Updated May 9, 2023, 4:08 a.m. Published Feb 16, 2023, 6:07 p.m.
2 min read
Mika Honkasalo, founder of Access Protocol (Danny Nelson/CoinDesk)Play-to-earn, step-to-earn and now … read-to-earn?
A crypto-fueled experiment in digital media monetization is underway after Access Protocol airdropped tranches of its ACS token to early adopters of the Solana-based content subscription service.
On Wednesday, Access Protocol airdropped 20,000 ACS tokens apiece to members of a sign-up list. Holders can “stake” their ACS with content platforms like CoinGecko and The Block to gain access to paywalled and specialty content.
With the public token airdrop now over, traders have stepped in to juice the value of ACS over 300% since launch, according to CoinGecko, which conducted the distribution. It’s trading around 2 cents with a circulating market cap of $620 million. CoinGecko data shows nearly a third of ACS tokens have been unlocked thus far.
The early airdrops accounted for just 2% of the token’s initial allocation, according to a version of the pitch deck viewed by CoinDesk. Access Protocol has allocated 15% of the token supply towards the project’s team and foundation, 15% towards the project’s treasury and 68% towards “onboarding creators and their existing audiences.”
The pitch deck also revealed the token’s “annual inflation rate of 7% in perpetuity split 50/50 between creators and stakers.” Additionally, creators are encouraged to airdrop their tokens to readers in the hopes that readers will stake the ACS to view their content, thereby generating staking revenue for both the content creators and the consumers.
At press time, CoinGecko was in the lead as Access Protocol’s most popular staking spot, with over 530 million ACS locked.
The pitch materials also highlighted that crypto news outlet The Block (a CoinDesk competitor) would put 20% of their content behind the Access Paywall, while Wu Blockchain (a well-known Twitter account) would publish content on a “Access” Substack product. The news outlets partnering with Access Protocol also received a distribution of ACS tokens, according to people familiar with the matter.
A bevy of exchanges lined up to list ACS at launch including Coinbase. In a tweet, Product Manager Rishi Prasad said ACS is the first Solana-based token that Coinbase listed on its launch day – one sign of the exchange's openness to play ball with the new asset.
However, Access Protocol is reminiscent of past crypto projects that incentivized users to earn tokens by engaging in activities like gaming (play-to-earn) or walking (step-to-earn). While those projects initially saw the value of their tokens soar, those gains proved to be short-lived as inflationary tokenomics failed to support the price pumps. Access advised content creators to “gamify your pool with publicly viewable leaderboards” and “incentivize your loyal supporters through unique offerings (e.g., NFTs).”
Access Protocol’s Mika Honkasalo, who now runs the project’s foundation, did not respond to a request for comment.
Access Protocol has launched a Subscription Quest initiative with Superboard to introduce its new transferable subscription feature, which offers up to $25,000 in prizes.
Transferable Subscriptions are designed to revolutionize interactions with creators. These subscriptions utilize compressed NFTs to enable the creation, purchase, sale, and transfer of Access subscriptions. According to the protocol, this feature is the final component of its Access v2 upgrade.
The protocol explained that its Quest initiative aims to engage both new and existing users. The campaign celebrates community, innovation, and a forward-thinking approach to digital content consumption.
It stated:
“This campaign is set to not only reward participants but also deepen their engagement with the evolving landscape of digital content consumption.”
Quest stagesThe quest consists of two stages, each with unique rewards and challenges. Users must complete the first stage to advance to the second.
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In the first stage, participants will undergo an introduction and onboarding process to understand Access Protocol's functionalities. This involves educational content, creating an account, subscribing with 2 ACS tokens, and tweeting about their participation. Successful participants earn 100 SUPR points and an additional 2 ACS tokens.
