Getting your token listed on CoinGecko and CoinMarketCap is a major milestone for any cryptocurrency project. These platforms are the primary sources of price data for millions of users, traders, and investors worldwide. Being listed provides credibility, visibility, and access to a massive audience.
However, the listing process can be confusing, with different requirements for each platform and varying timelines. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully get your token listed on both platforms.
Why Getting Listed Matters
Before diving into the process, understand why these listings are crucial:
📊 Credibility & Trust
Being listed on major platforms signals legitimacy to potential investors and users. It's a form of validation that your project is real and serious.
🔍 Discoverability
Millions of users search these platforms daily. Listing makes your token discoverable to people actively looking for new investments or projects.
📈 Price Tracking
Your token gets automatic price tracking, charts, and market data. Essential for traders and investors monitoring your project.
🔗 Integration
Listed tokens appear in wallets, portfolio trackers, and trading bots. Broader ecosystem integration increases adoption.
CoinGecko vs CoinMarketCap: Key Differences
| Feature | CoinGecko | CoinMarketCap |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Users | ~100+ million | ~80+ million |
| Listing Cost (Free) | Free (organic) | Free (organic) |
| Fast-Track Cost | $5,000-$15,000 | $1,000-$5,000 |
| Review Time (Free) | 2-8 weeks | 1-4 weeks |
| Review Time (Paid) | 1-2 weeks | 3-7 days |
| Requirements | Moderate | Moderate-High |
| Data Focus | Comprehensive metrics | Price & market cap |
Prerequisites: What You Need Before Applying
Before submitting to either platform, ensure you have:
1. Live Token on Mainnet
- ✅ Token deployed on a supported blockchain (Ethereum, Polygon, BSC, Solana, etc.)
- ✅ Contract address verified on block explorer
- ✅ Token is tradeable (has liquidity pool on DEX)
- ✅ Some trading activity (not just created)
2. Official Website
- ✅ Professional, accessible website
- ✅ Clear project description
- ✅ Token information page
- ✅ Contact information
- ✅ Social media links
3. Active Community Presence
- ✅ Twitter/X account with regular updates
- ✅ Telegram or Discord community
- ✅ Some followers/community members (100+ minimum recommended)
- ✅ Regular engagement and updates
4. Token Information Ready
- ✅ Token name and symbol
- ✅ Contract address
- ✅ Total supply
- ✅ Token logo (512x512px PNG, transparent background)
- ✅ Description (150-500 words)
- ✅ Official links (website, Twitter, Telegram, etc.)
5. DEX Listing
- ✅ Token listed on at least one DEX (Uniswap, PancakeSwap, Raydium, etc.)
- ✅ Some trading volume (even small amounts help)
- ✅ Liquidity pool exists with reasonable liquidity
How to Get Listed on CoinGecko
Step 1: Prepare Your Submission
Visit CoinGecko's submission page and gather all required information:
Required Information:
- Token Name: Official name (e.g., "My Awesome Token")
- Symbol: Ticker (e.g., "MAT")
- Blockchain: Which chain (Ethereum, Polygon, Solana, etc.)
- Contract Address: Full verified address
- Website URL: Official project website
- Twitter: Official Twitter/X handle
- Telegram/Discord: Community links
- Logo: 512x512px PNG with transparent background
- Description: 150-500 words explaining your project
- Total Supply: Maximum token supply
- Circulating Supply: Currently circulating tokens
- DEX Links: Where token is tradeable
Step 2: Fill Out the Form
- Navigate to CoinGecko's submission form
- Create an account (free)
- Fill in all required fields accurately
- Upload your token logo (must be high quality)
- Write a compelling description (be honest and clear)
- Double-check all contract addresses and links
- Submit the form
Step 3: Wait for Review
CoinGecko typically reviews submissions within 2-8 weeks for free listings. During this time:
- Don't spam or submit multiple times (delays review)
- Continue building your project and community
- Ensure your token has some trading activity
- Keep all links and information accurate
CoinGecko Requirements (2025)
| Requirement | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Volume (24h) | $2,000 | $10,000+ |
| Liquidity Pool | $5,000 | $50,000+ |
| DEX Listings | 1 major DEX | 2+ DEXs |
| Website Traffic | Some traffic | Regular visitors |
| Social Media | 100+ followers | 1,000+ followers |
| Community | 50+ members | 500+ active members |
| Trading Days | 7+ days active | 30+ days |
CoinGecko Fast-Track (Paid Option)
CoinGecko offers paid fast-track listing through their API packages:
- Cost: $5,000-$15,000 (varies by package)
- Review Time: 1-2 weeks (much faster)
- Includes: Priority review, API access, additional features
- Best for: Well-funded projects wanting faster listing
Note: Fast-track doesn't guarantee approval—you still must meet requirements. It just speeds up review.
How to Get Listed on CoinMarketCap
Step 1: Create an Account
- Visit CoinMarketCap.com
- Create a free account
- Verify your email
- Complete your profile
Step 2: Submit Your Token
- Navigate to the Add Coin page
- Fill out the submission form with:
- Token name and symbol
- Contract address (verified)
- Blockchain network
- Website and social links
- Token logo (512x512px PNG)
- Project description
- Token supply information
- Provide DEX listings and trading pairs
- Submit for review
Step 3: Respond to Feedback
CoinMarketCap may request additional information:
- More details about your project
- Proof of liquidity or trading volume
- Additional documentation
- Clarifications on tokenomics
Respond promptly and thoroughly to avoid delays.
