ZKsync Explained: Layer-2, ZK Token & Airdrop

What it is and why it matters: ZKsync is a Layer-2 scaling solution built to make Ethereum transactions faster and less expensive by batching work off-chain and proving correctness with zero-knowledge cryptography. This matters because it helps networks handle many more users and decentralized applications without high fees or long waits.

How ZKsync speeds up Ethereum using zk-rollups

ZKsync reduces congestion by grouping many transactions together into batches and processing them outside the main chain. Each batch is accompanied by a cryptographic proof that demonstrates the batch is valid, so the main chain can accept the result without re-executing every transaction. Think of it as combining many small packages into one shipment and sending a secure receipt that confirms everything arrived intact.

Inside ZKsync: transaction aggregation, proofs, and finalization

Aggregating transactions into batches

Instead of sending every transaction individually to Ethereum, ZKsync collects many moves and packages them into a single batch. This approach reduces the per-transaction cost and lowers load on the base layer.

Creating zero-knowledge proofs

For each batch, ZKsync computes a zero-knowledge proof that attests to the batch's correctness while keeping sensitive details private. Zero-knowledge proofs let a prover convince a verifier that a statement is true without revealing the underlying data — similar to proving you know a password without showing the password.

Submitting proofs to Ethereum for verification

Once a proof is generated, it is posted to Ethereum where the network verifies it. After verification, the batched transactions are considered finalized on-chain, delivering faster and more secure settlement compared with systems that rely solely on post-hoc challenges.

ZK token basics: governance and delegation

The protocol issues a native governance token called ZK. Token holders can influence protocol decisions by delegating voting power to a chosen address. Key delegation rules include:

• Delegation activates voting power without transferring token ownership.
• Voting power can be delegated to your own address or to another address you trust.
• Delegation is changeable — token holders can update their delegate at any time or transfer tokens, which affects delegation.
• A wallet’s voting power must be delegated to a single address; it cannot be split across multiple delegates.

Overview of the ZK token airdrop and allocation

The ZK token distribution included an airdrop that allocated 17.5% of the total supply to eligible users and contributors. The program combined usage-based rewards for active network participants with separate allocations for builders, projects, and experimental on-chain communities.

Usage-based eligibility: common paths to qualify

Users could qualify for the usage tranche by bridging funds and meeting at least one activity condition. Typical actions that counted included:

1. Interacting with 10 or more non-token smart contracts on the network.
2. Using paymaster services for at least five transactions.
3. Trading 10 or more distinct ERC‑20 tokens on supported decentralized exchanges.
4. Providing any liquidity to tracked DEXs or lending protocols.
5. Holding a specified NFT (e.g., a Libertas Omnibus token) at snapshot time.
6. Being active on earlier test or lite versions of the network for over three months.
7. Making donations in designated Gitcoin rounds hosted on the Layer‑2.

How usage was measured and the time-weighted approach

To reward sustained participation, allocations relied on a time-weighted average balance (TWAB) calculated over a 366-day snapshot window. Assets deposited into DeFi protocols were counted more heavily — typically valued at 2x — to recognize committed liquidity. For example, if a user moved $200 to the network 30 days before the snapshot and allocated $50 of that to a DeFi protocol (counted double), their TWAB would be computed as ((150 * 30) + (50 * 2 * 30)) / 366 = $20.50.

Contribution-based allocations and token counts

The airdrop also reserved sizable amounts for ecosystem contributors and projects. Notable allocations included:

• Native projects: 215,250,000 ZK tokens earmarked for projects and treasuries building on the network (DeFi, gaming, infrastructure, NFTs, etc.).
• Builders and contributors: 86,895,375 ZK tokens for individual developers, researchers, companies, and community contributors meeting contribution criteria (for example, GitHub activity or participation in developer events).
• On-chain community experiments: 102,375,000 ZK tokens reserved for select communities and airdrop recipients involved in seasonal initiatives or token experiments.

Addresses could also receive extra multipliers for behaviors signaling genuine engagement, such as holding specific native NFT collections or retaining previous airdrop tokens for extended periods.

How to check eligibility and claim ZK tokens safely

Exercise caution and avoid impersonators or phishing sites. To check eligibility and claim tokens, follow these general steps:

1. Visit the official claim portal for the project and enter your wallet address or account identifier to check eligibility.
2. Connect your crypto wallet when prompted and follow on-screen steps to confirm ownership.
3. Delegate the voting power if required by the claiming flow — you may delegate to yourself or another chosen address.
4. Submit the claim request and follow the transaction prompts in your wallet. If an error occurs, retry the claim following the portal instructions.

Always verify you are using the legitimate site and never share private keys or approve transactions that request token transfers unrelated to the claim action.

Community concerns: Sybil risks and distribution fairness

The airdrop sparked debate around Sybil attacks and fairness. Critics argued some eligibility checks were easy to game by creating multiple wallets, while other users felt caps limited rewards for long-term, heavy participants. The project team explained it used value-scaling and multipliers rather than overly strict identity checks to avoid excluding organic users, and emphasized that most of the distributed tokens went to active participants.

How ZKsync differs from optimistic rollups

Security model

Optimistic rollups assume transactions are valid and rely on a challenge mechanism where observers can submit fraud proofs if they detect invalid activity. That approach depends on external watchers to find problems. ZKsync’s model produces cryptographic proofs that mathematically verify batch correctness, removing the need for lengthy dispute windows and reducing reliance on human watchers.

Finality and settlement speed

Because optimistic rollups include a dispute period (often several days) before transactions are final, settlements can be slower. ZKsync’s proof-based confirmations allow faster finalization once the proof is verified on-chain, improving user experience for withdrawals and cross-chain reconciliation.

Benefits for users and developers

ZKsync delivers:

• Lower fees and faster transactions: By batching work, per-transaction costs drop and confirmation times improve.
• EVM compatibility: Developers can port existing Ethereum Virtual Machine applications with minimal changes, reducing migration friction.
• Stronger cryptographic guarantees: Zero-knowledge proofs provide a verifiable guarantee of correctness for batched state transitions.

Final thoughts on ZKsync and its token distribution

ZKsync uses zk-rollups and zero-knowledge proofs to scale Ethereum while aiming to keep security high and settlement fast. The ZK token airdrop combined usage- and contribution-based rewards with time-weighted measures and multipliers to favor sustained engagement. While debates about fairness and Sybil resistance continue, the rollout highlights common trade-offs in designing token distributions that seek both broad participation and protection against manipulation.