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What is Polygon (MATIC) - How it Works, Benefits and Use Cases

Learn everything about Polygon (MATIC) crypto including its benefits and use cases.
Token Metrics Team
7 minutes
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Polygon (formerly known as Matic Network) is a protocol for building and connecting Ethereum-compatible blockchain networks. It is designed to provide faster and cheaper transactions on the Ethereum network by using side chains and an adapted version of the Plasma framework.

It also offers a wide range of:

  • Smart contract solutions 
  • Secure identity solutions, and 
  • Wallet solutions. 

History of Polygon (MATIC) Crypto

The history of Polygon Matic dates back to 2017 when the project was founded by Jaynti Kanani and Sandeep Nailwal. In 2021, the project took up a rebranding and went from Matic Network to Polygon. This was done in the light of reflecting a broader focus on providing infrastructure for a wide range of blockchain use cases.   

With Polygon MATIC, users can easily create and manage their own decentralized applications, securely store and transfer assets, and even trade digital assets. With its powerful features and benefits, Polygon MATIC can be a great tool for you to leverage the power of the blockchain. Find out how it can benefit you in the best ways possible below.

Benefits of Polygon

Polygon MATIC has several benefits that make it a great blockchain solution. Here are a few of its top benefits that you need to be aware of: 

  • Scalability - Polygon MATIC has high scalability and can support millions of users and transactions. It can also scale at a very low cost. This means that it can handle high transaction volumes and can support a large user base.
  • Security - Polygon MATIC is a secure platform with state-of-the-art security features. You can easily secure your data and transactions on the platform through the use of the platform’s security features. 
  • Wide range of services and tools - Polygon MATIC offers a wide range of services and tools that can benefit different types of users. Whether you are a developer, an individual, or a business, Polygon MATIC can help you with your decentralized applications and smart contracts.
  • Cost-effective and scalable solutions - With Polygon MATIC, you can easily and cost-effectively deploy various decentralized applications. It also offers scalable solutions that can grow and evolve with your business.

Polygon Use Cases

  • E-commerce and Online Retail - The Polygon MATIC blockchain can help improve e-commerce and online retail. This is because distributed ledger technology can significantly reduce the cost of transactions and make it easier for businesses to manage their supply chain. 
  • Supply chain management - The Polygon MATIC blockchain can also help in supply chain management. It can help track shipments and provide transparency and security across the supply chain.
  • Gaming - The Polygon MATIC blockchain can help improve gaming through tokenization. It can also help gamers exchange their digital assets.
  • Healthcare - The Polygon MATIC blockchain can help in healthcare by enabling secure and immutable record storage. It can also help in improving the efficiency of health-related apps and services.
  • ICO and Crowdfunding - The Polygon MATIC blockchain can help improve the ICO and crowdfunding experience. It can also help in improving the tokenization process and provide transparency.

Polygon Security Features

The Polygon MATIC blockchain is a secure and reliable blockchain solution. It uses a distributed ledger technology that is decentralized and peer-to-peer. This means that there is no single point of failure and it is not controlled by a single entity. This makes it secure and reliable. When it comes to security, the Polygon MATIC blockchain has many features. 

Some of these features are discussed below: 

  • Advanced consensus algorithms - The Polygon MATIC blockchain uses advanced consensus algorithms to verify transactions. This makes it secure and reliable. These algorithms include PBFT (Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance), VRF (Variable Resonance), and EOS consensus. 
  • Strong authentication method - The Polygon MATIC blockchain has a strong authentication method that makes it difficult to hack or spoof. Even if someone is able to hack into the network, they can only hack a single node and not the entire network. 
  • Encrypted communication - The communication between the nodes on the Polygon MATIC blockchain is encrypted. This makes it difficult to hack or spoof.

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Polygon (MATIC) Cost

The cost of using Polygon MATIC will depend on your usage. The more you use the platform, the higher the cost will be. You can also choose to outsource your needs and use Polygon MATIC as a service. 

Here are a few things you should know about the Polygon MATIC cost: 

  • The cost of using the Polygon MATIC blockchain platform for deploying DApps is $1499.
  • The cost of deploying a smart contract is $599. 
  • The cost of deploying wallets is $499. 
  • The cost of deploying an identity and security solution is $1199. 
  • The cost of deploying a trading platform is $1499.

