Crypto Basics

Solana Staking - A Step by Step Guide for Beginners

Learn everything about staking Solana and unlock a passive income stream. Uncover step-by-step insights to maximize your crypto earnings.
Marcus K
7 Minutes
MIN

Cryptocurrency enthusiasts always look for new and innovative ways to make the most of their digital assets. Over the past few years, staking Solana has become a prominent method in this pursuit. 

With Solana, your investment transcends traditional boundaries, offering the unique opportunity to secure the network while earning passive income through lucrative rewards. 

This comprehensive guide aims to provide an in-depth understanding of staking Solana, encompassing essential information such as the process, the requirements and considerations involved, effective strategies for maximizing staking rewards, and a comprehensive guide on getting started.

The Basics of Solana Staking

Solana's proof-of-stake (PoS) mechanism enables quick confirmation of transaction sequences. To enhance the performance of the PoS consensus mechanism, Solana also utilizes the Proof-of-History (PoH) protocol. 

The PoH protocol securely orders transactions and events written on the decentralized ledger, making the entire Solana blockchain significantly faster and ideal for dApps by offering lower transaction costs.

Solana's approach to PoS, known as Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS), adds a twist to the regular PoS. DPoS enables voting and delegation by incentivizing users to stake their SOL tokens. 

Users stake their SOL to participate in the DPoS consensus operation, and the nodes choose delegates from the block production process. The network finalizes the number of delegates, with their voting power determined by the amount of SOL they have staked. 

This system ensures that only elected voters and delegates can validate transactions, prioritizing validators who have staked the most SOL.

The Solana Token (SOL)

SOL is Solana's native utility token for paying transaction fees, validating the network, and staking. The versatility of Solana's blockchain allows for the development of various decentralized applications (dApps) on its platform, leading to the emergence of new use cases for SOL.

To stake SOL and participate in the rewards program, you need a suitable wallet to store and manage your holdings. Wallets like Phantom, Exodus, and Solflare are popular choices among Solana users due to their user-friendliness, availability for dApps, and staking options. 

While these wallets are generally secure, it's important to exercise caution as they are exposed to the internet. For those with significant holdings or a cautious approach, using a hardware wallet provides an extra layer of safety.

Staking Requirements and Considerations

When staking SOL, you lock up a certain number of tokens for a specific period. The minimum amount of SOL required for staking is 0.01 SOL, which serves as the minimum reserve. 

Unlike some blockchains, no minimum amount of SOL is required to become a validator. However, validating blocks can incur a daily transaction fee of 1.1 SOL, so validators should consider their staking amount accordingly. 

During the staking period, you cannot spend your staked tokens, but it's important to note that SOL never leaves your wallet, and you can unstake your tokens at any time.

Staking SOL actively contributes to the stability of the Solana network by adding resources, and in return, you earn SOL as a staking reward. However, staking SOL also carries certain risks. 

Validators or delegators who engage in malicious behavior, such as generating invalid transactions or censoring certain types of transactions or participants, may have their stakes slashed. 

Slashing is punitive to discourage such behavior and protect the network's integrity. Delegating your tokens to reputable validators is crucial to minimize the risk of being impacted by their actions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Staking Solana

Staking SOL can be done through a crypto exchange or a dedicated wallet. Several platforms, including Coinbase, Kraken, Binance, and more, offer Solana staking programs, allowing users to stake SOL directly from their exchange accounts. 

Wallets such as the official Solana Wallet and Exodus also support SOL staking. Let's explore the step-by-step process for staking SOL via a crypto exchange and a wallet.

Staking SOL via a Crypto Exchange

  1. Sign up for a crypto exchange that supports Solana staking by providing the necessary personal information and completing the verification process, if required.
  2. Acquire SOL tokens by purchasing them on the exchange or transferring them from another wallet or exchange.
  3. Navigate to the staking section of the exchange and select a validator to delegate your tokens to.
  4. Follow the instructions provided by the exchange to delegate your SOL to the chosen validator.
  5. Once you have delegated your SOL, you can start earning staking rewards. However, it is important to monitor your rewards regularly and ensure that your chosen validator maintains a high level of uptime and security.

