Understanding the HYPE Token

The native utility token powering the Hyperliquid L1 ecosystem -- governance, staking, fee discounts, and more.

Educational content only. Not financial advice. Do your own research.

What is HYPE?

HYPE is the native utility token of the Hyperliquid L1 blockchain, a high-performance layer-1 network purpose-built for decentralized perpetual futures and spot trading. As the backbone of the Hyperliquid ecosystem, HYPE serves multiple critical functions including network security through staking, protocol governance, trading fee reduction, and powering ecosystem growth through incentive programs.

Unlike tokens that exist solely on another chain, HYPE is integral to the Hyperliquid L1 consensus mechanism. Validators stake HYPE to participate in block production and validation, securing the network while earning rewards. This tight integration between the token and the chain's core infrastructure makes HYPE fundamental to the protocol's operation and long-term security.

Disclaimer: Token values fluctuate significantly. Nothing on this page constitutes investment advice. Always conduct your own research before interacting with any cryptocurrency.

Token Utility

Governance

HYPE holders can vote on protocol upgrades, new asset listings, fee parameters, and other key decisions that shape the future of Hyperliquid.

Fee Discounts

Holding or staking HYPE can provide reduced trading fees on the Hyperliquid exchange, lowering costs for active traders.

Staking Rewards

Stake HYPE to help secure the Hyperliquid L1 network through its proof-of-stake consensus mechanism and earn staking rewards in return.

Ecosystem Incentives

HYPE powers liquidity mining programs, community airdrops, and ecosystem rewards designed to grow the Hyperliquid network.

Tokenomics

HYPE has a fixed maximum supply with built-in deflationary mechanisms. The distribution is designed to prioritize community ownership and long-term ecosystem growth.

Max Supply

1,000,000,000

One billion HYPE tokens (fixed cap)

Community Allocation

~38.888%

Allocated to community via genesis and future emissions

Deflationary Mechanism

Fee Burns

Trading fees are used to buy back and burn HYPE via the Assistance Fund

Vesting

Multi-year

Team and contributor tokens vest over extended schedules

Distribution Breakdown

Community (Genesis Distribution)31.0%
Future Emissions & Rewards38.888%
Core Contributors23.8%
Hyper Foundation6.0%
Community Grants0.3%

Note: Distribution percentages are approximate and based on publicly available information. Team and contributor tokens are subject to multi-year vesting schedules with lock-up periods. Refer to official Hyperliquid documentation for the latest figures.

How to Stake HYPE

Staking HYPE helps secure the Hyperliquid L1 network through proof-of-stake consensus while earning you rewards. Follow these steps to get started.

1

Connect Your Wallet

Connect a compatible wallet (such as MetaMask or Rabby) to the Hyperliquid platform. Ensure you have HYPE tokens available in your wallet.

2

Navigate to Staking

Go to the staking section within the Hyperliquid interface. This is where you can view available validators and current staking APY.

3

Choose a Validator

Review validators based on their commission rate, uptime, and total stake. Diversifying across multiple validators can reduce risk.

4

Delegate Your HYPE

Enter the amount of HYPE you want to stake and confirm the delegation transaction. Your tokens remain in your custody but are locked for the staking period.

5

Monitor Rewards

Track your staking rewards through the dashboard. Rewards accumulate over time and can be claimed or re-staked to compound your earnings.

Important: Staked tokens are subject to an unbonding period. During this time, your HYPE cannot be transferred or traded. Factor in unbonding time when planning your staking strategy.

Governance

Hyperliquid governance empowers HYPE holders to participate directly in protocol decision-making. Voting power is proportional to the amount of HYPE tokens held or staked, ensuring that those most invested in the ecosystem have the greatest influence over its direction.

What Can You Vote On?

  • Protocol Upgrades: Vote on changes to the Hyperliquid L1 core protocol, including consensus mechanism improvements and new features.
  • Asset Listings: Propose and vote on which new perpetual futures and spot markets are added to the exchange.
  • Fee Parameters: Influence the fee structure including maker/taker fees, fee burn rates, and staking reward distributions.
  • Treasury Allocation: Decide how ecosystem treasury funds are allocated for grants, partnerships, and community programs.

How Proposals Work

Governance proposals typically follow a structured process: community discussion, formal proposal submission, a voting period, and implementation if approved. Proposals require a minimum quorum of participation and a majority vote to pass. This process ensures that changes to the protocol are well-considered and broadly supported by the community.

Where to Buy HYPE

HYPE is available on several centralized and decentralized exchanges. For a detailed step-by-step guide covering CEX and DEX purchase methods, fees, and tips, visit our dedicated buying guide.

How to Buy HYPE

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclosure & Disclaimer

No affiliation

whatishyperliquid.com is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Hyperliquid, HYPE or Hyper Foundation, or any other centralized or decentralized exchange, protocol, or company. Hyperliquid is an independent decentralized exchange protocol.

Educational use only

All content on this website is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing here constitutes financial, investment, trading, accounting, tax, or legal advice.

High-risk warning

Perpetual futures are highly speculative and may result in substantial or total loss of capital. Leverage amplifies gains and losses. Trade only with money you can afford to lose. Always do your own research and consider seeking advice from a qualified professional.

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