Note: These prices may have changed due to change in MATIC's price.

These are the costs of using Polygon MATIC as a service. For more details on the cost, visit their website.

Polygon Crypto Alternatives

  • Ethereum - Ethereum is a popular blockchain platform used for developing decentralized applications and smart contracts. It is also used for ICOs and crowdfunding. 
  • Hyperledger - Hyperledger is another popular blockchain platform used for developing decentralized applications and smart contracts.
  • EOS - EOS is also a blockchain platform used for developing decentralized applications and smart contracts. 
  • Cardano - Cardano is a scalable blockchain platform that can support large volumes of transactions.

Is Polygon (MATIC) a Good Investment?

As for whether Polygon is a good investment, it's important to remember that the cryptocurrency market is highly volatile and that investing in any cryptocurrency carries a high level of risk. It's important to do your own research and carefully consider your investment options before making any decisions.

How to Buy Polygon (MATIC) Crypto?

If you're interested in buying MATIC, you can do so on a number of cryptocurrency exchanges that offer it. Some popular options include Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken. Be sure to carefully compare the fees and features of different exchanges before choosing one to use. Below are the 5 simple steps that you can follow to get your own Polygon:

  1. Choose a Crypto Exchange Broker 
  2. Create your account (Crypto Wallet)
  3. Link your Bank Account to your wallet 
  4. Pick the Cryptocurrency you want to invest in
  5. Choose your storage method

Great, but, do we know where Polygon is headed in the future?  

Future of Polygon (MATIC)

It's difficult to predict the future of Polygon with certainty, but the project has gained significant traction in the cryptocurrency community and has the potential to continue growing and gaining adoption in the future. However, as with any investment, it's important to be aware of the risks and to carefully consider your options before making any decisions.

The Bottom Line

Token Metrics is happy to provide you with AI-driven market updates and information regarding the crypto world but it is you who needs to be the decision maker when it comes to your crypto investments. 

Polygon (formerly Matic Network) offers innovative technology that could potentially democratize blockchain through the creation of customized, interoperable networks. While it's difficult to predict the future performance of MATIC, the project has a strong team and partnerships with well-known companies.

However, as with any cryptocurrency investment, there is a high level of risk and it's important to carefully consider all options before making any decisions. Blockchain technology is still in its early stages and it may be more profitable to invest in the technology itself rather than just the hype. It's also important to exercise caution when building a cryptocurrency portfolio.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website does not constitute  investment/trading/financial 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. Do conduct your own due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions.  We only offer comprehensive information which may change according to time. 

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Token Metrics: AI-powered crypto research and ratings platform. We help investors make smarter decisions with unbiased Token Metrics Ratings, on-chain analytics, and editor-curated “Top 10” guides. Our platform distills thousands of data points into clear scores, trends, and alerts you can act on.
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analysts, data scientists, and crypto engineers
30 Employees
analysts, data scientists, and crypto engineers
30 Employees
analysts, data scientists, and crypto engineers
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Token Metrics Team
Token Metrics Team

Recent Posts

Research

What Is a Crypto Index? Why Weekly Rebalancing Matters (2025)

Token Metrics Team
4

Understanding how to efficiently manage exposure in the dynamic world of cryptocurrency can seem daunting. Crypto indices provide a structured approach, helping investors and traders maintain diversified exposure without constant oversight. This article explores what crypto indices are, how they work, and why their rebalancing strategies are crucial in 2025.

What Is a Crypto Index?

A crypto index is a rules-based basket of digital assets that tracks a specific set of cryptocurrencies, such as the top-100 by market capitalization. These indices are designed to reflect broad market trends while reducing the complexity of individual asset management. They typically rebalance periodically to maintain consistent exposure, adapting to market fluctuations over time.

How Crypto Indices Work

The core mechanism involves a few key processes:

Benefits of Using Crypto Indices

Crypto indices offer several advantages:

How to Get Early Access to a Crypto Index

Investors interested in accessing crypto indices can follow a straightforward process:

Decision Guide: Is This for You?

