Blog
The trend of Tap-to-Earn is rapidly gaining popularity among both casual gamers and experienced investors. In an era where virtual earning is becoming more than a reality, Tap-to-Earn offers a simple and fun way to interact with cryptocurrency through games and apps. This innovative concept doesn't require in-depth knowledge or complex actions, which makes it attractive to a wide audience.
How does Tap-to-Earn work? Why has it captivated users worldwide? Which projects are already leading the way? Read on to find out how the cryptoeconomics is being transformed by this new gaming model.
What is Tap-to-Earn and how does it benefit users?
Tap-to-Earn (T2E) is a format for games and apps that allows users to earn cryptocurrency through simple actions: taps (‘taps’) or minimal interaction with the interface. In-game tokens earned by users are then traded on exchanges, gaining real value and exchangeability for other cryptocurrencies or fiat. This makes the game more than just entertainment: users gain access to a real economy by inflating their in-game achievements.
Tap-to-Earn attracts an audience because of the financial benefits. Users who come for fun gradually become part of cryptocurrency communities, start investing and trading on crypto markets. This is not just a game, but also a chance to earn money, become a trader or an influential member of the crypto ecosystem. The T2E format facilitates the smooth integration of more and more users into the crypto industry, which has a positive impact on liquidity and market dynamics.
From Play-to-Earn to Tap-to-Earn
Tap-to-Earn has its roots in Play-to-Earn, back in 2010, when one of the leading Bitcoin developers launched a website where users could earn 5 BTC for completing a simple task — entering a captcha. The aim of the project was to introduce the cryptocurrency to the broader public and demonstrate its potential. Today, users can literally click on the screen and collect virtual coins in convenient and simple interfaces of mobile applications, turning the gaming process into a fun way to earn money.
This evolution has been made possible by simplifying the game mechanics. Where Play-to-Earn requires deep engagement and time, Tap-to-Earn offers instant results with minimal effort. Users don't need to learn the rules — just a few taps on the screen and they start earning.
The key difference between these models is the approach to gameplay. Play-to-Earn focuses on interactivity and engagement, providing players with full games with high graphical requirements and advanced economics. Tap-to-Earn, on the other hand, benefits from simplicity and accessibility. These games can be played on any device without distraction, offering quick and simple ways to earn rewards.
Why is everyone 'tapping'?
- Low barrier to entry.
Tap-to-Earn requires no special skills or initial investment from users. All you need to get started is an internet connection and a basic understanding of cryptocurrency. T2E opens up opportunities for everyone, regardless of their experience in the world of digital assets.
- Easy to play.
The main advantage of Tap-to-Earn is its simplicity. Unlike Play-to-Earn, which requires full immersion in the game, Tap-to-Earn is a simple and quick interaction — a tap on the screen for instant rewards.
- Social elements.
To keep players engaged, many T2E projects actively use social mechanics such as various bonuses, referral systems, leaderboards and fast game progression — making the process less monotonous and more fun. The social elements allow users to compete with each other, share experiences and move up the leaderboards.
- Real profit.
Tap-to-Earn allows players to monetise screen taps by turning virtual achievements into real assets. This element transforms the game into a way to earn money, creating a powerful incentive to participate and fuelling the growing popularity of such projects.
Best T2E projects
1. Notcoin.
One of the most successful Tap-to-Earn projects in the world, attracting more than 40 million players worldwide. The game was launched on Telegram in January 2024 with the aim of attracting an audience far away from cryptocurrencies. Users earn tokens by performing simple actions within game scenarios. The NOT token, which is based on the TON blockchain, is already available for trading on leading cryptocurrency exchanges.
2. Hamster Kombat.
A game that has taken off online thanks to its amusing hamster character. To earn coins, players simply click on the hamster, but additional bonuses can be earned for watching videos, creating referral links and completing various in-game tasks. Launched on 25 March 2024, the project immediately attracted attention for the simplicity of its gameplay. On 26 September, the HMSTR token was successfully listed on major cryptocurrency exchanges.
3. Blum.
Blum is characterised by the fact that it requires minimal participation from players — collecting coins only happens once every 8 hours, allowing users to go about their business for most of the day. Access to the game is by special invitation only. There is currently no information on the token listing, but players can follow updates through the project's official channels.
4. TapSwap.
A platform that combines elements of Tap-to-Earn and decentralised token exchange. Players will not only be able to earn as they play, but also exchange their assets directly. The developers also announced the launch of a token on the Solana blockchain. To date, more than 5 million users have already registered for TapSwap via Telegram.
5. Catizien.
A fun and colourful game with elements of social interaction and collecting that brings back interest in the world of NFT. Users earn tokens and collectibles through simple actions such as breeding virtual pets and participating in mini-games.
What's next for Tap-to-Earn?
Tap-to-Earn is rapidly gaining popularity as a sustainable and promising business model. Projects using this format continue to attract investment and expand their functionality to meet growing market demands. In the near future, we can expect to see new monetisation models and the integration of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence, which could further strengthen Tap-to-Earn's position in the cryptocurrency market.
Tap-to-Earn offers a unique combination of simplicity, community involvement and real financial incentives. The format attracts not only players, but also large investors, offering users not just entertainment, but real earning potential. This dynamically developing trend has already become a sensation in the world of crypto gaming and has all the makings of becoming a key monetisation model in the cryptocurrency gaming sector.