Upon completing the first stage, users can access the second stage of the cNFT drop quest. This involves subscribing to a transferable subscription from top creators like CoinGecko, Wu Blockchain, BlockTempo, TechFlow, AB Media, CoinNess, ChainFeeds, and Bourgeois. Participants in this stage can enter a draw to win Forever Subscription NFTs from leading crypto-focused media firms like CryptoSlate and The Block.
The Subscription Quests campaign will run for three weeks, with winners announced one week after it ends. Participants who fail to provide the required NFT at verification will be disqualified and forfeit their rewards.
Solana Labs, the company behind the Solana blockchain, has partnered with communications startup Dialect to introduce a new product called Actions and Blinks.
According to a June 25 statement, Access Protocol, alongside other notable blockchain projects like Jupiter, Backpack, Tensor, and Sphere Labs, will integrate Solana Actions and Blinks into their operations.
How Access protocol will utilize Actions and BlinksSolana Actions are Application Programming Interfaces (API) facilitating signable transactions for specified programs, while Blinks leverages these APIs to create user-friendly interfaces.
A spokesperson explained:
“Protocols map transaction links to a specific Solana Action. Blinks are the technology that unfurl the links in an easy-to-use interface via browser extensions.”
This technology allows a shareable link to present an interface for a Solana transaction, enabling users to conduct crypto transactions through any website or application. For instance, a link on social media platform X or a publication site would allow users to complete a crypto transaction without leaving the webpage.
Access Protocol will use Actions and Blinks to enable one-click purchases of staked ACS subscriptions for top crypto media platforms like CryptoSlate and The Block, using Solana's native token, SOL. SOL is the fifth-largest digital asset by market capitalization, trading at $137 as of press time.
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Next week, Access Protocol plans to add 20 more creators to its platform to reach all 160 creators eventually.
Andreas Nicolos, CEO of Access Labs, praised the APIs as transformative for Access Protocol and the wider crypto sector. He stated:
“Solana Actions simplify the user onboarding experience while Blinks expand the total surface area for engagement. The impact of these two products combined cannot be overstated.”
Access Protocol aims to revolutionize digital content monetization with a blockchain-based subscription model. By offering ACS subscriptions in SOL tokens, the platform will further broaden the adoption of its subscription model within the crypto community.
Access Protocol has unveiled significant upgrades to its creative tools, Sketch 2.0 and Scribe 2.0, offering users improved functionalities for NFT creation and content publishing. These integrated tools enable artists and writers to streamline their creative processes, making the tasks of minting NFTs and sharing content faster. The platform aims to provide all essential features in one accessible location, enhancing user convenience.
Scribe 2.0 introduces a revamped layout that enhances article reading. The new design organizes each writer’s content in dedicated columns, allowing users to scroll horizontally. This layout significantly improves the reading experience, offering users an engaging way to explore articles. By focusing on user experience, Access Protocol aims to foster a community of engaged readers and writers.
Gallery-Style Layout for Artwork Display Sketch 2.0 showcases Access Protocol’s commitment to artists with a gallery-style layout for viewing artwork. This feature allows users to view the different creations of the various artists artistically. The layout focuses on the creators’ artwork, emphasizing the possibility of powerfully interacting with this art. As a result, users can quickly discover and connect with diverse art styles and forms.
Access Protocol empowers users to support their favorite artists through a staking mechanism. By selecting artists to stake, users help unlock creative potential and encourage them to produce more artwork. This initiative fosters community while enabling artists to pursue their passions without constraints. Consequently, Access Protocol strengthens its ecosystem by promoting collaboration between artists and their supporters.
Access Protocol Building an Onchain Audience With the launch of these upgraded tools, users now have an opportune time to build their on-chain audiences. Access Protocol encourages creators to engage with the platform, enabling them to publish their works and connect with audiences directly. The streamlined processes in Sketch 2.0 and Scribe 2.0 enhance this experience, making it easier for both artists and writers to share their creations effectively.
