In the fast-paced world of meme tokens and creator economies, sustainability is the name of the game. Recently, Kawz, the chief at Time.fun, dropped some wisdom on X about what it takes to make creator coin models (often abbreviated as CCM) truly effective. If you're not familiar, creator coins are digital tokens tied to individual creators or influencers, allowing fans to invest in and access exclusive perks. But keeping these tokens valuable beyond initial hype? That's where things get tricky.
Kawz's main point is straightforward: to make CCM work, creators need to offer a product that scales to thousands of users. This isn't just about speculation—it's about delivering real, tangible value with built-in token sinks. Token sinks are mechanisms that remove tokens from circulation, like burning them or using them for services, which can help maintain or increase the token's value over time.
He specifically shouts out Time.fun V2 as an example. For those new to it, Time.fun is a platform that tokenizes creators' time into tradable "Minutes." Fans buy these tokens to unlock voice calls, video chats, group discussions, or other interactions with their favorite creators. It's like a tokenized version of booking a consultation, but with the added twist of crypto trading.
Building on that, Kawz describes a freemium approach for V2. Think of it like many apps today: free access for casual users to dip their toes in, but premium perks that encourage buying into the creator's token. This could include exclusive content, priority access, or special features that make holding the token worthwhile. The idea is to hook users with free value and then convert them into token holders through those irresistible upgrades.
This strategy addresses a common pitfall in meme tokens and creator coins—pure speculation without underlying utility leads to pumps and dumps. By integrating token sinks throughout the product, like using tokens to pay for calls or unlock features, there's constant demand that isn't just betting on price goes up.
One reply in the thread from v6x echoes this sentiment, referencing how platforms like Pump.fun revolutionized token creation by making it free and easy. Now, the focus shifts to sustainability, and Time.fun V2 seems poised to tackle that head-on.
Of course, not everyone's on board. Some replies question the timeline for V2 or debate whether non-speculative elements can thrive in crypto's high-risk environment. Kawz clarifies that speculation isn't being eliminated—it's being complemented with real utility, much like how features in other platforms drive ongoing token use.
If you're a blockchain practitioner or meme token enthusiast, keep an eye on Time.fun. This evolution could set a new standard for how creators build lasting communities and economies around their tokens. What do you think—will freemium models be the future of creator coins?