Crypto indices may suit different kinds of investors:

Understanding your trading style and risk appetite can help determine if a crypto index fits within your broader strategy.

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FAQs

What is a crypto index?

A crypto index is a rules-based basket that tracks a defined set of assets (e.g., the top-100 by market cap), with a scheduled rebalance to keep exposure aligned. Token Metrics applies that idea and adds a regime switch to stablecoins.

How often does TM Global 100 rebalance?

Weekly. Constituents and weights update on schedule; if the market regime changes, the portfolio can switch between tokens and stablecoins outside that cadence.

What triggers the move to stablecoins?

A proprietary market signal. Bullish: hold the top-100 basket. Bearish: exit to stablecoins and wait for a re-entry signal.

Can I fund with USDC or fiat?

At launch, funding options including wallet-funding supported by the embedded smart wallet and supported chains; USDC payouts are available when selling. Details are available during the buy/sell process.

Is the wallet custodial?

No. The embedded wallet is self-custodial—you control your funds and keys.

How are fees shown?

Before confirming, you'll see estimated gas costs, platform fees, max slippage, and minimum expected value.

How do I join the waitlist?

Visit the Token Metrics indices hub, open TM Global 100, and tap “Join Waitlist.” We will notify you once trading opens.

Security, Risk & Transparency

Self-custody: Embedded smart wallet with user-controlled keys. Transparency: Clear rules, holdings Treemap, and transactions logs. Fees: Shown before confirmation. Limitations: Signals can be wrong, no performance guarantees. Availability may vary by region and device.

Disclaimer

Crypto is volatile and can lose value. Past performance does not predict future results. This article is for research and educational purposes only, not financial advice.

Research

Predictable Crypto: The Index That Moves to Stablecoins When It Should (2025)

Token Metrics Team
4

If you’ve ever wished for a crypto index that participates broadly in bull markets yet steps aside when risk turns south, this is it. Token Metrics Global 100 is a rules-based index that holds the top 100 crypto assets when our market signal is bullish—and moves fully to stablecoins when it isn’t. It rebalances weekly, shows transparent holdings and transaction logs, and can be purchased in one click with an embedded wallet. That’s disciplined exposure, minus the micromanagement. → Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

Why Indices Matters in October 2025

Two things define this cycle: speed and uncertainty. Narratives rotate in weeks, not months, and individual-coin risk can swamp portfolios. Indices let you own the market when conditions warrant, while a regime-switching approach aims to sidestep drawdowns by cutting risk to stablecoins. (A crypto index is a rules-based basket tracking a defined universe—here, a top-100 market-cap set—with scheduled rebalances.)

How the TM Global 100 Index Works

Regime switching: Bull: hold the top 100 by market cap. Bear: move fully to stablecoins, wait for a bullish re-entry signal.

Weekly rebalancing: Updates weights and constituents to reflect the current top-100 list.

Transparency: A Strategy modal explains rules; a Gauge shows the live market signal; Holdings appear in Treemap + Table; and every rebalance/transaction is logged.

What you’ll see on launch: Price tile • “100 tokens” • “rebalances weekly” • one-click Buy Index flow. → See the strategy and rules. (TM Global 100 strategy)

Benefits at a Glance (Why This Beats DIY)

Time back: No more tracking 100 tickers or manual reweights. The weekly job runs for you.

Discipline on drawdowns: The stablecoin switch enforces risk management when the signal turns.

Less execution drag: One embedded wallet checkout vs. dozens of small trades that add slippage and fees.

See everything: Gauge → Treemap → Transactions Log—know what you hold, and what changed.

Own the market when it’s worth it: Capture broad upside in bullish regimes with top-100 breadth.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Early Access (Waitlist)

Open the Token Metrics Indices hub.

Tap TM Global 100 and select Join Waitlist.

(Optional) Connect wallet to preview the one-click Buy flow and funding options.

On launch, you’ll receive an email and in-app prompt.

Click Buy Index → review fees/slippage/holdings → confirm. Most users finish in ~90 seconds.

Track your position under My Indices with real-time P&L and a full transactions history. → Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

Decision Guide: Is This Right for You?

