CoinGecko and CoinMarketCap are the two most referenced token tracking sites in crypto. A listing on either gives your project instant credibility - your token appears in search results, wallet apps pull your logo and description, and potential holders can verify basic information before buying.
Neither platform lists tokens automatically. Both require a manual application, and both reject the majority of applications they receive. This guide covers exactly what you need, how to apply, and what gets applications turned down.
What You Need Before Applying
Before you fill out either application form, you need these in place. Applications without them are rejected immediately or sit in a backlog indefinitely.
An active liquidity pool on Raydium or Orca
Both platforms verify on-chain trading activity. Without a real pool, there's nothing for them to track. You need real volume - not just a pool with zero trades.
A minimum number of independent holders
CoinGecko requires at least 10 independent wallets holding your token. CMC typically wants 50+. Wallets you control yourself don't count - they check for genuine distribution.
Complete on-chain Metaplex metadata
Name, symbol, logo, and description must all be set and readable by their APIs. Tokens with missing or broken metadata are auto-rejected.
A working project website or social presence
You don't need a full website, but you need something - a Twitter/X account, a Telegram group, or a simple landing page. A token with no online presence looks anonymous and gets rejected.
A basic project description
CoinGecko asks for a description of your token's purpose. Two or three clear sentences about what it is and what it's for is enough. "Community memecoin" is a valid answer as long as it's honest.
CoinGecko vs CoinMarketCap: Key Differences
| Requirement | CoinGecko | CoinMarketCap |
|---|---|---|
| Application URL | coingecko.com/en/coins/new | coinmarketcap.com/request-listing |
| Min. holders | ~10 | ~50+ |
| Volume threshold | Some activity required | Higher bar - consistent daily volume |
| Review time | 2–6 weeks | 4–8 weeks |
| Fast-track option | No paid option | Yes - paid fast-track available |
| Auto-detection | Yes - picks up high-volume tokens automatically over time | No - always requires manual application |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Harder, stricter review |
Apply to CoinGecko first. It's easier, faster, and unlocks CMC data automatically for many aggregators.
How to Apply to CoinGecko - Step by Step
Connect your trading activity
Make sure your token has had genuine trades on Raydium or Orca in the days before you apply. Submitting immediately after pool creation with zero volume is a common mistake - CoinGecko's reviewers check the on-chain activity.
Go to coingecko.com/en/coins/new
Log in or create a free CoinGecko account if you don't have one. Fill in all fields - token name, symbol, mint address, website, social links, and description.
Add your Solana contract address
This is your token's mint address. You can find it in your wallet or on Solscan. CoinGecko uses it to pull on-chain data automatically.
Upload a high-quality logo
PNG, minimum 200×200px, preferably 512×512px. Square format, transparent background. This is the image that appears everywhere - get it right.
Submit and wait
Applications are reviewed in batches. Most responses come within 2–4 weeks. You'll receive an email update when your application is reviewed.
Respond to any follow-up requests
CoinGecko sometimes asks for clarification or additional information. Respond quickly - delays from the applicant side can push your review back by weeks.
Why Applications Get Rejected
Most rejections come down to the same handful of issues. Fix these before you apply.
A pool with zero trades looks like a pre-launch setup, not an active token. Build some organic activity first.
If your token's logo or description doesn't load via the Metaplex API, your application will be rejected. Test your metadata on Solscan before applying.
Anonymous tokens with no Twitter, Telegram, or website are rejected. Even a pinned tweet explaining what your token is helps.
If the same wallets are trading back and forth to inflate volume, CoinGecko's review team can usually tell. Manufactured volume gets flagged.
Submitting the same token multiple times doesn't speed up the review - it can result in your application being deprioritised.
CoinMarketCap: Higher Bar, Same Process
CMC's requirements are stricter than CoinGecko's. By the time your token meets CMC's thresholds, a CoinGecko listing usually follows naturally - so most projects apply to CoinGecko first.
CMC also offers a paid fast-track listing. The fee varies but is typically a few hundred dollars. This doesn't guarantee approval - it just moves your application up the queue for faster review.
For a new Solana memecoin or community token, CMC listing is a medium-term goal. Focus on CoinGecko first, build genuine trading volume and holders, and revisit CMC once you have at least 100+ holders and consistent daily volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my Solana token listed on CoinGecko?
How long does it take to get listed on CoinGecko?
Do I need a website to get listed on CoinGecko?
Can I get listed on CoinGecko before CoinMarketCap?
What is the minimum liquidity needed for CoinGecko listing?
Related Guides
How to Lock Liquidity for Your Token
Locked liquidity is one of the signals CoinGecko reviewers look for. Here's how to do it.
Raydium vs Orca
Which DEX to use for your liquidity pool - and how it affects your listing applications.
Add Liquidity Guide
Step-by-step guide to creating your first Raydium liquidity pool.
Solana Token Marketing
Building the online presence and community that listing applications require.