Staking SOL via a Wallet

  1. Choose a reputable and secure wallet that supports SOL staking, such as the official Solana Wallet or Exodus.
  2. Acquire SOL tokens by purchasing them on a crypto exchange or transferring them from another wallet or exchange.
  3. Transfer your SOL tokens to the staking wallet and navigate to the staking section.
  4. Delegate your SOL to a validator by following the staking wallet's specific instructions.
  5. After delegating your SOL to a validator, you can earn staking rewards, typically paid weekly.

Advanced Strategies for Maximizing Staking Rewards

To maximize your staking rewards and enhance your Solana staking experience, consider implementing the following strategies:

Maximizing Rewards With Multiple Validators

Monitoring validator performance is crucial for maximizing rewards. Platforms like Validators. app provides valuable insights into validator performance, allowing you to choose multiple validators for risk management. 

Distributing your SOL among multiple network validators offers a safer way to spread your funds, minimizing the impact of potential failures, increased commissions, or shutdowns by a single validator. 

While this strategy may incur multiple transaction fees, they are typically low, making the added sense of safety worthwhile.

Operating as a Validator

Running a validator node makes Solana a resistant and high-performing blockchain. Validators process and handle transactions while earning rewards and increasing censorship resistance through decentralization. 

While no minimum amount of SOL is required to run a validator, a reserve of 0.02685864 SOL coins is necessary to participate in the consensus. It is important to stake a sufficient amount of SOL to ensure the profitability of running a validator node.

Building a Solid Reputation and Attracting Delegators

Validators who meet the strict requirements of the Solana Foundation Delegation Program can receive delegations from a token pool managed by the foundation. 

To qualify for delegation, validators must fulfill testnet participation criteria and all baseline criteria. Failure to meet these requirements results in the revocation of delegation until the criteria are satisfied. 

Building a solid reputation and consistently meeting the criteria can attract delegators and enhance your staking rewards.

Staking Solana on a Non-custodial Wallet

In addition to exchanges, other ways exist to stake Solana, including using non-custodial wallets that support SOL staking. Wallets like Phantom Wallet, Solana's official wallet, provide staking options. 

The process involves funding your wallet with SOL crypto, selecting a Solana validator, and reviewing and confirming the transaction details. Non-custodial wallets offer an additional layer of security as you retain full control over your private keys.

Recent Network Developments

Solana Labs has been actively implementing changes to enhance network reliability and consistency. In a blog post from March 2023, co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko emphasized the importance of providing a fast, dependable, and scalable network for a fully decentralized web. 

Before the 1.14 release, core engineers addressed issues affecting network speed and usability, such as gas metering, transaction flow control, and fee markets. 

The most recent network upgrade, v1.16, has reduced hardware requirements for validators, making it more accessible and cost-effective to participate in the network's consensus mechanism. Optional zero-knowledge-compatible transaction encryption has also been introduced, enhancing privacy and security.

Conclusion

Staking Solana offers the opportunity to actively participate in shaping the future of a high-performance blockchain platform while earning rewards. 

By understanding the basics of Solana staking, choosing reputable platforms, and implementing advanced strategies, you can maximize your staking rewards and enhance your crypto investment strategy. 

Stay informed about recent network developments and make informed decisions to maximize your Solana staking experience.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other advice, and you should not treat any of the website's content as such.

Token Metrics does not recommend that any cryptocurrency should be bought, sold, or held by you. Conduct your due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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Research

How to Find Low Cap Altcoins with Maximum Growth Potential | Token Metrics Moonshots

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

Cryptocurrency is one of the few markets where small investments can turn into life-changing gains—if you know where to look. The secret? Low cap altcoins with strong fundamentals, fresh narratives, and early momentum. These are often called moonshots—tokens that can 10x, 50x, or even 100x your portfolio.

But with thousands of projects launching every year, how do you separate noise from real opportunity?

This is where Token Metrics, the industry’s most powerful crypto analytics platform, gives you a massive edge. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to find high-potential low cap altcoins before they explode.

What Are Moonshots?

