Kin is a decentralised cryptocurrency designed to facilitate transactions and incentivize user engagement within an ecosystem of consumer applications and services. It was initially launched as an ERC20 token on the Ethereum blockchain and later migrated to the Solana blockchain for improved speed and efficiency. Created in 2017 by Ted Livingston's Kik Inc., Kin aims to serve as the native currency for digital services, enabling microtransactions and rewarding users and developers.
Kin operates using the Solana blockchain, leveraging its Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, particularly a variant called Proof of History (PoH). This ensures faster and more energy-efficient transactions than traditional Proof of Work (PoW) systems. Kin utilises smart contracts to manage token distribution and rewards, initially transitioning from Ethereum to Solana with the help of a smart contract bridge. The Kin Rewards Engine (KRE) incentivises developers through an engagement-based reward system, fostering a thriving community ecosystem.
Kin offers a variety of use cases that support micropayments and user engagement within digital ecosystems. These include:
Kin was founded in 2017 by Ted Livingston and his team at Kik Inc. as an ERC20 token on the Ethereum blockchain, initially intended for use within the Kik messaging service. It raised $100 million in an ICO. Over time, Kin migrated to faster blockchains, first to Stellar, and then to Solana, to improve transaction speeds and reduce costs. In 2020, a settlement with the US SEC confirmed Kin need not be registered as a security. The Kin Rewards Engine faced suspension in 2023 due to manipulation issues, and that same year saw a burn of nearly 5 trillion Kin tokens, boosting its market presence.