Crypto Basics

What is Crypto Yield Farming and How it Works?

Learn everything about crypto yield farming and how it works in this descriptive guide.
Token Metrics Team
6 minutes
MIN

In this guide, we will answer what crypto yield farming is and how to do it.

Yield farming is a revolutionary way of earning passive income through cryptocurrency investments. It is a relatively new concept and has gained much attention in the crypto world. Yield farming involves using your cryptocurrency assets and taking advantage of lending platforms, decentralized finance protocols, and staking pools to generate incentives for interest payments, rewards, and capital gains. 

In this descriptive guide to crypto yield farming, you'll learn about the different types of yield farming, the rewards available, and the associated risks. You can earn passive income through yield farming with the right strategies and knowledge. So, let's dive right in and learn about crypto yield farming.

What is Crypto Yield Farming?

‍‍Yield farming is a process of using your cryptocurrency assets to generate incentives in the form of:

  • Interest payments, 
  • Rewards, and 
  • Capital gains. 

In other words, it is a form of passive income from cryptocurrency assets. Yield farming can also be considered a strategic investment strategy that allows you to earn income from your idle assets by lending them to other users. This process is similar to how people earn income from their savings accounts. 

These idle assets that you can stake can be your:

  • Computer's processing power
  • A certain amount of coins from your portfolio, or 
  • A certain amount of tokens from your portfolio. 

But how is this beneficial to you? 

Benefits of Yield Farming

Yield farming offers a wide range of benefits for both individuals and businesses. 

  • For individuals, yield farming can be a great way to earn extra income. It can help you diversify your crypto portfolio and hedge against some of the risks associated with investing in cryptocurrencies by generating extra income from your idle assets. This is why they call it an excellent way to earn passive income, which is one of the core benefits of cryptocurrency. 
  • For businesses, yield farming can help you expand your customer base and increase revenue. You can earn income by lending your idle assets while helping people earn interest and build their crypto portfolios. Although yield farming was once primarily used by mining operations, it can now be done by individuals, organizations, and other entities that are involved with cryptocurrency.

How Does Yield Farming Work in Real-time?‍‍

So, what do you need to do to get started with yield farming?

To begin with, the yield farmers will need to deposit their coins or tokens into decentralized applications or dApps of their choice for the following: 

  • Crypto trading 
  • Lending, or 
  • Borrowing. 

A few examples of dApps include crypto wallets, DEXs, decentralized social media, and more. Since these investors enhance the liquidity in their chosen dApp, they're referred to as liquidity providers. The crypto that yields farmers' deposits into DeFi protocols gets locked into autonomous smart contracts.

Types of Yield Farming

There are three types of yield farming - lending, providing liquidity, and staking. 

Lending refers to lending your idle cryptocurrency assets to earn interest payments. You are generating revenue through interest payments when you lend your cryptocurrency assets. This process is similar to how people earn interest from their savings accounts. 

Providing liquidity to decentralized apps for traders to trade on can also generate you fees. However, keep in mind that there exists impermanent loss in the process.

Staking refers to lending your coins to earn rewards through coins and staking fees. You are generating revenue through rewards and staking fees when you stake your coins. Rewards can come in the form of coins, tokens, or other types of digital assets. You are lending your coins to earn rewards.

Types of Rewards Available

Rewards are the incentives earned when you lend idle coins and cryptocurrencies to earn interest payments and generate passive income. There are many different rewards available to those who participate in yield farming. Some include interest payments, votes, staking rewards, and airdrops. 

Interest payments: This is the primary reward generated by yield farming. Interest payments are generated when you lend idle coins and cryptocurrencies to other participants. 

Votes: This refers to the ability to vote on certain network issues. 

Staking rewards are rewards generated by staking crypto assets for a certain period. 

Airdrops: This refers to the free crypto coins and tokens resulting from participating in a certain network or blockchain project.

Is Yield Farming Safe and Profitable?

Now that you know the benefits of yield farming, it's also important to know the risks. This is because no investment is risk-free, and the same is true for yield farming. When you decide to earn income from yield farming, you must consider the risks associated with it. Some risks associated with yield farming include network, liquidity, counterparty, and regulatory risks. 

Network risk refers to the risk associated with the security of the network/blockchain and its ability to function as expected. 

Liquidity risk is associated with the ability to liquidate your assets when you need them. 

Counterparty risk refers to the risk associated with the ability of the person/entity with whom you have the contract to fulfill the obligations. 

Regulatory risk is the risk associated with the ability of the government to enact new laws that can affect your earnings.

Smart contract risk is the risk associated with the probability of smart contracts getting hacked due to a bug or backdoor.