CoinMarketCap Requirements (2025)
| Requirement | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Volume (24h) | $5,000 | $25,000+ |
| Liquidity | $10,000 | $100,000+ |
| DEX Listings | 1 major DEX | 2+ major DEXs |
| Website | Live and accessible | Professional, active |
| Social Proof | Basic presence | Active community |
| Project Maturity | 30+ days old | 90+ days |
| Trading Activity | Regular trades | Consistent volume |
CoinMarketCap Fast-Track (Paid Option)
CoinMarketCap offers paid listing services:
- Cost: $1,000-$5,000+ (varies)
- Review Time: 3-7 days
- Includes: Priority review, featured placement (sometimes)
- Contact: Through their business development team
Common Reasons for Rejection
Understanding why listings get rejected helps you avoid mistakes:
Top Rejection Reasons
- Insufficient trading volume: Token needs real trading activity, not just creation
- Low liquidity: Not enough liquidity in pools
- Incomplete information: Missing required fields or incorrect data
- Unprofessional website: Broken links, poor design, or missing information
- No community: Little to no social media presence or engagement
- Scam indicators: Suspicious contract, rug pull risks, or similar red flags
- Duplicate submission: Token already exists or multiple submissions
- Wrong network: Contract on unsupported blockchain
Tips to Increase Approval Chances
1. Build Trading Volume Organically
Platforms want to see real usage:
- Encourage community members to trade small amounts
- Create trading incentives (contests, rewards)
- List on multiple DEXs to increase accessibility
- Aim for $10,000+ daily volume before applying
2. Improve Liquidity
Higher liquidity shows project seriousness:
- Lock liquidity using tools like Unicrypt or Team Finance
- Aim for $50,000+ in locked liquidity
- Add liquidity to multiple DEXs
- Consider liquidity mining programs
3. Professional Presentation
Make your project look legitimate:
- Hire a designer for logo and website
- Write clear, professional project descriptions
- Ensure all links work and are accessible
- Create a comprehensive whitepaper (optional but helps)
4. Build Community Before Applying
Active community signals real interest:
5. Verify Your Contract
Contract verification is often required:
- Verify on Etherscan, Polygonscan, BSCScan, or Solscan
- Make source code public
- No hidden functions or suspicious code
- Use audited contracts when possible
6. Be Patient and Persistent
Approval takes time:
- Don't submit multiple times (causes delays)
- Wait 4-6 weeks before following up
- Continue building your project during wait
- If rejected, address issues and reapply after improvements
Alternative Listing Platforms
While waiting for CoinGecko/CoinMarketCap, consider these platforms:
🦎 DexScreener
Automatic listing if token has DEX liquidity. Great for immediate price tracking. No submission needed.
📊 DeFiLlama
Tracks DeFi protocols and tokens. Good for utility tokens. Submit through their form.
🔍 DexTools
Automatically lists tokens with Uniswap/PancakeSwap listings. Free and fast.
📈 CoinPaprika
Similar to CoinGecko. Easier approval process. Good alternative while waiting.
After Getting Listed: What's Next?
1. Maintain Your Listing
- Keep trading volume above minimum thresholds
- Maintain liquidity pools
- Update project information as needed
- Respond to user questions and feedback
2. Leverage Your Listing
- Share your listing on social media
- Add CoinGecko/CoinMarketCap badges to your website
- Use listing in marketing materials
- Include in investor pitches
3. Monitor Your Metrics
- Track price movements
- Monitor trading volume trends
- Watch market cap rankings
- Analyze holder growth
Timeline Expectations
Realistic Timeline for Free Listings:
- Week 1-2: Build project, launch token, create liquidity
- Week 2-4: Build community, generate trading volume
- Week 4: Submit to CoinGecko and CoinMarketCap
- Week 4-8: Wait for review (CoinGecko typically slower)
- Week 4-6: CoinMarketCap review (often faster)
- Week 6-10: Possible listing approval
Total: 6-10 weeks from token creation to listing (if everything goes smoothly)
FAQ: Common Listing Questions
Yes! Both platforms offer free organic listings. You just need to meet their requirements and wait for review. No payment required for standard listings.
Free listings: 2-8 weeks for CoinGecko, 1-4 weeks for CoinMarketCap. Paid fast-track: 1-2 weeks (CoinGecko) or 3-7 days (CoinMarketCap).
Don't give up! Address the issues they mention, improve your project (volume, liquidity, community), and reapply after 4-6 weeks. Many projects get approved on second or third attempt.
No! Payment is only for faster review (fast-track). Free listings work fine if you're patient. However, paid fast-track doesn't guarantee approval—you still must meet requirements.
Yes! Apply to both at the same time. They're independent platforms with separate review processes. Getting listed on one doesn't affect the other.
Both support: Ethereum, Polygon, BSC, Solana, Arbitrum, Optimism, Base, Avalanche, and many more. Check their websites for complete list of supported networks.
Conclusion
Getting listed on CoinGecko and CoinMarketCap is achievable for serious projects, but requires preparation and patience. Focus on:
- ✅ Building real trading volume and liquidity
- ✅ Creating a professional online presence
- ✅ Growing an active community
- ✅ Meeting all technical requirements
- ✅ Being patient during the review process
Remember: these listings are a milestone, not the end goal. Continue building your project, improving your tokenomics, and engaging with your community. The listing will come when your project demonstrates real value and traction.
Need Help Creating Your Token?
Before getting listed, you need to create your token. Learn how with our comprehensive guides.
Step-by-Step Token Creation Guide →