In crypto, a moonshot refers to a token that’s expected to deliver exponential returns—usually 10x or more—within a short to medium timeframe. These tokens often:

  • Have a market cap below $50 million
  • Are newly launched or under-discovered
  • Operate in trending sectors like AI, DePIN, L2s, or Real-World Assets
  • Are supported by strong narratives or early whale interest

Moonshots are high-risk, high-reward plays. They may not have widespread recognition yet, but they often show early signs of momentum—and if timed correctly, they can outperform even the biggest names in crypto.

How Do Moonshots Work?

Moonshots usually follow a predictable cycle:

1. Discovery Phase

Savvy traders, insiders, or analysts begin accumulating the token quietly. There’s little public attention, but strong fundamentals or a promising narrative.

2. Hype Trigger

Something sparks attention—this could be an influencer tweet, exchange listing, or key milestone. Volume begins to rise.

3. FOMO Phase

Retail investors pour in as the token gains traction. Price rallies dramatically in a short period.

4. Profit-Taking

Early entrants sell, leading to price volatility. If the project has long-term merit, it may consolidate and rally again. If not, it could retrace sharply.

The goal is to get in early—before the FOMO begins. And that’s where Token Metrics shines.

Why Token Metrics Is the Best Platform for Finding Moonshots

Token Metrics is an AI-powered crypto research platform that filters through thousands of tokens daily to highlight only those with real upside potential. Its proprietary Moonshots feature is specifically designed to uncover undervalued low cap altcoins before they trend on X (Twitter), YouTube, or Telegram.

Key Benefits:

  • âś… AI-powered ratings based on technical, on-chain, and fundamental data
  • âś… Real-time moonshot detection with transparent performance tracking
  • âś… Seamless trading integration for quick entries
  • âś… Past Moonshot ROI tracking to evaluate model accuracy
  • âś… Bullish signal alerts and whale activity monitoring

Token Metrics doesn’t just show you what's trending—it shows you what’s about to trend.

How to Use Token Metrics to Find Moonshots

Here’s a step-by-step guide to using Token Metrics to discover low cap altcoins with maximum growth potential:

âś… Step 1: Go to the Ratings Page

  • From your Token Metrics dashboard, click on the “Ratings” tab.
  • This is where thousands of tokens are ranked daily based on Trader Grade (short-term upside) and Investor Grade (long-term fundamentals).

These scores are derived using over 80 data points, including:

  • Price momentum
  • Volume analysis
  • Sentiment scores
  • On-chain activity
  • Developer and GitHub activity

✅ Step 2: Click on the “Moonshots” Tab

At the top of the Ratings page, you’ll see the Moonshots tab—click it.

This tab highlights AI-flagged altcoins with breakout potential. These tokens are typically:

  • Low to mid-cap
  • Recently showing an upward trend in volume or price
  • Exhibiting bullish on-chain signals
  • Gaining attention in social channels

These are the best candidates for fast and explosive growth.

âś… Step 3: Review Key Metrics

Each token in the Moonshots section displays several key data points:

  • Trader Grade and its change over time
  • 24-Hour Volume – is attention building?
  • Market Cap – lower cap means higher potential upside
  • Date of Entry – when the token was first flagged
  • Live ROI Since Entry – how the pick has performed since being listed

You can also switch to the Past Moonshots tab to review historical picks and how they played out over 7–14 days. This transparency gives you confidence in the AI’s track record.

âś… Step 4: Choose a Token to Explore

Click on any token to open its Token Details Page.

Here, you’ll get in-depth analysis, including:

  • Live price chart
  • Key technical indicators (MACD, RSI, moving averages)
  • Tokenomics and utility breakdown
  • Whale wallet activity and top holders
  • Fundamental metrics like team, roadmap, and ecosystem

Use this data to perform a quick due diligence check before buying. This helps reduce risk and boost conviction.

âś… Step 5: Buy in Seconds

Once you’ve selected a moonshot you like:

  • Click the “Buy” button directly from the Moonshots page.
  • A swap widget will open, allowing you to purchase the token using your connected wallet.
  • You can buy directly from decentralized exchanges (DEXs) without leaving the platform.

This seamless flow—from research to execution—makes it incredibly easy to act quickly, which is crucial in fast-moving markets.