That said, there are definitely risks involved that you need to be aware of.

Strategies for Yield Farming

There are many strategies you can use for yield farming. Some of them include lending your idle assets to earn interest payments, staking your coins to earn rewards, and using different DAFs to generate passive income.

Lending your idle assets: This is one of the most common ways to earn income through yield farming. You can use your idle assets, such as your computer's processing power, to lend them to others who need them. 

Staking your coins: This is another popular way to generate passive income through yield farming. You can lend your coins to earn rewards. 

Using different DAFs: This refers to the use of decentralized autonomous funds that can generate passive income.

What's Next for Yield Farming?

Yield farming is a dynamic space that tends to change quickly; it often requires vigilance and time for farmers to cull out the best possible strategies. However, for someone who can manage it, yield farming will be highly profitable in 2023, even in the bearish market.  

That said, yield farming is significantly risky with rug pulls, hacks, impermanent loss, etc.

So, choosing your battle is important before getting into the ring. 

Platforms for Yield Farming

Many different types of yield farming platforms are available for you to use.

You can use these platforms to take advantage of your idle assets to generate income through interest payments and rewards.

Some popular yield farming platforms include Yearn Finance, Lido, and Liquity.

The Bottom Line

Yield farming is a revolutionary way of earning passive income through cryptocurrency investments. It involves using your cryptocurrency assets to take advantage of lending platforms, decentralized finance protocols, and staking pools to generate incentives in interest payments, rewards, and capital gains. While lucrative, it can be a riskier investment depending on the platform you go for and the type of yield you are generating.

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If you want to survive (and thrive) in crypto trading, you must learn how to manage risk effectively. In this guide, we’ll break down why risk management is critical, the top strategies to protect your capital, and how Token Metrics can help you trade smarter, safer, and with more confidence using AI-driven insights.

Why Risk Management Is Non-Negotiable in Crypto

In traditional markets, a 5% price movement is big news. In crypto? Daily moves of 10–20% are normal.

  • High volatility: Crypto is more speculative than stocks or forex.
  • Unregulated space: Scams and market manipulation are more common.
  • Emotional trading: Fear and FOMO lead to poor decisions.

Without a solid risk management plan, even experienced traders can lose everything.

Top Risk Management Strategies for Crypto Trading

1. Only Invest What You Can Afford to Lose

This is rule number one.

  • Never invest rent, emergency savings, or money you can’t afford to lose.
  • Treat crypto like a high-risk asset class—because it is.

2. Diversify Your Portfolio

Don’t put all your funds into one token.

  • Spread across different coins & sectors: Bitcoin, Ethereum, AI tokens, DeFi, etc.
  • Balance risk levels: Mix large-cap coins with small-cap moonshots.

How Token Metrics Helps:
Use AI-driven indices to build a diversified, auto-rebalanced portfolio aligned with your risk tolerance.

3. Use Stop-Loss Orders

Set stop-loss levels to automatically sell if prices fall below a certain threshold.

  • Prevents small losses from becoming catastrophic.
  • Helps maintain discipline during market dips.

Pro Tip: Place stops at strategic support levels, not random round numbers.

4. Size Your Positions Properly

Don’t go “all-in” on one trade.

  • Position sizing ensures no single trade wipes out your portfolio.
  • A common rule: risk 1–2% of your capital per trade.

5. Avoid Overleveraging

Leverage amplifies gains—but also losses.

  • Start with low or no leverage until you’re experienced.
  • High leverage trading can lead to instant liquidation in volatile markets.

6. Keep Emotions in Check

Fear, greed, and FOMO (fear of missing out) destroy portfolios.

  • Stick to your strategy.
  • Don’t chase pumps or panic-sell during dips.

How Token Metrics Helps:
Our AI-powered bullish and bearish signals take emotions out of trading by giving you data-backed entry and exit points.

7. Stay Informed

Markets move on news—regulations, partnerships, or even tweets.

  • Follow credible sources for updates.
  • Use narrative tracking to spot market-shifting trends early.

How Token Metrics Helps:
Our AI tracks emerging narratives (e.g., AI tokens, DeFi, RWAs), so you can adjust positions before the crowd reacts.

8. Use Risk/Reward Ratios

Before entering a trade, ask:

  • Is the potential reward worth the risk?
  • Aim for at least a 2:1 or 3:1 reward-to-risk ratio.

9. Practice Secure Asset Storage

Risk management isn’t just about trades—it’s also about keeping your crypto safe.

  • Use hardware wallets for long-term holdings.
  • Enable 2FA on exchanges.

