According to data from Token Unlocks, this week will see major token unlock events across several projects, including LayerZero (ZRO), River (RIVER), and Plume (PLUME), with the total estimated value of released tokens exceeding $150 million.
As a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, Gate has compiled the key data and market context for these unlock events to help you seize opportunities during these critical liquidity moments.
01 Key Data Overview: Scale and Highlights of This Week’s Unlocks
This week (January 19 to January 25) features a dense schedule of token unlocks. Among them, ZRO, RIVER, and PLUME stand out as market focal points due to their significant unlock values or high proportions relative to circulating supply.
According to the data, there are over ten unlock events this week alone with an individual value exceeding $5 million, all set to inject new token supply into the market within a short timeframe.
The table below summarizes the details of some key unlocks (estimates based on prices from January 18–19):
| Project / Token | Estimated Unlock Time (UTC+8) | Unlock Amount | Estimated Value (USD) | % of Circulating Supply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LayerZero (ZRO) | Jan 20, 19:00 | ~25.71 million | ~$44.5 million | 6.36% |
| River (RIVER) | Jan 22, 08:00 | ~1.5 million | ~$36 million | 4.32% |
| Plume (PLUME) | Jan 21, 08:00 | ~1.37 billion | ~$22.3 million | 39.75% |
| Humanity (H) | Jan 25, 08:00 | ~105 million | ~$19.3 million | 4.57% |
In addition to these projects, MBG, SOON, SOSO, ANIME, and others will also unlock tokens valued at several million dollars each, adding to overall market supply pressure that warrants close attention.
02 In-Depth Analysis of Key Projects: Unlock Ratios and Market Outlook
The potential impact of token unlocks on price depends not only on the total value unlocked, but also on the proportion relative to circulating supply, as well as the project’s fundamentals and stage of development.
LayerZero (ZRO): Moderate Unlock Ratio, Highest Absolute Value
As a leading cross-chain interoperability protocol, ZRO will unlock 6.36% of its circulating supply this time, valued at approximately $44.5 million—making it the single largest unlock event of the week.
Given the protocol’s widespread adoption and active ecosystem, the market may be relatively resilient to this unlock. However, investors should still be mindful of potential short-term selling pressure.
Plume (PLUME): Strikingly High Unlock Ratio, Major Liquidity Shift
PLUME’s unlock ratio reaches an astonishing 39.75%, meaning nearly 40% more tokens will enter the circulating supply in a short period. Regardless of whether the recipients are team members, investors, or the community, such a large influx of tokens could have a significant impact on price.
Investors should closely monitor post-unlock market buy-side depth and price support.
River (RIVER): Substantial Value, Testing Market Confidence
RIVER’s unlock is valued at around $36 million. The project aims to build a chain-abstracted stablecoin system. While the unlock ratio (4.32%) is not the highest, a potential sell-off of tens of millions of dollars is a real test for any project’s short-term market.
03 Market Impact and Historical Patterns: Price Dynamics Amid Supply Shifts
Token unlocks are essentially pre-planned supply releases built into project tokenomics. While they can increase sell pressure, the actual impact is multifaceted.
Typically, large unlocks trigger psychological concerns and real selling pressure. When market sentiment is weak or liquidity is thin, this can lead to short-term price declines. On the other hand, if recipients (such as long-term investors) choose to hold, or if the project simultaneously announces positive ecosystem developments, the market may absorb the new supply without major disruption.
Historical data shows that unlock events do not always lead to price drops. The ultimate impact depends on the macro environment, project fundamentals, and holder behavior. In the current market climate, it’s crucial to approach these concentrated unlocks with rational analysis.
04 Gate Trading Guide: Strategies and Tools for Navigating Unlock Waves
In the face of dense unlock activity, Gate provides users with a professional trading environment and tools to help you navigate market changes with confidence.
Monitor the Gate market page for real-time prices, depth charts, and volume changes for tokens like ZRO, RIVER, and PLUME, so you can quickly gauge market sentiment and capital flows. Price volatility may increase before and after unlocks, so be sure to manage your risk carefully.
Take advantage of Gate’s spot and derivatives products. You can capitalize on price swings through spot trading, or use perpetual contracts and other derivatives to hedge risk or express directional views. Always understand the features of each product and set reasonable take-profit and stop-loss levels.
Stay informed with broader market insights. Gate’s news and research sections will continue to provide updates on these projects, ecosystem developments, and professional analysis to support your decision-making.
Looking Ahead
Unlock events are releasing a large number of tokens from contracts into the hands of market participants. On Gate’s market page, ZRO’s 24-hour trading volume has quietly increased by 15%, while PLUME’s price fluctuated by 5% following the announcement.
The market is watching closely to see whether these newly unlocked tokens will trigger selling pressure or be quietly absorbed by committed long-term holders, resulting in a healthy rotation of token ownership.
