In the fast-paced world of decentralized finance (DeFi), airdrops have become a popular way for projects to distribute tokens and reward early users. But climbing to the top ranks isn't just about luck—it's about strategy. Crypto analyst Jussy, known on X as @jussy_world, recently shared his playbook in a thread that's buzzing in the community. Let's break it down step by step, with simple explanations for anyone new to the scene.

Joining Projects on Day One

Jussy emphasizes being an early bird. Most folks jump in when a project hits the hype train, driven by big investors (whales) pouring in cash. By then, it's tough to rank high without massive deposits. Instead, he spots projects right at launch, when total value locked (TVL)—that's the amount of assets staked in the protocol—is still low, like under $500k.

Why does this matter? Early entry means your contributions stand out more, and you face less competition. For meme token enthusiasts, this is gold: many meme projects start small on platforms like Solana or Base, offering airdrops to bootstrap liquidity.

Research and Team Outreach

Once he finds a gem, Jussy dives into research. He checks the project's whitepaper, roadmap, and even reaches out to the team to gauge their vision. This isn't just due diligence—it's about building relationships that could lead to insider perks or better airdrop allocations.

If you're starting out, tools like Dune Analytics or DeFi Llama can help track new protocols. And remember, in the meme space, Telegram channels and Discord servers are where teams often hang out.

Smart Deposits and Yield Focus

Jussy tests the waters with a solid but not whale-level deposit—around $20k initially. If it performs well, he adds more. Key rule: the project must generate passive income, like yields from lending or staking. He avoids high-risk activities like trading or providing liquidity pools (LPs) to dodge impermanent loss (IL), which happens when asset prices fluctuate and you end up with less value than if you'd just held.

For meme tokens, this translates to farming points or tokens through low-risk mechanisms, ensuring your capital works for you without unnecessary exposure.

Content Creation and Referrals

Here's where it gets clever: by joining early, Jussy creates content about the project when it's under the radar. Threads, videos, or posts on X draw in referrals—users who sign up via your link. This not only boosts your rank but also qualifies you for contributor rewards on platforms like Kaito.

He shares that with non-hyped projects, snagging 500 referrals in two weeks is doable, landing you in the top 100. In meme ecosystems, where virality is king, content can explode your reach. Think of it as turning your knowledge into a multiplier for airdrop gains.

Scaling and Cycling Funds

With referrals rolling in, Jussy reduces his deposit in the maturing project and shifts funds to the next early-stage opportunity. No need for millions; being first is the real edge. Examples? He joined Hylo at $500k TVL and Huma Finance right at pool opening—both DeFi lenders that rewarded early birds handsomely.

This cycle keeps your portfolio fresh and maximizes exposure across the blockchain landscape, including meme-heavy chains.

Real-World Proof and Tips

Jussy shouts out @CryptoUsopp as a success story: starting small, building a brand from zero followers, and netting over $100k in airdrops this year. It's proof that strategy trumps deep pockets.

He also teams up with @FabianoSolana to scout early projects, sharing them before they blow up. Replies in the thread echo this—users note that following such analysts and acting fast is a "cheat code."

In his TL;DR: Be early, create content—projects often allocate more to contributors than plain users. For meme insiders, apply this to hyped launches on Pump.fun or similar, where airdrops can turn into moonshots.

Wishing you success in your farming adventures. Stay early, stay informed, and watch those ranks climb!