When you participate in a vesting program, your tokens are not released all at once. Instead, they are gradually unlocked over time following a specific schedule that begins after the cliff period (an initial waiting time).
Key Terms
| Term | Definition |
| Cliff Period | A fixed initial time during which no tokens can be claimed. |
| Vesting | The process of gradually unlocking tokens over time. |
| Interval | The time gap between token distributions after the cliff. |
Types of Vesting Schedules
1. Linear Vesting
- Tokens unlock gradually, second by second, once the cliff period ends.
- You can claim any amount of unlocked tokens at any time after the cliff.
2. Interval Vesting
- Tokens unlock in fixed chunks at regular intervals (e.g., every 10 days).
- If the interval is 10 days, tokens become available for claim every 10 days, starting 10 days after the cliff ends.
3. Monthly Vesting
- Tokens unlock in monthly chunks after the cliff period.
- The first token release depends on the set interval:
| Interval | First Token Release Timing |
| 1 month | 1 month after the cliff |
| 2 months | 2 months after the cliff |
What This Means for You
- You won’t get all your tokens immediately — they unlock gradually to encourage long-term commitment.
- Your ability to claim tokens depends on the vesting type and the schedule set by the platform or project.
- Understanding the cliff and interval helps you know exactly when and how much you can claim.
If you have questions about your specific vesting schedule, check your dashboard or reach out to support.
FAQ — Token Vesting Made Simple
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Q1: What is the cliff period?
A1: It’s the waiting time during which your tokens are locked and cannot be claimed.
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Q2: What does linear vesting mean?
A2: Tokens unlock smoothly over time, second by second, after the cliff.
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Q3: How does interval vesting work?
A3: Tokens become available in fixed chunks at set time intervals after the cliff ends.
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Q4: What is monthly vesting?
A4: Tokens unlock in monthly amounts following the cliff period.
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Q5: Can I claim tokens before the cliff ends?
A5: No, you have to wait until the cliff period is over.
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Q6: What if I don’t understand my vesting schedule?
A6: Check your user dashboard or reach out to the project’s support team for help.