Bitcoin News Today: Token Unlocks Across Major Blockchains Trigger Short-Term Volatility Risks

A wave of token unlocks across major Layer 1 and Layer 2 blockchain projects is set to influence market dynamics and price trajectories in the coming weeks. Scheduled between August 11 and 16, 2025, key tokens such as Aptos (APT), Arbitrum (ARB), and Avalanche (AVAX) will see significant portions of their token supply enter circulation. The unlocks are expected to range from 0.51% to 9.51% of each project's total supply, potentially increasing market liquidity but also introducing short-term sell pressure [1].

These token releases are part of a broader trend as blockchain projects continue to scale through innovative infrastructure and decentralized solutions. For instance, Aptos, a Layer 1 project, has already seen historical volatility following similar unlocks. As of August 10, 2025, APT traded at $4.70 with a market cap of approximately $3.16 billion, having dropped 2.11% in the last 24 hours. The 30-day decline of 6.16% underscores the ongoing sensitivity of the project to supply-side changes [1].

Other projects, such as Arbitrum and Solayer, are also set to release tokens. Arbitrum, a Layer 2 solution on Ethereum, has not seen public statements from its leadership, but community sentiment on forums and social media indicates cautious optimism. Investors are preparing for potential volatility, given the historical precedent of similar events leading to price corrections in the short term [1].

Layer 2 innovations are central to the broader crypto landscape. For example, Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER) is introducing a Layer 2 scaling solution built on the Solana Virtual Machine and zk-rollups, aiming to facilitate faster, cheaper transactions while maintaining the security of the Bitcoin mainnet. However, like other projects, HYPER faces the challenge of token unlock-related volatility, particularly if early investors decide to liquidate their positions [2].

TOKEN6900, a meme-based project with a rapidly growing community, is also undergoing token unlocks. While it lacks the technical depth of more traditional Layer 2 tokens, its popularity and speculative nature have driven significant capital inflows. The project's token unlock schedule could lead to pronounced price swings, especially as the token approaches a public listing [3].

Regulatory developments are also shaping investor sentiment. A recent executive order allowing 401(k) retirement plans to include cryptocurrencies has been viewed as a positive catalyst, encouraging institutional participation. However, such tailwinds may not fully counteract the downward pressure from token unlocks, particularly in projects with large early-stage allocations [4].

Market observers suggest that the implications of these unlocks are not limited to individual tokens but could ripple through the broader crypto ecosystem. As Ethereum’s price climbs and Bitcoin regains key levels, the timing and management of token unlocks will play a critical role in maintaining market stability. Poorly managed unlocks, especially in projects with limited liquidity, could undermine investor confidence and lead to short-term price corrections.

Investors are advised to remain vigilant and assess the potential impacts of these events on both short-term price movements and the long-term sustainability of the projects involved. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how well the market can absorb these supply increases and whether projects can maintain their value propositions amid heightened volatility.

---

Source:

[1] CoinMarketCap - https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/6898d38f4aa6a72cbd7c753f/

[2] Mitrade - https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1026055-20250809

[3] CoinCentral - https://coincentral.com/best-crypto-presales-to-buy-now-4-coins-that-can-deliver-generational-wealth/

[4] ZyCrypto - https://zycrypto.com/5-coins-with-moonshot-potential-one-may-be-the-best-crypto-presale/