45. What are utility tokens and what use do they have in the cryptocurrency sector?

As blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies gain popularity, different types of tokens are emerging, each with its own unique use. One such type of token is known as utility tokens. In today’s lesson, we will take a closer look at what utility tokens are, what uses they have, and why they are an important part of the cryptocurrency ecosystem. 

Enjoy the reading!

What are Utility Tokens?

It is a type of digital asset that has been created to provide a specific service or functionality within a particular project or platform based on blockchain technology. 

In other words, they are tokens that hold value, allowing access to certain resources or services within a specific cryptocurrency ecosystem.

Utility tokens are different from other types of tokens, such as security tokens or soulbound tokens, which have different purposes and functions. 

One of the main differences between utility tokens and other cryptocurrencies is that they cannot be mined. In the case of utility tokens, they are all created at the same time and then distributed in a manner determined by the creators of the respective project.

Utility tokens also help to create an internal economy for a project. They are often sold to raise funds for its creation or development.

The main features of utility tokens are:

1. Functionality: Utility tokens perform specific functions within a given blockchain platform or project. They can be used to access services, purchase products, vote, participate in the ecosystem economy, or engage in other activities. 
2. Utility tokens do not represent underlying assets, such as shares or raw materials, and do not give the right to participate in the profits of the company.
3. Uniqueness: Each utility token is typically created with a specific project or platform in mind, meaning that its use is limited to that ecosystem.

Examples of applications for utility tokens

Utility tokens are used in various fields and projects based on blockchain technology. Here are some examples of their use that are worth knowing:

Voting and governance. Use token scan be used to vote within DAO (Decentralised Autonomous Organisations) projects or to manage a given ecosystem. Holders of these tokens can participate in decision-making processes and influence project development.

They provide access to specific services.  Some platforms offer various services that can only be paid for with these types of tokens. Examples include streaming platforms, online games or decentralised social networks.

Asset tokenisation. In some cases, utility tokens are used to represent real assets, such as real estate, art or investments. Through tokenisation, investors can purchase shares in these assets using just these tokens.

Some blockchain projects even allow for the delegation of resources in exchange for utility tokens. Examples include providing computing power, storage space or other resources in exchange for remuneration in the form of utility tokens.

Rewards and other facilities. Some platforms reward users with utility tokens for their loyalty or encourage the use of their services by offering rewards in the form of these tokens.

It is worth noting that the applications of utility tokens are extremely diverse and depend on the specific project or platform. Their role can vary significantly depending on the objectives and functions they are intended to fulfil in a given ecosystem.

Examples of utility tokens

In the ecosystem of cryptocurrencies, we will find many examples of utility tokens. Let’s look at some of the most important ones:

Basic Attention Token (BAT): Used in the Brave ecosystem, BAT allows users to tip content creators in the Brave browser or other applications that work with BAT.

Chainlink (LINK): Chainlink serves as a data provider (oracle) connecting blockchains to external service providers. LINK is a utility token used to incentivize node operators, remunerating them for their services, such as sending data to and from the blockchain.

ADA: The native token of the Cardano project, ADA is used to pay transaction fees in the Cardano ecosystem. ADA holders also receive rewards for staking these tokens.

MANA: A utility token used in the Decentraland Marketplace ecosystem, MANA enables the purchase and/or trade of virtual land and other goods within the project.

BNB: BNB is another example of a utility token, primarily intended for trading fees and transactions on the Binance exchange.

VET: The utility token for the VeChain project, VET is designed to transfer value between decentralized applications running on the VeChain blockchain.

Challenges for utility tokens

When starting your adventure with utility tokens, you need to consider a few things. Here they are:

1. Challenges Utility tokens may be vulnerable to government repression. As a result, utility tokens will be treated, as securities. Such changes would effectively harm this type of token.
2. Utility tokens are a catch-all for fraudsters. There have already been many cases in the cryptocurrency industry where the creators of utility tokens have conducted an ICO only to make money and disappear. In the cryptocurrency community, such behaviour is commonly referred to as rug pull.
3. High transaction fees. Unfortunately, most utility tokens are built on the blockchain Ethereum. Consequently, this comes with high gas fees.
4. Utility tokens are often used for speculation.
5. The success and success of utility tokens is linked to the project as a whole. Utility tokens are only useful if they serve a particular project. If it fails, tokens then lose all their value and become useless to users.

Summary

Utility tokens are an important part of the cryptocurrency ecosystem, enabling access to a variety of services, functionalities, and assets within projects based on blockchain technology. Their unique use makes them a valuable tool for both blockchain projects and users who can use these tokens for a variety of purposes. As blockchain technology develops, it can be expected that the role and use of utility tokens will continue to grow and evolve with market needs.

However, it is worth bearing in mind their challenges and limitations. Despite their functionality, like any digital asset, utility tokens also have drawbacks. They are dependent on the cryptocurrency projects within which they operate. Without them, they are downright useless. So before you invest in utility tokens, take a close look at the project to which they belong.

Summary of today’s lesson:

1. What is Ethereum?
2. What is an NFT token?
3. What are privacy coins?
4. Everything you need to know about fee gas in Ethereum!