Deep Dive
1. Airdrop Value Decline (20 September 2025)
Overview: A DappRadar report highlights systemic issues with crypto airdrops, noting that 88% of tokens (including Blur’s 2023 campaigns) lose value within three months. While Blur initially captured 70% of NFT trading volume via aggressive airdrops, the strategy now faces criticism for attracting short-term “farmers” who dump tokens post-distribution.
What this means: This is neutral-to-bearish for BLUR. While airdrops helped Blur dominate NFT markets temporarily, the report underscores the need for sustainable incentives. Projects like Consensys’ Linea are pivoting to holder rewards, which Blur may need to emulate to stabilize its token. (The Defiant)
2. NFT Market Slowdown (9 September 2025)
Overview: September 2025 saw NFT weekly volumes plummet 45% from July highs to $91.95M, per Cointribune. Blur’s market share fell to 22% (from 80% in July) as average NFT prices dropped 29% to $72.26. Ethereum remains dominant (61% of NFT activity), but user counts halved since summer.
What this means: This is bearish for BLUR. Reduced trader activity and lower transaction values pressure Blur’s fee-free model, which relies on high volumes. The platform’s reliance on professional traders leaves it vulnerable during market contractions. (Cointribune)
3. Base Network Competition (28 August 2025)
Overview: Coinbase’s Layer-2 network Base surpassed Blur in NFT volume, driven by Zora’s low-cost minting ($1 per NFT) and AI-enabled collections. Base NFTs hit $122M in 2025 volume, while Blur’s July-August dominance waned.
What this means: This is bearish for BLUR. Base’s growth highlights competition from ecosystems offering cheaper transactions and novel utility (e.g., redeemable physical NFTs). Blur’s lack of Layer-2 integration risks further erosion of its pro-trader base. (The Defiant)
Conclusion
Blur faces a triple challenge: declining airdrop efficacy, shrinking NFT volumes, and Layer-2 competitors like Base. While its governance token and Blend lending protocol provide foundational utility, the platform must innovate beyond volume incentives to retain relevance. Will Blur pivot to Layer-2 integrations or double down on Ethereum-centric NFT liquidity?