Real Examples of Moonshots That Delivered

Here are just a few examples of tokens previously flagged in Token Metrics Moonshots:

  • Gorbagana – Gained over 50% in a day
  • Useless Coin – Jumped 40% in 24 hours
  • Startup Coin – Delivered a 9x return over a month

These weren’t hyped on mainstream platforms—Token Metrics identified them early using AI-based indicators and on-chain data.

Final Thoughts: Find Your Next 100x

Finding low cap altcoins with maximum growth potential doesn’t have to be based on luck or hype. With the right tools, strategy, and platform, you can identify moonshots before they go parabolic.

Token Metrics Moonshots gives you the insights, data, and tools needed to make smarter, faster, and more confident trading decisions. From AI-powered ratings to seamless swap integration, it’s your all-in-one dashboard for finding the next big crypto opportunity.

So if you're serious about building wealth in the next bull run, don’t just follow the herd—get ahead of it.

🚀 Start your 7-day free trial at and unlock real-time access to Moonshots.

Crypto Basics

How to Find Undervalued Altcoins That Could 100x | Token Metrics Moonshots

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

In the fast-paced world of crypto, finding an altcoin before it explodes is every investor’s dream. The reality? Most people arrive too late—after the hype, after the parabolic move, and after the gains are gone. But what if there was a way to spot these undervalued altcoins before they skyrocket?

In this guide, we’ll show you how to find 100x altcoins early using a proven strategy powered by Token Metrics Moonshot Ratings. Whether you're a seasoned trader or a curious beginner, this step-by-step framework will help you identify tokens that are flying under the radar—but not for long.

What Are Moonshots?

In crypto, a moonshot is a token with the potential to deliver extraordinary returns, sometimes as high as 100x or even 1000x. These tokens typically start with:

  • Low market cap
  • High volatility
  • Speculative narratives
  • Early-stage community engagement

While some moonshots are driven by memes or hype, the best ones are backed by emerging narratives, strong tokenomics, and real momentum. The trick is to find them before they hit mainstream attention.

How Moonshot Altcoins Work

Moonshots follow a pattern:

  1. Early Accumulation Phase
    Smart money—whales, insiders, or savvy analysts—start quietly buying the token while it’s still underpriced and unknown.
  2. Sentiment + Volume Spike
    Word begins to spread. Crypto Twitter, Telegram groups, and early backers begin to create buzz. This brings in more liquidity and attention.
  3. Parabolic Price Action
    As FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) kicks in, the price goes vertical. Retail investors pile in. This is when the token moons.
  4. Top and Correction
    The token either consolidates, retraces, or crashes as early investors take profits and late entrants get burned.

Your goal? Enter in Phase 1 or early Phase 2, before everyone else sees the opportunity.

So how do you do that? With data—not hype.

How to Use Token Metrics to Find Moonshots

Token Metrics is one of the most powerful AI-driven platforms for crypto research. It helps you filter out the noise and identify undervalued altcoins with moonshot potential based on over 80 data points including technicals, fundamentals, on-chain activity, and sentiment.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to using Token Metrics’ Moonshots feature:

âś… Step 1: Go to the Ratings Page

Once you log in to Token Metrics, head over to the Ratings tab.

This is the heart of the platform, where every token is scored using:

  • Trader Grade – Best for short-term price action predictions
  • Investor Grade – Better for long-term conviction

You’ll see a ranked list of tokens with up-to-date analytics based on market behavior.

Tip: Sort by Trader Grade change to find tokens gaining momentum fast.

✅ Step 2: Click on the “Moonshots” Tab

Inside the Ratings page, look for the Moonshots tab near the top.

This is where Token Metrics highlights altcoins with breakout potential, flagged by proprietary AI models that monitor price anomalies, trend shifts, volume surges, and social indicators.

Only tokens that meet strict short-term upside criteria make it into this section.

âś… Step 3: Review Key Metrics

Each token in the Moonshots tab is presented with a powerful summary:

  • Trader Grade + % change
  • 24H Volume – Is money flowing in?
  • Market Cap – Lower cap = more potential for exponential growth
  • Date of Entry – How long has it been flagged as a moonshot?
  • Live ROI Since Entry – See how the token has performed since it was added to the list

Want to verify the track record? Switch to “Past Moonshots” to see historical picks and their 7–14 day performance.

