After playing with DeFi lending protocols for so long, I finally realized that the ceiling of returns is actually hidden in ecosystem airdrops. Many people only focus on the lending interest spread but overlook the additional rewards unlocked by participating in ecosystem interactions. Honestly, consistently staking and borrowing in protocols and patiently waiting for ecosystem airdrops can really elevate the return rate to a new level.

How to operate? There are actually two key points. First, maintain a stable collateral position in the lending protocol. The higher the limit and the longer the holding period, the greater the rights in airdrop weight calculations. Frequent borrowing and repayment can easily lead to a loss of weight, which is not worth the gain. Second, hold ecosystem tokens, such as various native tokens. These not only enjoy fee discounts and dividend rights but more importantly, give priority access to airdrop lists, with allocations significantly higher than ordinary participants.

Data is the best proof. During a previous ecosystem airdrop phase, highly engaged users on average received hundreds of dollars worth of new project tokens. Several deep participants I know earned airdrop rewards that far exceeded the lending interest spread, effectively giving an extra discount on the principal.

Practical tips can be divided into three parts. First, keep your lending position stable, prioritizing long-term holdings to avoid frequent operations. Second, hold a moderate amount of ecosystem tokens—no need to be greedy—just hold mainstream ecosystem tokens as needed to secure both rights and airdrops. Third, stay alert to official channels for notifications, especially for qualification verification steps; missing out means missing the opportunity.

You also need to understand the risks. After the airdrop tokens go live, their prices often fluctuate wildly. Two strategies can be used: either find a suitable price early and lock in profits decisively, or hold long-term if you believe in the project’s direction. In any case, never trust unofficial information—there are many phishing links online, so only rely on official notices.

For long-term participants like me, this ecosystem airdrop strategy has become standard. It can steadily generate lending income while zero-costly harvesting extra airdrop rewards, ultimately boosting the overall return rate. Playing this way naturally increases confidence in the future of the entire ecosystem.