10. Review & Adjust Your Strategy

Markets evolve—your plan should too.

  • Track your wins and losses.
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Token Metrics isn’t just a research platform—it’s an AI-powered risk management assistant.

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2. Trader & Investor Grades

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3. AI-Managed Indices

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5. Narrative Detection

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Imagine you want to invest $5,000 in crypto:

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Practical Risk Management Checklist

  1. Never invest more than you can afford to lose.

  2. Diversify across coins and sectors.

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  7. Stay informed about news and emerging narratives.

  8. Secure your assets with hardware wallets and 2FA.

  9. Track and adjust your trading strategy regularly.

  10. Trade with logic, not emotions.

Final Thoughts

So, how do you manage risk in crypto trading? It’s about balancing your portfolio, using smart tools, and staying disciplined.

While volatility is unavoidable, you can control how much you’re exposed to it. With Token Metrics, you gain AI-powered insights, trade signals, and portfolio tools that help you reduce risks while maximizing opportunities.

In crypto, it’s not just about making profits—it’s about keeping them.

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Cryptocurrency trading is a 24/7 market—unlike stocks, there’s no opening or closing bell. This leads many traders to wonder: “When is the best time to trade cryptocurrency?”

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  • Volatility opportunities: Price swings create profit potential—but also risk.
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Knowing when the market is most active can help you reduce trading fees, minimize slippage, and maximize your gains.

The Best Times to Trade Cryptocurrency

1. Overlap Between U.S. and European Markets (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM UTC)

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  • Why?

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    • Europe contributes significant trading volume and liquidity.

  • Benefits:

    • Higher volatility for short-term traders.
    • Tighter spreads for efficient execution.

This overlap often sees the biggest price movements of the day—perfect for day traders and scalpers.

2. Early U.S. Trading Hours (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM UTC)

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  • Best for:

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3. Weekend Volatility (Saturday & Sunday)

Crypto is unique because weekend trading can be extremely volatile due to:

  • Lower liquidity (fewer institutional players).
  • Retail-driven price movements.

  • Who benefits:

    • Swing traders looking for sharp moves.
    • Those willing to tolerate higher risk for bigger gains.

4. After Major News & Events

The “best time” isn’t always about the clock—it’s about market catalysts.

  • Regulatory updates.
  • Exchange announcements.
  • Macro events (interest rate changes, economic data).

These events can cause instant surges or drops—great for traders who react quickly.

Does the Day of the Week Matter?

Yes. Research shows:

  • Mondays & Fridays: Often more volatile as traders adjust positions before/after the weekend.
  • Midweek (Tuesday–Thursday): Tends to have steady, higher trading volumes.

For swing traders, entering positions midweek may reduce erratic weekend exposure.

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4. AI-Driven Indices

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Tips for Timing Crypto Trades

  1. Trade During High Liquidity Windows: Overlaps between U.S. and European sessions are best.
  2. Watch for News: Major announcements can create rapid price moves—be ready.
  3. Avoid Low-Volume Hours: Late-night trading (UTC) often has higher slippage.
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  • You execute your trade during the U.S.-EU overlap when liquidity is highest—reducing slippage and maximizing efficiency.

This data-driven approach takes the guesswork out of timing.

Final Thoughts

So, what’s the best time to trade cryptocurrency?

  • Weekdays during the U.S.-EU overlap (1:00–5:00 PM UTC) offer the best liquidity and volatility.
  • Early U.S. hours and weekends can also present opportunities—but with higher risks.
  • Major news events often create the best entry/exit windows.

But the truth is, there’s no universal “perfect time.” The real key is using data-driven insights to trade at your best time—when probabilities are in your favor.

That’s why Token Metrics is essential for traders. With AI-powered trading signals, narrative tracking, and portfolio management tools, Token Metrics helps you time the market intelligently, not emotionally.

Whether you’re a day trader chasing volatility or a long-term investor, Token Metrics puts the right data at your fingertips—so you can trade with confidence, anytime.

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The cryptocurrency market has created life-changing wealth for millions, but it has also attracted hackers, scammers, and bad actors. From exchange hacks to phishing scams and rug pulls, billions of dollars in crypto have been lost due to poor security practices.

If you’re serious about trading or investing in crypto, one of your top priorities should be keeping your cryptocurrency safe. In this guide, we’ll walk through the biggest risks to your crypto security, best practices to protect your assets, and how Token Metrics can help you make informed, safe decisions when navigating the crypto market.

Why Is Cryptocurrency Security So Important?

Unlike a traditional bank account, cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible. If your funds are stolen, there’s usually no way to recover them.

