Beginner's Guide to Listing Your Crypto Token on an Exchange

In the ever-evolving landscape of cryptocurrencies, entrepreneurs continuously strive to introduce innovative tokens that bridge existing gaps and cater to specific use cases. While the creation of a new token offers immense potential, its long-term success hinges on factors such as community engagement and market liquidity.

To achieve widespread adoption and facilitate trading, it is paramount for newly launched tokens to secure listings on reputable crypto exchanges. However, the path to listing is not without its challenges, as each exchange has distinct requirements that token creators must navigate.

In this article, we explore the listing requirements of popular crypto exchanges. By understanding and meeting these criteria, entrepreneurs can improve their tokens' chances of being adopted and achieving long-term success.

Qualities of a Strong Cryptocurrency Token

When considering the characteristics of a good crypto token, there are several key factors that are highly valued by crypto exchanges. While different cryptocurrencies serve various purposes, tokens that gain recognition in the market share common traits.

In today's crypto landscape, launching a new token is no longer a monumental achievement due to the availability of white-label services and ready-made solutions. However, in order to be listed on crypto exchanges, tokens must demonstrate their value across multiple dimensions.

Let's delve into the essential components that form the foundation of a strong cryptocurrency token:

Established Group:

Continuous improvement has become customary in the crypto ecosystem. As a cryptocurrency token, the community expects active involvement from the team behind the project. Active participation entails regular updates on new developments, progress, plans, addressing community concerns, and implementing features based on the established roadmap and white paper.

Beneficial Offering:

While some tokens experience surges in trading volume and market prices solely driven by hype, the long-term success of a token hinges on its utility. The usefulness of a token is determined by the specific use cases it aims to address and the size of the supporting community. Most cryptocurrencies enter the market with the goal of resolving existing challenges in the crypto or traditional financial domains. It is crucial for tokens to offer use cases that can effectively tackle real-world problems.

Vast User Network:

As mentioned earlier, a substantial user base serves as a strong indicator of a project's success. Community-focused initiatives like airdrops and initial DEX offerings (IDO) serve as primary methods for crypto projects to acquire an initial user base. Building a sizable and engaged community contributes to the overall strength and appeal of a token.

Liquidity:

In the cryptocurrency ecosystem, liquidity plays a vital role in facilitating smooth token trading on platforms such as crypto exchanges. Higher liquidity implies that tokens can be easily bought and sold, instilling trust among investors and encouraging greater community participation.

Safety:

Even the most prominent crypto projects remain vulnerable to orchestrated attacks that can result in the loss of funds and project shutdowns. Therefore, ensuring the security of a token is crucial for establishing trust and credibility. Robust security measures are essential pillars of any successful project.

Listing Requirements for Crypto Tokens on Exchanges

If you're a cryptocurrency project aiming to list your tokens on popular exchanges, it's crucial to understand the specific requirements and guidelines imposed by each platform. Exchanges like Binance and Coinbase have disclosed valuable information to assist token owners in navigating through the listing process.

How to list a token on Binance

Binance, renowned for its extensive global trading volumes, is the go-to exchange for newly-launched crypto tokens. 

A direct listing suits projects that already have their tokens in circulation, be it through airdrops, peer-to-peer transactions, or listings on other exchanges. On the other hand, Binance's Launchpad initiative caters to early-stage projects yet to release their tokens.

User base size stands as the most critical criterion for listing on Binance and its subsidiaries. Although Binance has not disclosed exact listing fees, it donates all such fees to the transparent Binance Charity Foundation, which is tracked on the blockchain.

How to list a token on Coinbase

Coinbase, another prominent exchange, follows a similar process for listing new crypto assets.

Initially, Coinbase does not charge an listing fee, but this may change in the future based on submission volume and operational costs. Additionally, Coinbase lists tokens without an official request if they comply with local regulations and align with market demand.

The listing process on Coinbase unfolds in four phases:
- transfer-only,
- post-only,
- limit-only,
- full trading. 

Each phase denotes the functionality level the crypto exchange permits for the particular token.

How to list a token on Kraken

Kraken takes a more conventional approach, accepting listing requests through an official email address. But the wait for the answer can be too long. 

While Kraken has not published specific guidelines, it highly recommends applicants to provide comprehensive information about their projects to increase the chances of getting listed.

How to list a token on Crypto.com

Crypto.com requires new token listing applicants to ensure that their digital assets have passed legal and security reviews specific to the jurisdictions they intend to serve. In the application form, Crypto.com emphasises the need for aspiring tokens to solve real-world problems or address market needs.

Please note: Exchanges like Gemini have either paused accepting new applications due to regulatory challenges or opted not to disclose their listing requirements.

What to Do After Applying for a Token Listing: Essential Steps

The process of applying for a token listing is just the beginning, and there are crucial steps to take afterward. Regardless of the project's size or status, certain common traits can set tokens apart from the masses.

Consider the following important factors that every successful cryptocurrency project should prioritise:

Regularly share updates

Crypto exchanges appreciate projects that consistently share updates with the public on a weekly or monthly basis. Popular channels for regular updates:

- Twitter,
- Official blogs,
- CoinMarketCap,
- Medium,
- GitHub commits, and more.

Integrate with native ecosystems

Crypto exchanges prefer tokens that are compatible with their in-house blockchain. For instance, tokens built on the BEP-20 standard have a higher chance of being listed on Binance compared to other exchanges.

Binance also recommends incorporating BNB (Binance Coin) or Binance USD (BUSD) into the project's ecosystem, as this increases the likelihood of getting listed.

Same works for other exchanges. Most of them will prefer to list ERC20 tokens rather than coin on their own blockchain. Also the exchange listing fee for own blockchain coins is much higher than the listing fee for ERC20, BEP20, TRC20 tokens. 

Build an active community

Cultivating an engaged and active community is a strong indicator of a project's long-term success. Implement voting mechanisms for system upgrades, provide timely airdrop opportunities, and encourage community participation to foster overall project activity.

Wait for application approval

Crypto exchanges receive hundreds token listing applications monthly, ranging from promising projects to those simply trying their luck. As a result, the review process can be time-consuming. Exchanges carefully assess applications and approve only those that meet the listing requirements. Projects can wait for an update for months and in most cases they don’t receive an update at all. 

It is advisable for applicants to continue working on their projects regardless of selection. Exchanges often monitor previously submitted applications and may reach out to projects based on their ongoing market performance, even if they were previously rejected.

It is important to avoid personal outreach to exchange officials or owners for updates on the approval status or to share white papers. When contacted by an exchange, projects should ensure the communication is from an official email address and contains a digital signature. Remember that the selection criteria for listing on a crypto exchange evolve over time with changing regulations and offerings.

By following these post-application steps, cryptocurrency projects can enhance their chances of success in the competitive world of token listings on crypto exchanges.

How to simplify the listing of crypto tokens on exchanges?

In conclusion, listing a crypto token on exchanges can be a complex and time-consuming process. However, there are options available to simplify this task. Specialized agencies like “Listing.Help” can provide invaluable assistance, streamlining the entire listing process and saving you time and effort. By relying on their expertise, you can get your token listed on top exchanges with a higher chance, lower price than official and much faster. .

For those who prefer a hands-on approach, it's important to remember the key ingredient to success: persistence. Despite the challenges, dedicating time and effort to the token listing process can yield positive results. By staying committed and focused, you can increase your chances of achieving your goal.