If you've ever thought about making your own crypto coin on Solana, you've probably heard of SPL tokens. These are the standard tokens used on the Solana blockchain. They work like ERC-20 tokens on Ethereum, but they're faster and cheaper to make and send.
Creating one might sound complicated at first, but it isn't. You don't need to be a developer or know how to write code. You just need a Solana wallet, a small amount of SOL for fees, and a few minutes to go through the setup.
This guide will explain what an SPL token is, what you'll need, and exactly how to make one from start to finish. I'll also cover what to do after your token is created, like adding it to your wallet, sending it to others, and checking it on Solscan.
What Is an SPL Token
An SPL token is any token built on the Solana blockchain using the Solana Program Library (SPL). Think of it as a digital coin that follows a standard set of rules, so it works across all Solana wallets and exchanges.
SPL stands for Solana Program Library. It's a collection of on-chain programs that handle different functions, like tokens, NFTs, and staking. The token program is one part of that library, and it defines how tokens are created, owned, and transferred.
When you create an SPL token, you're creating a new digital asset on the Solana network. It could be used for a project, a community reward system, a utility token for a website, or even as a joke coin just for fun.
What makes Solana's SPL tokens appealing is how low the fees are. Transactions cost fractions of a cent, and minting a token doesn't require expensive gas fees like Ethereum. That's one of the main reasons people choose Solana for new projects.
What You Need Before You Start
Before creating a token, make sure you have a few basic things ready.
A Solana Wallet
You'll need a wallet that supports the Solana network. The most common one is Phantom, but Solflare and Backpack also work. These wallets are browser extensions that let you connect to Solana sites and approve transactions.
Some SOL (Solana)
You'll need a small amount of SOL in your wallet to cover transaction fees. You can buy SOL on most major exchanges and send it to your wallet address. The fees are tiny, but without SOL, the network won't process your transactions. Check our pricing page to see the current fees.
A Token Idea
Decide what your token will represent. It could have a fun name, a symbol, and a set supply. You'll want to choose the number of decimals too - for example, 6 decimals means the smallest unit is 0.000001 of your token.
Optional Metadata
This includes the description, image, and website for your token. You can always add or update metadata later, but if you want your token to look complete on Solscan or in wallets, you can prepare it now. Learn more about our token creation features.
Once you have these, you're ready to start.
Step 1: Set Up Your Wallet
If you don't already have one, go to the Phantom website and install the wallet extension for your browser. Create a new wallet, set a password, and write down your recovery phrase. Never share that phrase with anyone - it's the key to your funds.
Once your wallet is ready, you'll see your SOL balance at the top. If you don't have SOL yet, buy some from an exchange and send it to your wallet address. You can click "Deposit" in Phantom to copy your address.
After your wallet has SOL, you're good to go.
Step 2: Connect to a Token Creation Platform
There are two main ways to create an SPL token:
- Using code or command line tools like Solana CLI or Metaplex.
- Using a web interface that handles all the setup for you.
Most people prefer the second option because it's easier and safer if you're not technical. That's what sites like soltokenlaunch.com are built for. They handle the technical side and guide you through the process visually.
You just connect your wallet, fill in the token details, and approve a few transactions. Everything happens on the blockchain - your token is created directly in your wallet.
Step 3: Fill in Token Details
When you're creating your token, you'll be asked to enter a few things:
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Token Name: The full name of your token, like "SolCat Coin."
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Symbol: A short version, like "SCT."
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Total Supply: How many tokens you want to mint.
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Decimals: How divisible your token is (6 decimals is common).
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Metadata (optional): Image, website, and description.
If you're just testing, you can create a small supply to start with. If you're serious about a project, think about your supply carefully. A smaller total supply makes each token more scarce, while a larger one allows more flexibility for distribution.
Once you've entered everything, click to create your token. Your wallet will ask you to approve the transaction.
Step 4: Wait for Confirmation
After you approve the transaction, the blockchain takes a few seconds to process it. Then you'll see your new token's address. This is your token's unique identifier on Solana.
You can copy the address and check it on Solscan.io. That's where you'll see all the details about your token - supply, mint authority, holders, and transactions.
At this point, your token exists on the Solana blockchain.
Step 5: Add the Token to Your Wallet
Your token won't always appear in your wallet automatically. You can add it manually by clicking "Manage Token List" in Phantom, pasting the token address, and adding it. Once it's added, you'll see it with its name and symbol.
If you uploaded a logo or metadata, it might take a few minutes for it to appear across explorers and wallets.
You can now send your token to other Solana addresses, or hold it in your own wallet.
Step 6: Revoke Authorities (Optional but Important)
When you first create your token, your wallet holds several types of "authority":
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Mint Authority: Allows you to mint more tokens later.
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Freeze Authority: Allows you to freeze token accounts.
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Update Authority: Allows you to change metadata.
If you're creating a real project and want to prove that the supply won't change, you can revoke the mint authority. That means no one, not even you, can create more tokens.
This adds trust if others will hold or trade your token. On soltokenlaunch.com, you can choose whether to revoke these during creation. Learn more about revoking authorities and associated costs. For a complete walkthrough, see our step-by-step creation guide.
If you're just experimenting, it's okay to keep them.
Step 7: View Your Token on Solscan
Go to Solscan.io and paste your token's mint address. You'll see all the details about your token - its supply, current holders, transactions, and metadata.
Solscan is like a blockchain explorer for Solana. It's where you can verify that your token was created correctly and see all the on-chain information.
Congratulations! You've successfully created your own SPL token on Solana.
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