The crypto industry begins the year with approximately $7 billion in tokens set to be unlocked throughout January, according to data from Tokenomist (formerly Token Unlock).
Crypto unlocks are designed to gradually release cryptocurrencies, often to prevent significant sell-offs by early investors or team members.
While this process ensures a controlled flow of tokens into circulation, it typically results in short-term price declines. Recent analysis shows that most token unlocks negatively impact prices, though the effects may take weeks to materialize fully.
January unlock
January's unlocking schedule includes a mix of one-time “cliff” unlocks and steady “linear” releases. Cliff unlocks—large, one-time releases—linear unlocks will distribute tokens gradually throughout the month.
The first week alone will release around $1 billion worth of tokens, with $3.7 billion expected in the third week between Jan. 13 and Jan. 19.
On Jan. 1, the market witnessed the release of 64.19 million SUI tokens worth $270 million. This event allocated tokens to investors, community reserves, and the Mysten Labs treasury.
Similarly, ZetaChain unlocked 54 million ZETA tokens, valued at $42 million, to fund growth initiatives, advisory roles, and liquidity incentives.
Other significant unlocks this month include:
- Kaspa (KAS): Releasing 182.23 million tokens worth $20 million on Jan. 6.
- Ethena (ENA): Unlocking 12 million tokens worth $12.16 million for ecosystem development by Jan. 8.
- Optimism (OP): Distributing 31.34 million tokens valued at $57 million by Jan. 9.
Linear unlock
Linear unlocks, which distribute tokens daily, add a steady stream of new supply throughout the month, led by several high-profile projects.
Key projects in this trend include:
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