  • Hands-Off Allocator: Want broad exposure without micromanaging? Consider TM Global 100 for rules-based coverage.
  • Active Trader: Prefer a disciplined core that exits to stables while you run satellite bets.
  • TM Member/Prospect: Already read our research? This turns it into an actionable, one-click index.
  • New to On-Chain: Embedded wallet + clear fees and logs lower the operational lift.
  • Skeptical of Black Boxes: Full strategy copy, holdings, and rebalance logs are visible—no mystery knobs.

FAQs

What is a “crypto index”?

A rules-based basket that tracks a defined universe (here: top-100 market cap), with scheduled rebalances and clear inclusion criteria.

How often does the index rebalance?

Weekly, with additional full-portfolio switches when the market regime changes.

What triggers the move to stablecoins?

A proprietary market signal. Bullish: hold top-100. Bearish: move fully to stablecoins until re-entry.

Can I fund with USDC or fiat?

You’ll use the embedded wallet and supported on-chain assets; USDC is supported for selling. Funding options surface based on chain/wallet at checkout.

Is the wallet custodial?

No. It’s an embedded, self-custodial smart wallet—you control funds.

How are fees shown?

At checkout, you’ll see estimated gas, platform fee, max slippage, and minimum expected value before confirming.

How do I join the waitlist?

Visit the Indices hub, open TM Global 100, and tap Join Waitlist; we’ll notify you at launch.

Security, Risk & Transparency

Self-custody: Embedded smart wallet; you hold keys.

Operational clarity: Strategy modal, Holdings treemap/table, and Transactions log.

Fee & slippage preview: All shown before you confirm.

Regime logic limits: Signals can be wrong; switching can incur spreads and gas.

Region notes: Chain and asset support may vary by user wallet and jurisdiction.

Crypto is volatile and can lose value. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This article is for research/education, not financial advice.

Conclusion

If you want broad upside when it’s worth it and stablecoins when it’s not—with weekly rebalances, transparent logs, and a 90-second buy flow—Token Metrics Global 100 was built for you. Join the waitlist now and be first to trade at launch.

Research

How Do People Research Tokens and Coins Before Buying? A Complete Guide

Talha Ahmad
5 min

The cryptocurrency market has evolved from a niche digital experiment into a multi-trillion-dollar asset class. With thousands of tokens and coins available across hundreds of exchanges, the question isn't whether you should research before buying—it's how to conduct that research effectively. Smart investors know that thorough due diligence is the difference between identifying the next promising project and falling victim to a costly mistake.

The Foundation: Understanding What You're Buying

Before diving into specific research methods, successful crypto investors start by understanding the fundamental difference between various digital assets. Bitcoin operates as digital gold and a store of value, while Ethereum functions as a programmable blockchain platform. Other tokens serve specific purposes within their ecosystems—governance rights, utility functions, or revenue-sharing mechanisms.

The first step in any research process involves reading the project's whitepaper. This technical document outlines the problem the project aims to solve, its proposed solution, tokenomics, and roadmap. While whitepapers can be dense, they reveal whether a project has substance or merely hype. Pay attention to whether the team clearly articulates a real-world problem and presents a viable solution.

Analyzing the Team and Development Activity

A cryptocurrency project is only as strong as the team behind it. Investors scrutinize founder backgrounds, checking their LinkedIn profiles, previous projects, and industry reputation. Have they built successful companies before? Do they have relevant technical expertise? Anonymous teams aren't automatically red flags, but they require extra scrutiny and compelling reasons for their anonymity.

Development activity serves as a crucial health indicator for any blockchain project. GitHub repositories reveal whether developers are actively working on the project or if it's effectively abandoned. Regular commits, open issues being addressed, and community contributions all signal a vibrant, evolving project. Conversely, repositories with no activity for months suggest a project that may be dying or was never serious to begin with.

Diving Into Tokenomics and Supply Mechanics

Understanding a token's economic model is essential for predicting its long-term value potential. Investors examine total supply, circulating supply, and emission schedules. Is the token inflationary or deflationary? How many tokens do the team and early investors hold, and when do those tokens unlock? Large unlock events can trigger significant price drops as insiders sell.

