Utility tokens are a type of cryptocurrency designed to provide access to specific functions or services within a blockchain ecosystem, rather than serving as general currency or investment assets. They act as "keys" that enable users to utilize decentralized applications (dApps), pay for services, or participate in platform governance and incentives[3][4].
**Key Characteristics and Functions:**
- **Access to Services:** Utility tokens grant holders the ability to use services on a blockchain platform, such as decentralized storage (Filecoin) or content interaction (Basic Attention Token)[3][4].
- **Facilitating Transactions:** They are used to pay fees or transact within the ecosystem, enabling smooth operation of services like computing power rental (Golem)[3].
- **Incentivizing Participation:** Tokens reward users for contributing to the network, such as validating transactions or engaging with the platform, thus encouraging growth and activity[1][3].
- **Tokenomics:** Utility tokens have specific issuance, distribution, and governance rules encoded in smart contracts, often adhering to standards like Ethereum's ERC-20[1][3].
**Creation and Deployment:**
Utility tokens are created through tokenization on blockchain platforms supporting smart contracts (Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, Solana). Developers write smart contracts defining token supply and behavior, then mint and distribute tokens via ICOs, airdrops, or exchanges[3][4].
**Applications:**
They are widely used in decentralized finance (DeFi), metaverse platforms, gaming, and blockchain-based services, enabling functionalities like voting, staking, and premium access[1][3][4].
**Economic Role:**
Utility tokens align incentives among users, developers, and investors, fostering network effects and supporting platform development and sustainability[1][5].
In summary, utility tokens are essential crypto assets that empower users to interact with blockchain ecosystems by providing access, facilitating transactions, and incentivizing participation, distinct from cryptocurrencies used solely as money or investment[1][3][4].
Citations:
[1] [PDF] UTILITY TOKENS https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/Delivery.cfm/SSRN_ID4088568_code1510417.pdf?abstractid=4088568&mirid=1
[2] The business strategy of the utility token adoption by investors in a ... https://virtusinterpress.org/The-business-strategy-of-the-utility-token-adoption-by-investors-in-a-developing-country.html
[3] What are utility tokens and how do they work? | MoonPay https://www.moonpay.com/learn/cryptocurrency/what-are-utility-tokens
[4] Utility Token Crypto Deep Dive - Bitbond https://www.bitbond.com/resources/utility-token-crypto-deep-dive/
[5] Utility Tokens by Hugo Benedetti, Luis AbarzĂșa, Christian Caceres ... https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4088568
[6] [PDF] Fundamental Pricing of Utility Tokens - THEMA https://thema.u-cergy.fr/IMG/pdf/2019-11.pdf
[7] Utility Tokens explained: How they work, and investment opportunities https://taikai.network/en/blog/what-are-utility-tokens
[8] Utility Tokens as a Commitment to Competition - Wiley Online Library https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jofi.13389

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