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Crypto journalist with years of experience providing in-depth analysis and news on blockchain and decentralized finance. With a keen eye for detail, Shahzaib delivers insightful articles that explore the latest trends, market movements, and innovations within the crypto and blockchain ecosystem. His work focuses on educating readers while offering expert commentary on the evolving landscape of digital assets, DeFi protocols, and the broader impact of blockchain technology.
Cube, a hybrid exchange that settles trades on-chain using secure multi-party computation, has listed Access Protocol (ACS), a content monetization platform built on Solana. The listing follows Cube's recent announcement of Isometric (ISO), an intent-based transaction network that aims to enable cross-chain trading without asset bridging.
At the Solana Breakpoint conference, Cube's CEO and co-founder Bartosz Lipinski outlined the vision behind Isometric. “When we started building Cube, we wanted everything to be an intent,” Lipinski stated.
“Everyone will be able to submit intents to the network and verify settlements on multiple chains using the decentralized MPC that we've built.”
He emphasized that the decentralized MPC integration layer allows users to utilize value across layer-one blockchains without diminishing it.
Isometric's platform token, ISO, will power governance, staking, and decentralized custody within the network. Cube has scheduled both the token and mainnet launch for the second quarter of 2025, aiming to streamline cross-chain interactions and enhance blockchain transaction efficiency.
In addition to technological advancements, Cube announced a partnership with the Argentine government this week. The collaboration intends to explore leveraging the Isometric network as a catalyst for Argentina's financial system, signaling a significant step in integrating blockchain technology with national financial infrastructures.
The timing of the ACS listing is notable as it highlights the growing use of content tokenization on the chain. Cube's custom rewards platform, Blocks, engages users through unique packages for listing traders and token holders. Participants in the ACS listing will be eligible for Blocks campaign rewards, potentially increasing user engagement and liquidity for the token.
Access Protocol has been expanding its ecosystem. The protocol is integrating Solana's new “Actions” and “Blinks” features to enhance the user experience by allowing crypto transactions through any website or application using shareable links. This integration will enable one-click purchases of staked ACS subscriptions for top crypto media platforms using Solana's native token, SOL.
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Founded by DeFi investing expert Mika Honkasalo and launched in February 2023, Access Protocol offers a blockchain-based subscription model for content creators and digital media publications. Users can access exclusive content by staking ACS tokens rather than through traditional subscriptions.
Cube's listing of ACS and developments with Isometric reflect a broader trend of innovation in cross-chain solutions and content monetization models within the blockchain industry. The partnership with Argentina emphasizes the growing interest of national governments in leveraging blockchain technology for financial system enhancements.
CryptoSlate Alpha is powered by Access Protocol, which gives exclusive access to enhanced crypto research and insights.
Silvio Vieria, a prominent artist known for digital art, has reportedly joined Access Protocol, initiating a new era of advanced on-chain art and attributing credit to the arts. Speaking of Vieria, he has a reputable experience of 15 years in hand-painted and 3D artistry. In addition to that, he also gained recognition for the top non-fungible token (NFT) collectors i.e., Metakovan, Pransky, and Cozomo. Now, his entry in the Access Protocol ecosystem solidifies his position in on-chain arts and plays a crucial role in elevating the on chain arts.
A true pioneer in digital fine art, @silviovieiraart brings 15+ years of expressive 3D and hand-painted mastery to Access Protocol.
Collected by legends like Cozomo, Pranksy, and Metakovan, his arrival signals a powerful new chapter for onchain art and creator-led value. 💙✨ pic.twitter.com/Q7eXNPsgs8
— Access Protocol (@AccessProtocol) March 30, 2025 Access Protocol Empowers Global NFT Artists This new collaboration is a new milestone in the NFT space as it encourages artists around the globe to exhibit their expertise on a digital platform. As the NFT sector is rapidly growing, it has benefitted the community in terms of fame, and outreach to show their digital art skills. And to ensure that, Access Protocol is playing a significant role in promoting artists and digital arts.
