them during a bear market? That's where the magic happens. It rewards the die-hard community members who stick around when everyone else is panicking, fostering a sense of gratitude and loyalty that pays off big when the market rebounds.

A Quick Refresher on the FTX Collapse and Solana's Dark Days

To understand the context, let's rewind to late 2022. The FTX exchange, once a giant in crypto, collapsed spectacularly due to mismanagement and alleged fraud by its founder, Sam Bankman-Fried. Solana, a high-speed blockchain popular for its low fees and meme coin ecosystem, was hit hard because FTX had heavy investments in it. SOL's price plummeted, projects stalled, and the vibe was downright gloomy. Developers and users were questioning if Solana could recover.

Enter BONK, a Shiba Inu-inspired meme token launched on Christmas Day 2022. Instead of a typical launch, the team behind BONK airdropped a whopping 50% of its total supply to active Solana participants, including NFT holders, artists, developers, and everyday users. This wasn't just a giveaway; it was a lifeline. As detailed in this overview of the BONK airdrop, the distribution was fair and targeted, injecting excitement and liquidity back into the ecosystem.

The result? BONK's price skyrocketed over 7,000% in 2023, and Solana's overall activity surged. Trading volumes on Solana DEXes (decentralized exchanges) picked up, new projects launched, and the chain's reputation as a meme coin hub was solidified. It's a classic case of how a well-timed airdrop can turn despair into opportunity.

Why Dark Times Are Prime for Airdrops

So, why does this strategy work? Let's break it down simply:

• Rewards Loyalty: In a bear market, only the most dedicated users are still active. Airdropping to them shows appreciation, turning them into lifelong advocates. As @kmoney notes, this builds "brand loyalty" that's hard to shake.

• Creates Buzz with Low Expectations: When prices are low, even a small airdrop feels like a windfall. Recipients are more likely to hold and promote the token, sparking organic growth.

• Minimizes Sell-Off Pressure: Sure, some might dump immediately, but in a down market, the impact is muted. Plus, as one reply to the tweet pointed out from @the3rdparty_, "Airdrop at the bottom of the market is good because the people that sell get filled with Regret." When the market recovers, those who sold early kick themselves, while holders reap the rewards.

• Revives Ecosystems: Just like BONK did for Solana, airdrops can kickstart activity. They encourage trading, community engagement, and even attract new users curious about the hype.

Community reactions to @kmoney's tweet echo this sentiment. For instance, @MonkeyCharts replied, "was just thinking this," while @0xSweep added, "We can only pray brother," hinting at hopes for similar moves in today's market. Another user, @tiga_coin, shared: "Dark times separate farmers from believers," accompanied by this fun visual.

Lessons for Today's Meme Token Projects

Fast-forward to 2025, and the crypto market is facing its own challenges—whether from regulatory pressures, economic uncertainty, or just the natural cycles of bull and bear. If you're building a meme token or involved in blockchain projects, consider @kmoney's advice. Projects like those on Solana or other chains could use airdrops to rally their communities now.

Of course, execution matters. Make the airdrop fair (no insider dumps), target active users, and tie it to real utility or fun memes to avoid it feeling like a cash grab. As seen with BONK, which evolved into partnerships and even integrations like the Solana Saga phone airdrops (check out this article on BONK's rise), the long-term payoff can be massive.

At Meme Insider, we're all about decoding these strategies to help you navigate the meme token landscape. Whether you're a degen trader or a builder, remember: sometimes, the darkest hour is just before the dawn—and a well-placed airdrop could be the spark that lights the way.

If this resonates, drop your thoughts in the comments or check out more on Solana meme coins for deeper dives.