âś… Step 4: Choose a Token to Explore

Click on a token to open its Token Details Page—this is where the real research begins.

You'll find:

  • Live chart and price action
  • On-chain data and sentiment
  • Top holders (including whales and smart wallets)
  • AI-generated technical indicators
  • Narrative tags (e.g., AI, DePIN, L2, Gaming)

This page helps you validate whether a moonshot token is worth the risk.

Is the project active on GitHub? Is the community growing? Are whales accumulating? All signs that a moonshot may be ready to launch.

âś… Step 5: Buy in Seconds

Found a token you like?

Token Metrics makes it easy to act:

  • Just click the Buy button from the Moonshots page.
  • This launches a swap widget integrated with top decentralized exchanges.
  • Choose your wallet, confirm the trade, and you're in—without ever leaving the platform.

This removes friction and saves time, especially when speed is critical.

Why Token Metrics Moonshots Beat Traditional Research

There are thousands of altcoins on the market—and most of them are noise. Token Metrics uses machine learning, real-time market signals, and historical backtesting to filter the noise and show you only the most promising tokens.

Key Advantages:

  • âś… AI-Driven: Eliminates emotional bias
  • âś… Real-Time Updates: Stay ahead of the crowd
  • âś… Transparent ROI: Know which Moonshots actually delivered
  • âś… Built-In Execution: One-click buy function saves time

Whether you're a degen chasing 10x tokens or a professional building a data-backed portfolio, Token Metrics gives you the edge.

Final Thoughts

Finding undervalued altcoins that can 100x isn’t about luck—it’s about information, timing, and execution.

Moonshots happen often in crypto. The problem is: most people are late. By the time you see it trending on X or featured in a YouTube video, the gains are gone.

Using a platform like Token Metrics, you can identify these tokens early, analyze them with confidence, and take action fast—all in one place.

If you're serious about leveling up your crypto trading game, start with the Moonshots feature on Token Metrics. Your next 100x altcoin could already be on the list.

âś… Ready to Hunt Moonshots?

Sign up for a 7-day free trial at www.tokenmetrics.com and unlock your edge in crypto today.

Research

How to Find the Next 100x Cryptocurrency Before Everyone Else | Token Metrics Moonshots

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

In the world of crypto, timing is everything. If you’re trying to turn $100 into $10,000, the holy grail is finding the next 100x altcoin before the masses catch on. These explosive opportunities are rare, but with the right tools and strategy, they’re not impossible to uncover.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to identify moonshot tokens—those under-the-radar gems that have the potential to skyrocket. You’ll also learn how to use Token Metrics, one of the most powerful AI-driven platforms, to spot them before they take off.

What Are Moonshot Cryptocurrencies?

“Moonshot” is a crypto-native term that refers to a low-cap cryptocurrency with the potential to deliver outsized returns, often 10x, 50x, or even 100x. These tokens may start unnoticed, trading at fractions of a penny, but once they gain traction, they can make early adopters massive profits in a very short period of time.

Key Traits of Moonshots:

  • Market cap under $50 million
  • High volatility with strong upward price potential
  • Community-driven marketing or narrative
  • Emerging sectors like AI, DePIN, Web3 infrastructure, or meme coins
  • Limited exchange listings (often only on DEXs)

Moonshots are risky—but with smart research and analytics, they can be strategic bets rather than blind gambles.

How Moonshots Work

Most 100x altcoins follow a predictable life cycle:

  1. Early Accumulation – Whales and savvy investors quietly accumulate before the public is aware.
  2. Trigger Catalyst – A social media trend, influencer mention, exchange listing, or big partnership sparks interest.
  3. Volume Surge – Trading activity spikes, liquidity increases, and price begins to move.
  4. Parabolic Rally – The token “moons” as retail investors jump in.
  5. Top Formation and Correction – Early investors take profits; latecomers often buy the top.

Catching a moonshot before Step 3 is your goal. You want to be in position before the breakout, not chasing after it.