Silvio Vieria has been involved and working in non-fungible tokens (NFTs) since 2019, marking its name among the top artists working in the onchain artistry. His work resonates deeply across the digital art landscape, blending traditional craftsmanship with futuristic aesthetics.
Unlock Monthly NFTs from Vieira’s Collection Through this union, the subscribers of Vieira’s Access Protocol channel receive a special NFT release which comes from his developing collection every month. These new NFTs function as more than digital merch because they vividly show the creative evolution of the artist while highlighting their innovative and storytelling abilities.
The artistic work of Vieira serves as an important historical artifact in the development of NFT technology. The subscription grants collectors the opportunity to support a leading artist and the chance to remain part of a developing section in digital art history. Through his dedication to creativity, Silvio Vieira plays a vital role in developing digital fine art as an innovative artistic medium on blockchain platforms.
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Crypto journalist with years of experience providing in-depth analysis and news on blockchain and decentralized finance. With a keen eye for detail, Shahzaib delivers insightful articles that explore the latest trends, market movements, and innovations within the crypto and blockchain ecosystem. His work focuses on educating readers while offering expert commentary on the evolving landscape of digital assets, DeFi protocols, and the broader impact of blockchain technology.
Access Protocol’s ACX token surged after unveiling Creator Coins on Solana, a new monetization model for digital creators.
Summary
Access Protocol launched Creator Coins on Solana, powered by Proof of Audience and Raydium Launchlab. ACX surged over 100% intraday, with volume spiking 10,909%. Creator Coins reward early supporters and provide creators with sustainable revenue models. Creator Coins operate like memecoins but are directly tied to individual creators, offering a tokenized way to align incentives between communities and the talent they follow.
The announcement was made on Aug. 25, 2025, in a post on X and an official press release by Access Protocol (ACX).
Unique Proof of Audience Model Unlike speculative launches with no built-in demand, Access has embedded a Proof of Audience system that sets milestones before any coin can go live. These milestones ensure creators show genuine traction.
They include a minimum number of stakers, pool scores, and staking thresholds. Once those conditions are satisfied, token allocations are given to supporters, and creators receive their share, which is vested over a two-year period.
The goal of this strategy is to balance community benefits with long-term creator income. Tokens are tradeable from day one, while Access has also layered in a Creator Token Incentive Program that sends millions of ACS tokens to creators, stakers, and traders every month.
The launch is supported by Raydium’s (RAY) Launchlab on Solana (SOL), ensuring liquidity and tradability from day one. Creator tokens distribute 10% of the supply to early supporters, while creators receive 20% vested over two years.
Market reaction and ecosystem impact Following the news, ACX price rallied more than 100%, climbing from roughly $0.00108 to a high of $0.00223 before retracing. As of this writing, ACX is still up 16% for the day and has shown comparable gains throughout the week.
Additionally, trading activity increased significantly. In the last 24 hours, the daily volume increased by 10,909% to $95 million, indicating a renewed interest in the Access Protocol ecosystem.
The market’s reaction shows a high level of interest in both ACX and the larger Creator Coin concept. Access is establishing itself as a competitor to subscription-based platforms such as Patreon by linking token utility to creators and their audiences, while also capitalizing on the trading culture that has propelled Solana’s expansion.
Key Takeaways The launch of ACS creator coins has sparked investor interest, with market cap and trading volume recording astronomical growth. Currently, there is a strong tendency for a continued price rally.
Access Protocol [ACS] recorded a significant rally in the past day as its price jumped 20%, with trading volume surging by more than 1,200%.
AMBCrypto’s analysis suggested that ACS’s growth extended beyond ecosystem performance, as more investors across the market were heavily funding the asset. AMBCrypto breaks down what could play out.
Ecosystem update sparks bulls The recent rally in ACS comes amid ecosystem improvements. Access Protocol launched creator coins alongside a creator token program.
This initiative likely boosted adoption among crypto-native creators seeking to monetize their content through the protocol.
