LayerZero

What is LayerZero?

LayerZero is a messaging protocol that enables interoperable, omnichain applications by facilitating the transfer of data between smart contracts on different blockchains. It serves as a cross-chain communication layer that allows seamless interaction between previously isolated networks. LayerZero addresses the fragmentation challenge in blockchain technology through its Ultra-Light Nodes (ULNs) and relayer system, which enable efficient and secure cross-chain messaging without requiring intermediaries.

The protocol currently connects over 80 blockchain networks, including Ethereum, Solana, BNB Chain, Arbitrum, and Hyperliquid. With more than $100 billion in assets transferred and $6 billion in monthly transfer volumes as of April 2025, LayerZero has established itself as the dominant cross-chain messaging solution with approximately 75% market share.

LayerZero Airdrop Details

LayerZero is preparing for its second ZRO token airdrop, expected in Q2 2025. According to founder Bryan Pellegrino (@PrimordialAA), this distribution will primarily reward genuine protocol usage rather than speculative farming. The team has allocated 15.3% of the total ZRO supply for future distributions to users, protocols, infrastructure builders, and community members.

The first ZRO airdrop occurred in June 2024 and distributed tokens to 1.28 million eligible wallets based on cross-chain activity. For the second round, similar criteria are expected, with emphasis on transaction frequency, fee payments, bridge volumes, and engagement with LayerZero-powered applications. The team has implemented measures to prevent sybil attacks, including a multi-phase identification process.

Step-by-Step Guide:

How to Qualify for the LayerZero Round 2 Airdrop

  1. Acquire necessary assets – Purchase ETH, USDT, and other supported tokens from Binance and withdraw them to your wallet.
  2. Bridge assets using Jumper
    • Visit Jumper Exchange
    • Connect your wallet
    • Select Ethereum mainnet as your source chain
    • Choose a destination chain (Abstract, Berachain, Base, etc.)
    • Select StargateV2 (Fast mode) to ensure you’re using LayerZero technology
    • Enter the amount you want to bridge
    • Click “Start Bridge” and confirm the transaction
  3. Use Stargate Finance for direct bridging
    • Go to Stargate Finance
    • Connect your wallet
    • Select your source and destination chains
    • Choose the asset you want to bridge
    • Enter the amount and complete the transaction
    • Buy STG tokens from Binance and withdraw to your wallet
    • Consider staking STG tokens on Stargate, as this may also qualify for the airdrop
  4. Bridge on other LayerZero apps and repeat the steps above for different tokens/chains using Angle Protocol, the Aptos bridge, Gas.zip, PancakeSwap, Interport, and Uniswap.
  5. Explore Hyperbridge for Hyperliquid transfers
    • Visit Hyperbridge
    • Connect your wallet
    • Select the asset and network to bridge from
    • Choose the asset and network to bridge to
    • Supported assets include USDT0, USDe, PLUME, COOK, USR, and RLP
    • Click “Transfer” and confirm the transaction
  6. Acquire ZRO or Hold ZRO tokens if you received them in round 1
    • Purchase ZRO from Binance if you don’t already have some
    • Withdraw via Arbitrum to your wallet
    • Hold your tokens rather than selling them
  7. Participate in governance
    • Monitor for new governance votes at LayerZero Foundation
    • Actively vote on proposals using your ZRO tokens
  8. Engage with the community
    • Join the LayerZero Discord server
    • Participate in discussions and work toward earning Discord roles
    • Create educational content about LayerZero on X and other platforms

Tips to Maximize Your Potential Rewards

  • Diversify your activity: Use multiple LayerZero-powered applications rather than just one. See all available LayerZero apps on the ecosystem page.
  • Bridge regularly: Consistent activity over time may be weighted more heavily than a single large transaction.
  • Bridge between different networks: Vary your source and destination chains to demonstrate diverse usage of the protocol.
  • Use Fast mode when bridging via Stargate: While this incurs higher fees, it may increase your airdrop allocation as it demonstrates willingness to support the network.
  • Consider the volume: Bridge meaningful amounts rather than minimal test transactions to show genuine usage.

Understanding LayerZero Technology

LayerZero facilitates cross-chain communication through several key components:

  • Endpoints: Immutable smart contracts deployed on each supported blockchain that handle message sending, receiving, and verification.
  • Ultra-Light Nodes (ULNs): Lightweight verification systems that validate transactions without storing the entire blockchain history, significantly improving efficiency.
  • Relayers and Oracles: Decentralized networks (like Chainlink DON) that transmit messages and cryptographic proofs between chains.
  • Omnichain Fungible Tokens (OFTs) and Non-Fungible Tokens (ONFTs): Token standards that enable cross-chain transfers without wrapping or liquidity pools.

When you bridge assets using LayerZero, the protocol locks your tokens on the source chain and mints equivalent tokens on the destination chain, maintaining a 1:1 ratio and ensuring that the total supply remains constant across all chains.

FAQs

What is the ZRO token used for?

The ZRO token is LayerZero’s native governance token. It allows holders to participate in protocol decision-making through voting on proposals. The token is an Omnichain Fungible Token (OFT) that can be transferred across any supported blockchain.

How many ZRO tokens are there?

ZRO has a total supply of 1 billion tokens. Approximately 23.8% is allocated to the community, with 15.3% reserved for future distributions.

When will the second airdrop happen?

The second ZRO airdrop is expected in Q2 2025, though the exact date has not been announced.

What activities qualified users for the first airdrop?

The first airdrop rewarded users based on their cross-chain activity using LayerZero technology, including metrics like transaction frequency, bridge volumes, and fees paid.

Can I qualify if I wasn’t eligible for the first airdrop?

Yes, new users can still qualify for the second airdrop by actively using LayerZero-powered applications and participating in the ecosystem as outlined in the guide.

Is bridging on testnets counted for airdrop eligibility?

No, only mainnet transactions with real assets are likely to count toward airdrop eligibility.

Conclusion

The anticipated LayerZero Round 2 airdrop presents an opportunity for users to potentially receive ZRO tokens by actively engaging with the protocol’s cross-chain messaging capabilities. By bridging assets through LayerZero-powered applications, participating in governance, and becoming involved in the community, users can position themselves for possible inclusion in the upcoming distribution.

Remember that while following this guide may increase your chances, airdrop eligibility is ultimately determined by the LayerZero team based on criteria they establish. As with any crypto activity, it’s advisable to use only funds you can afford to allocate for these purposes and to stay updated with official announcements from LayerZero.

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Estimated Value

n/a

Tokens per Claim

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Max. Participants

Unlimited

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