  • No centralized authority: There’s no bank to call for refunds.
  • Pseudonymous transactions: It’s nearly impossible to trace funds once they’re moved.
  • High-value targets: Hackers actively target crypto investors due to the potential for large payoffs.

This means you are your own bank—and you’re responsible for protecting your funds.

Common Threats to Your Cryptocurrency

Before learning how to protect your crypto, you need to know what you’re up against:

1. Exchange Hacks

Crypto exchanges are frequent targets for hackers. Even top-tier exchanges like Mt. Gox and FTX have experienced devastating losses.

2. Phishing Attacks

Scammers use fake websites, emails, or social media accounts to trick you into revealing your private keys or login credentials.

3. Malware & Keyloggers

Cybercriminals install malicious software on your devices to steal passwords and seed phrases.

4. Rug Pulls & Scams

Fraudulent projects lure investors with promises of high returns, then disappear with the funds.

5. Human Error

Lost passwords, mishandled private keys, or accidental transfers can lead to permanent loss of funds.

How to Keep Your Cryptocurrency Safe

Here’s a step-by-step approach to safeguarding your crypto:

1. Use a Secure Wallet

Hardware Wallets:

  • The safest option for long-term storage.
  • Devices like Ledger or Trezor keep your private keys offline, out of reach of hackers.

Software Wallets:

  • Convenient for active trading but more vulnerable to attacks.
  • Use reputable wallets like MetaMask or Trust Wallet and enable strong security features.

Pro Tip: Use a hardware wallet for long-term holdings and a software wallet for small, active trading balances.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Always enable 2FA on your exchange accounts, wallets, and email addresses.

  • Use Google Authenticator or Authy, not SMS-based 2FA, which is susceptible to SIM swaps.

3. Beware of Phishing & Fake Websites

  • Double-check URLs before logging into exchanges or wallets.
  • Never click links from suspicious emails or DMs.
  • Bookmark the official websites of your exchanges and platforms.

4. Keep Your Seed Phrase Offline

Your wallet’s seed phrase is the master key to your funds.

  • Write it down on paper and store it securely (safe, vault).
  • Avoid storing it in digital form (cloud storage, photos).
  • Consider splitting the phrase into parts and storing them in separate locations.

5. Research Projects Before Investing

Many scams and rug pulls target uninformed investors chasing hype.

How Token Metrics Helps:

  • Use AI-powered Investor Grades to assess projects for long-term viability.
  • Leverage Moonshot Finder to discover vetted early-stage tokens with real growth potential—not scams.

6. Diversify Your Storage

Don’t keep all your crypto in one place.

  • Use multiple wallets for different purposes (trading vs. holding).
  • Spread funds across hardware, software, and exchange wallets.

7. Stay Updated on Threats

The crypto landscape changes fast.

  • Follow credible crypto news platforms.
  • Monitor regulatory updates and security alerts.
  • Use Token Metrics to stay ahead of market narratives and avoid projects flagged as high-risk.

How Token Metrics Helps You Stay Secure

While Token Metrics isn’t a wallet or exchange, it’s a powerful AI-powered platform designed to help you make safer investment decisions.

1. AI-Powered Risk Analysis

Token Metrics uses AI-driven evaluations to score projects, helping you avoid high-risk tokens and scam projects.

2. Investor & Trader Grades

Our proprietary grading system helps you quickly identify safe, high-quality assets for both short-term trading and long-term holding.

3. Moonshot Finder

Interested in low-cap tokens? The Moonshot Finder helps you spot legitimate early-stage projects before they pump—without falling into scams.

4. Narrative & Market Tracking

Stay ahead of emerging narratives and security concerns with Token Metrics’ real-time AI-driven analysis, helping you dodge risky trends.

Practical Security Checklist for Every Crypto Holder

  1. Use a hardware wallet for long-term holdings.
  2. Enable 2FA on all accounts—never rely on SMS-based security.
  3. Store seed phrases offline and securely.
  4. Avoid suspicious links and verify all URLs.
  5. Research every project using platforms like Token Metrics.
  6. Diversify storage across multiple wallets.
  7. Stay informed about new threats and market risks.

Final Thoughts

So, how do you keep your cryptocurrency safe? It comes down to strong storage practices, personal vigilance, and making informed investment decisions.

While hardware wallets and 2FA secure your assets, knowing where to invest is just as important. That’s where Token Metrics comes in—using AI-powered analysis to help you avoid scams, choose safe projects, and trade with confidence.

In crypto, you are your own bank—so take your security seriously. And with Token Metrics guiding your decisions, you can navigate this high-risk market safely and profitably.

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