The incentives program also contributed to ACS’s growth in the past day, as readily available rewards encouraged more user adoption, driving token demand higher.
On a deeper level, technical indicators provide additional perspective on the asset’s rally potential.
More upside for ACS Analysis of the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) showed that ACS still had room to extend its rally.
Press-time analysis revealed that the asset crossed into the positive region for the first time since the 30th of July, with a reading of 0.0000124.
A positive MACD reading indicated stronger bullish momentum, with ACS benefiting from the shift.
Source: TradingView Similarly, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) remained in bullish territory despite its earlier plunge. Thus, buying euphoria has cooled, giving way to a more sustainable accumulation phase.
If the MACD continues trending upward and the RSI holds in positive territory, ACS is likely to sustain its rally in the coming days.
Investor-backed movement ACS’ recent rally has been strongly backed by investors, according to CoinMarketCap’s Community Sentiment chart.
Data showed that 89% of 10,300 investors voted to buy ACS, reflecting broad confidence in its bullish potential.
Typically, there is some correlation between community sentiment, price movement, and trend reversals. If sentiment from CoinMarketCap is supported by real buying activity, ACS could rally further.
Source: TradingView Access Protocol’s next move will depend on whether it can sustain its breakout above a descending resistance trend line.
Holding above this level would remain net bullish for the asset. However, if it falls back below, it suggests ACS may consolidate further without major gains.
Access Protocol, a popular decentralized monetization and subscription platform, has collaborated with ANT.FUN, a Solana-based DEX. The partnership attempts to onboard additional consumers into the robust creator economy via smooth staking-based subscriptions. As Access Protocol’s X announcement points out, the collaboration establishes an integration between its Access Hub and ANT.FUN’s protocol. Hence, this development attempts to streamline the way consumers back creators while generating rewards.
Access Protocol and ANT.FUN Redefine Creator Monetization on Solana with Staking Subscriptions The collaboration between Access Protocol and ANT.FUN is poised to fortify the creator economy on the Solana network. So, the initiative underscores the wider trend of combining creator-centered monetization models and DeFi innovation within the Solana network. With this move, ANT.FUN consumers can directly access the staking subscription framework of Access Protocol. This permits fans to seamlessly stake tokens rather than paying conventional charges to get access to premium content.
Additionally, with this approach, the consumers can generate regular staking rewards along with backing favorite creators, baking content exposure incentive-led and sustainable. At present, the Access Hub hosts over 370 exclusive creators, providing a wide variety of content verticals and premium communities. A crucial element of this partnership is the impending Ant Wallet. The product will feature direct Access Hub access.
At the same time, the integration is anticipated to decrease friction for latest consumers by letting them delve into the broad range of creators. Moreover, they can also stake tokens as well as manage subscriptions via a single interface. Adding to this, the integration of creator economy instruments into the cutting-edge wallet experience fortifies consumer retention and increases engagement across the platforms.
Duo Also Plans NFT Giveaway to Increase Creator Engagement Simultaneously, Access Protocol and ANT.FUN are also hosting a joint community giveaway to boost participation and awareness. The campaign takes into account 5 Forever Subscription NFTs, while each of them accounts for $20M in value. The NFTs provide the users with lifetime creator subscription in addition to the present staking rewards. Ultimately, the collaboration focuses on providing more engagement, more value, and more access for users and creators alike within the DeFi landscape.
AUTHOR
Umair Younas is a cryptocurrency-related content writer linked with this work since 2019. Here, at Blockchainreporter, he serves as a news and article writer. He is a crypto, blockchain, NFTs, DeFi, and FinTech enthusiast. He has strong command over writing authentic reviews about brokers and exchanges and he has collaborated with our education team to write educational content as well. He has a dream to raise awareness among people about digital currencies. His works are well-researched and brimmed with information hence they provide fresh insights. Stay tuned to his posts if you want to stay up-to-date with the crypto-verse.
