Kin was created in 2017 by Ted Livingston's Kik Inc. and initially launched on the Ethereum blockchain. In 2020, Kin became the first cryptocurrency to migrate to the Solana blockchain. The Solana blockchain enables Kin to efficiently scale for mainstream global adoption with near instant transactions and fees of just fractions of a penny. Additionally, Solana’s blockchain technology has 0% net carbon impact, providing a sustainable platform for the global Kin economy.
Kin is used as money in a growing economy across independent websites, apps, games, and services including Code Inc.'s global payments platform, which empowers content creators and developers to monetize with micropayments. With Code’s permissionless payment platform, creators can charge as little as $0.05 for content they create online, unlocking new revenue streams not possible with traditional payment models due to fee structures. In 2024, Code Inc. received seed round funding from top VC firms USV and M13, as well as blockchain industry leaders Anatoly Yakovenko, Raj Gokal, Balaji Srinivasan, and others.
In 2020, Kik Inc. agreed to a mutual settlement with the United States SEC, in which Kin was not required to be registered as a security, making Kin one of the few cryptocurrencies with regulatory clarity.
Kin is fully decentralized. There is no centralized entity or foundation that manages the development of the Kin economy or speaks on its behalf. Rather, Kin is supported by an autonomous independent global community of stakeholders who are economically aligned and mutually incentivized to expand Kin's utility and collectively benefit from the value created as adoption grows. We are all Kin.
Kin is a decentralized cryptocurrency created by Kik Inc. in 2017, initially launched on the Ethereum blockchain. However, in 2020, to reduce transaction costs and enhance scalability, Kin migrated to the Solana blockchain. It features a zero inflation rate, with the entire supply already distributed and no further issuance planned. In 2020, Kik Inc. reached a settlement with the U.S. SEC, determining that Kin does not need to be registered as a security, making it one of the few cryptocurrencies with clear regulatory status. Kin stands out in the cryptocurrency field.
How to Buy KIN
1. How to Buy KIN on Exchanges
Step 1: Choose a reputable exchange platform
Select a trustworthy platform from numerous exchanges to make your purchase. Some trusted platforms include Coinbase, Binance, OKX, among others.
Step 2: Register an account
Create an account on the chosen exchange platform. You may need to provide personal information (such as phone number, email) to complete the registration process.
Step 3: Complete identity verification
For security reasons, some platforms may require you to undergo identity verification. Follow the platform's instructions, providing necessary identity information (such as country/ID number) and undergo facial recognition if prompted. Once your identity is confirmed, you'll receive notification.
Step 4: Link your bank or payment method
Link your bank account or other payment methods to the exchange platform for making payments when purchasing KIN.
Step 5: Purchase KIN
Find the option to buy coins on the exchange platform, select the C2C buying process, then input the amount of cryptocurrency you wish to purchase. Typically, you'll choose to buy USDT first and then proceed with the purchase method. Simply place your order, make payment to the seller, and you'll receive the cryptocurrency. Once the payment is completed, you can use your exchange assets to buy KIN.
Step 6: Store your KIN
After purchase, you can choose to store KIN in the digital wallet provided by the exchange platform or transfer it to a hardware wallet under your control.
Step 7: Security Tips
To protect your exchange account and KIN assets, it's essential to use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
How to Buy KIN via Over-the-Counter (OTC) Trading
Over-the-counter (OTC) KIN trading occurs directly between buyers and sellers, bypassing exchanges or other intermediaries. Here are the general steps for OTC KIN trading:
Step 1: Find an OTC trading channel
Start by finding a reliable OTC trading platform or service provider. These platforms typically offer online marketplaces or ways to connect with brokers for trading.
Step 2: Register an account
Sign up for an account on the chosen OTC trading platform. You may need to provide some personal information (phone/email) to complete the registration process.
Step 3: Complete identity verification
For security purposes, some platforms may require you to undergo identity verification. Follow the platform's instructions to provide necessary identity information (nationality/ID) and undergo facial recognition or other verification steps.
Step 4: Browse the trading list
After logging into your account, browse through the platform's trading list to find KIN trades that interest you. You can choose trades based on the trader's reputation rating, trade volume, price, and payment methods.
Step 5: Select a trading partner
Once you find a suitable trade, click to enter the trading page and carefully review the trader's terms and conditions. Ensure you understand and agree to the trader's requirements, such as trade amount, payment method, trade time, etc.
Step 6: Negotiate trade details
After reaching an agreement with the trader, you can negotiate trade details such as trade amount, payment method, trade time, and location.
Step 7: Make payment
According to the agreement reached with the trader, use the chosen payment method to pay the KIN purchase amount to the seller.
Step 8: Confirm receipt
Once the trader confirms receiving your payment, they will release KIN to the KIN address you provided. You can check your KIN wallet balance after the trade to confirm its success.
3. How to Buy KIN through Decentralized Exchanges (DEX)
Buying KIN on decentralized exchanges (DEX) differs from purchasing other cryptocurrencies on centralized exchanges. Here are the general steps for buying KIN on DEX:
Step 1: Choose a KIN-supporting wallet
Create a new wallet supporting KIN assets, then select a decentralized exchange that supports KIN.
Step 2: Connect your wallet
Before using the DEX, you need to connect a wallet supporting the KIN blockchain. You can connect your wallet to the selected DEX via browser extension or mobile application.
Step 3: Deposit funds
In your wallet, select deposit and choose the asset you want to deposit (such as stablecoins). Follow the wallet prompts to complete the deposit process.
Step 4: Find the trading pair
Search or browse for the KIN trading pair on the DEX. Typically, you can find a search box or a list of trading pairs on the exchange's homepage or trading interface.
Step 5: Place an order
Once you find the KIN trading pair, you can choose between market or limit orders and input the quantity you want to purchase. Ensure you input the correct price and quantity in the order, then confirm the order.
Step 6: Wait for the trade to execute
Your order will be submitted to the KIN blockchain and wait for confirmation and execution by miners. Once the order is executed, you will receive the purchased KIN, which you can view in your wallet balance.
Step 7: Withdraw funds
After completing the trade, you can choose to withdraw the purchased KIN to your wallet for safer storage of your digital assets.
4. Official Channels for KIN Project Team or Community
Sometimes, the KIN project team or community may launch official channels for direct KIN purchases. This may include private placements, presales, or other forms of direct sales.