On Solana, tokens are not separate contracts as on Ethereum. All tokens share the same token program, and each token is a "mint" account with its own settings. Creating one takes a single command. Creating one that is set up correctly, with the right authorities, metadata, extensions and distribution, is where the real decisions are.
SPL Token or Token-2022?
The original SPL Token program is supported everywhere and is the safe default for a standard fungible token. Token-2022, also called Token Extensions, adds features at the protocol level:
- Transfer fees collected automatically on every transfer.
- Metadata stored directly on the mint, without a separate metadata program.
- Transfer hooks that call your own program on every transfer, for example for compliance checks.
- Non-transferable tokens for credentials and memberships.
- Interest-bearing and confidential transfer options for specific financial use cases.
Extensions are chosen when the mint is created and most cannot be added later, so this decision comes first. We also check whether the wallets, exchanges and DeFi protocols you care about support the extensions you need.
Authorities: Who Controls the Token
A mint has a mint authority that can create new tokens and an optional freeze authority that can freeze accounts. Buyers and listing platforms look at these first. For a fixed-supply token, the mint authority should be revoked after the initial supply is minted. If authorities need to remain, they belong in a multisig, not in one wallet.
Distribution and Vesting
- Airdrops to thousands of wallets, accounting for the rent needed to create each associated token account, or claim-based distribution where users pay for their own account.
- Vesting for team and investors, with cliffs and linear release enforced by a program instead of a promise.
- Metadata and branding: name, symbol and logo so wallets and explorers display the token correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Solana Token Development
How is a Solana token different from an ERC-20 token?
On Ethereum, each token is its own contract with its own code. On Solana, all tokens use a shared token program and differ only in their settings. That makes Solana tokens more uniform and less error-prone, but custom behaviour has to come from extensions or a separate program.
Can we change the token after launch?
Settings like supply can only change if the mint authority is kept, and most Token-2022 extensions must be chosen at creation. Plan the configuration before launch.
What does an airdrop cost on Solana?
Mostly the rent for creating token accounts for recipients who do not have one yet, plus small transaction fees. For very large distributions, claim-based or compressed approaches reduce that cost.
Who owns the code?
Ownership of the source code is set out in the contract, and the code can be fully yours, including documentation and tests.
Building on Ethereum instead? See custom token contracts.
Part of our Solana development services.
Launch Your Solana Token Properly
Tell us what the token is for and how it should be distributed. We will set it up with the right program, extensions and authorities.