Solana’s SONIC Layer-2 Launches with $2.58B Valuation, Powered by TikTok

• Sonic SVM, a newly developed layer-2 gaming solution on the Solana blockchain, introduced its native token, $SONIC, which debuted with an initial market cap of approximately $260 million.
• Of the total supply of 2.4 billion SONIC tokens, 30% has been set aside for the Ecosystem & Community fund to help game studios develop on the Solana layer-2 network.

The blockchain gaming world has been buzzing with excitement following the launch of Sonic SVM’s native token, SONIC, on January 7, 2025. Built as a Layer-2 gaming solution on the Solana blockchain, Sonic SVM has made waves with its seamless integration of blockchain gaming and social media, leveraging TikTok to tap into a vast audience. 

By choosing Solana as its blockchain infrastructure, Sonic SVM guarantees high-speed, low-cost transactions, making it ideal for gaming applications that require seamless and rapid processing. 

In a remarkable display of market interest, the SONIC token reached a fully diluted valuation of $2.58 billion within hours of trading. It debuted at an initial price of $0.98, with its market cap fluctuating from $260 million at launch to $400 million before ultimately stabilizing at $322 million at the time of this writing.

SONIC Token Utilities and Distribution

According to a thread on X by the Sonic SVM team, SONIC is packed with several core utilities within the Sonic SVM ecosystem. It serves as a payment currency for purchasing in-game assets, making it integral to the gaming experience. Additionally, users can stake SONIC to power the network and earn rewards, further incentivizing active participation. The token also plays a crucial role in governance, allowing holders to influence key decisions through SONIC or VeSONIC mechanisms. 

The token distribution plan spans six years, ensuring a steady and sustainable supply to support the ecosystem’s growth. Notably, no team or investor tokens will be unlocked during the first 12-18 months, and locked tokens cannot be staked to maintain fairness and decentralization. 

On December 31, 2024, an Initial Claim Snapshot was conducted, allocating 7% of the total $SONIC supply to early adopters. Eligible participants for the airdrop had two options: claim their airdrop in full or opt for a 60% upfront claim with a 6-month cliff, followed by the remaining 40% unlocking gradually over the next six months. The latter option came with a significant incentive, a 140% bonus, encouraging participants to commit to the project for the long term.

Sonic SVM’s integration with TikTok has been a major catalyst for its success, with its flagship game, SonicX, quickly attracting over 120,000 users since its debut through TikHub. Building on this momentum, the SONIC has been listed on multiple cryptocurrency exchanges, including Upbit, Bybit, OKX, KuCoin, MEXC, Raydium, and more, offering various trading pairs and contracts for global participation in the Sonic SVM ecosystem.

The response from the market reflects a growing appetite for blockchain-based gaming solutions that are accessible, engaging, and seamlessly integrated with modern social media platforms.