This is where Token Metrics becomes invaluable.

Why Token Metrics Is the Best Tool for Discovering Moonshots

Token Metrics is a crypto analytics platform powered by AI, machine learning, and real-time data. It monitors thousands of tokens and ranks them using quantitative models, helping traders and investors find opportunities before they trend.

With features like:

  • Trader Grade and Investor Grade rankings
  • AI-generated signals
  • Real-time ROI tracking
  • Integrated trading functionality

…Token Metrics helps you act fast and stay ahead of the crowd.

Let’s walk through exactly how to use Token Metrics to find the next 100x cryptocurrency.

How to Use Token Metrics to Find Moonshots

Here’s a step-by-step guide to using Token Metrics’ Moonshot system to uncover high-potential altcoins.

âś… Step 1: Go to the Ratings Page

Once logged into the Token Metrics platform:

  • Navigate to the “Ratings” tab from the main dashboard.
  • This section ranks thousands of cryptocurrencies based on AI-calculated Trader Grade and Investor Grade.

Trader Grade is especially important for short-term breakout potential—it reflects the strength of a token’s momentum and technical setup.

✅ Step 2: Click on the “Moonshots” Tab

In the Ratings interface:

  • Click the “Moonshots” tab at the top.
  • This filters the token list to show only those identified as moonshot candidates by Token Metrics’ AI models.

These tokens are selected using proprietary algorithms that scan for:

  • Sudden volume surges
  • Rising trader grades
  • Favorable technical and social signals
  • Market cap anomalies

These are the coins flying just below the radar—with massive breakout potential.

âś… Step 3: Review Key Metrics

Each token in the Moonshots tab includes real-time, high-signal data to guide your decision-making:

  • Trader Grade: How strong is this token’s short-term setup?
  • Change in Trader Grade: Is momentum building?
  • 24-Hour Volume: Is there growing interest or liquidity?
  • Market Cap: The smaller the cap, the more upside (and risk).
  • Date of Entry: When was this token added to the Moonshots list?
  • Live ROI Since Moonshot: Has the token already moved—or is it still early?

You can also switch to Past Moonshots to see historical performance. Many past Moonshots have shown gains of 3x–20x within days of being listed.

âś… Step 4: Choose a Token to Explore

Click on any token from the Moonshots list to open its Token Details Page.

Here’s what you’ll find:

  • Live charts with technical indicators
  • Token fundamentals like supply, utility, and project roadmap
  • Top holder data to spot whales or early VC involvement
  • Sentiment scores and momentum shifts

This is where you do your research. Look for projects with:

  • Increasing community engagement
  • Clear narratives (e.g., AI, DePIN, meme, Layer 2)
  • Early whale accumulation
  • Undiscovered by influencers or major Twitter accounts

âś… Step 5: Buy in Seconds

Once you’ve found a token you like:

  • Hit the “Buy” button right from the Moonshots interface.
  • A swap widget will open inside Token Metrics.
  • Connect your wallet and execute the trade within seconds—no need to leave the platform.

This frictionless experience allows you to act immediately before the market catches on.

Pro Tips for Moonshot Hunting

Finding the next 100x crypto is part art, part science. Here are a few tips to sharpen your strategy:

  • Don’t Chase Pumps: Look for tokens with fresh momentum, not ones that are already up 500%.
  • Use On-Chain Data: Look for early accumulation, token holder growth, and low exchange balances.
  • Diversify: Don’t go all in on a single moonshot—spread risk across 3–5 plays.
  • Set Targets: Know your entry and exit strategy. Moonshots can reverse fast.

Final Thoughts

The next 100x altcoin won’t look obvious at first. It will likely be a small-cap token with limited press, an emerging narrative, and strong community energy.

By combining smart research, disciplined entries, and tools like Token Metrics Moonshots, you give yourself a major edge in spotting breakout coins before the explosion.

So stop guessing. Start using AI-powered insights to track moonshots, monitor early signals, and make informed trades that could change your portfolio—and your life.

🎯 Try Token Metrics now and unlock the Moonshots tab.
Visit: www.tokenmetrics.com

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