Whether you’re just entering the market or have been holding for years, understanding token unlocks is crucial. They play a key role in price movement and investor behavior. In a fast-evolving space, staying ahead of major unlock events can help you make smarter decisions.
💥 One-Time Unlocks: Big Drops Incoming
Nine tokens are on track for major one-off unlocks — each releasing more than $5 million in value. Among them are FTN, ZK, ARB, S, ID, APE, MELANIA, LISTA, and ZKJ. These large supply surges can flood the market. This often leads to downward price pressure. This happens if early investors or team members choose to cash out.
Take APE as an example. When over $20 million worth of tokens were unlocked earlier this year, the price dipped noticeably within a day. Some long-term holders held firm. Others saw it as a profit-taking opportunity. This shows how timing and sentiment can shape outcomes.
These events are part of broader tokenomics. This is especially true for newer projects. Large amounts remain allocated to core contributors, early supporters, and ecosystem incentives.
📈 Daily Linear Unlocks: Slow But Steady Dilution
On the flip side, twelve other tokens are increasing supply gradually — adding more than $1 million in tokens daily. This includes major names like SOL, WLD, TIA, DOGE, TAO, AVAX, SUI, DOT, IP, MORPHO, ETHFI, and JTO.
This steady, linear unlock model may seem less dramatic. However, the cumulative impact over time can be just as significant. This is especially true in terms of liquidity and market absorption.
According to recent insights from Sonic, these tokens aren’t just being unlocked from existing reserves — they’re being newly minted. The total token supply is increasing. This leads to dilution. Each token now represents a smaller share of the total.
Market sentiment is still reacting to macroeconomic factors like the Fed’s latest moves. These unlocks could trigger sell-offs or volatility. This is especially true in markets with lower liquidity.