The token's utility within its ecosystem matters tremendously. Does holding the token provide governance rights, staking rewards, or access to platform features? Tokens without clear utility often struggle to maintain value over time. Smart researchers also investigate how value accrues to token holders—whether through buybacks, burning mechanisms, or revenue sharing.

Evaluating Market Metrics and Trading Data

Price action tells only part of the story, but market metrics provide valuable context. Trading volume indicates liquidity—can you buy or sell significant amounts without drastically moving the price? Market capitalization helps determine a token's relative size and potential growth runway. A small-cap project has more room to grow but carries higher risk.

On-chain metrics offer deeper insights into token health. Active addresses, transaction volume, and network usage reveal actual adoption versus speculation. High trading volume on exchanges with minimal on-chain activity might indicate wash trading or manipulation. Token distribution matters too—if a small number of wallets hold most of the supply, the token faces centralization risks and potential price manipulation.

Leveraging Advanced Analytics Platforms

Professional crypto investors increasingly rely on sophisticated analytics platforms that aggregate multiple data sources and provide actionable insights. Token Metrics has emerged as a leading crypto trading and analytics platform, offering comprehensive research tools that save investors countless hours of manual analysis.

Token Metrics combines artificial intelligence with expert analysis to provide ratings and predictions across thousands of cryptocurrencies. The platform evaluates projects across multiple dimensions—technology, team, market metrics, and risk factors—delivering clear scores that help investors quickly identify promising opportunities. Rather than manually tracking dozens of metrics across multiple websites, users access consolidated dashboards that present the information that matters most.

The platform's AI-driven approach analyzes historical patterns and current trends to generate price predictions and trading signals. For investors overwhelmed by the complexity of crypto research, Token Metrics serves as an invaluable decision-support system, translating raw data into understandable recommendations. The platform covers everything from established cryptocurrencies to emerging DeFi tokens and NFT projects, making it a one-stop solution for comprehensive market research.

Assessing Community and Social Sentiment

Cryptocurrency projects thrive or die based on their communities. Active, engaged communities signal genuine interest and adoption, while astroturfed communities relying on bots and paid shillers raise red flags. Investors monitor project Discord servers, Telegram channels, and Twitter activity to gauge community health.

Social sentiment analysis has become increasingly sophisticated, with tools tracking mentions, sentiment polarity, and influencer engagement across platforms. Sudden spikes in social volume might indicate organic excitement about a partnership or product launch—or orchestrated pump-and-dump schemes. Experienced researchers distinguish between authentic enthusiasm and manufactured hype.

Understanding Regulatory and Security Considerations

The regulatory landscape significantly impacts cryptocurrency projects. Researchers investigate whether projects have faced regulatory scrutiny, registered as securities, or implemented compliance measures. Geographic restrictions, potential legal challenges, and regulatory clarity all affect long-term viability.

Security audits from reputable firms like CertiK, Trail of Bits, or ConsenSys Diligence provide crucial assurance about smart contract safety. Unaudited contracts carry significant risk of exploits and bugs. Researchers also examine a project's history—has it been hacked before? How did the team respond to security incidents?

Reading Between the Lines: Red Flags and Warning Signs

Experienced investors develop instincts for spotting problematic projects. Guaranteed returns and promises of unrealistic gains are immediate red flags. Legitimate projects acknowledge risk and market volatility rather than making impossible promises. Copied whitepapers, stolen team photos, or vague technical descriptions suggest scams.

Pressure tactics like "limited time offers" or artificial scarcity designed to force quick decisions without research are classic manipulation techniques. Projects with more focus on marketing than product development, especially those heavily promoted by influencers being paid to shill, warrant extreme skepticism.

The Research Never Stops

Cryptocurrency research isn't a one-time activity but an ongoing process. Markets evolve rapidly, projects pivot, teams change, and new competitors emerge. Successful investors establish systems for monitoring their holdings and staying updated on developments. Setting up Google Alerts, following project social channels, and regularly reviewing analytics help maintain awareness of changing conditions.

Whether you're evaluating established cryptocurrencies or exploring emerging altcoins, thorough research remains your best defense against losses and your greatest tool for identifying opportunities. The time invested in understanding what you're buying pays dividends through better decision-making and improved portfolio performance in this dynamic, high-stakes market.

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