Token metadata is the information that describes your Solana token. It includes the name, symbol, logo, description, and other details that wallets, exchanges, and block explorers display to users.

1 What is Token Metadata?

Metadata is the human-readable information about your token. While the blockchain stores the technical details (supply, decimals, mint address), metadata provides the context users need to understand what your token represents.

When someone views your token in a wallet or on Solscan, they see the metadata: the name, symbol, and logo you've defined. Without proper metadata, your token appears as a long address with no identifying information.

2 Core Metadata Fields

Standard SPL token metadata includes several essential fields:

Name: The full display name of your token (e.g., "Solana Pearl Token")
Symbol: The short ticker symbol (e.g., "SPRL")
Description: A brief explanation of your token's purpose
Logo: An image file (PNG, JPG, or WEBP) representing your token
Decimals: The number of decimal places (typically 9 for Solana tokens)

3 Extended Metadata

Beyond the basics, you can add extended metadata to provide more context:

Creator information: Your name or brand name, plus a website
Social links: Twitter/X, Telegram, and website URLs
Tags: Categories or keywords that describe your token

Extended metadata helps with discoverability and builds trust. When users see creator information and social links, they can verify the token's legitimacy and connect with your community.

How Metadata is Stored

On-Chain Storage

Metadata stored directly on the blockchain. Permanent but costs more in transaction fees.

Off-Chain with URI

Metadata stored on a server or IPFS, referenced by a URI. More flexible and cost-effective - the most common approach.

Metadata Standards

The Solana ecosystem uses the Metaplex metadata standard. This ensures compatibility across wallets, exchanges, and tools. When you create a token through a reputable platform, it follows this standard automatically.

The metadata JSON file includes fields like name, symbol, description, image URI, and properties. Wallets read this file to display your token correctly. Learn more about token parameters like name, symbol, supply, and decimals that are part of your token's core configuration.

Why Metadata Matters

User Experience

Without metadata, tokens appear as addresses, making them hard to identify.

Trust

Complete metadata with creator info and social links builds credibility.

Discoverability

Exchanges and tracking sites use metadata to categorise and list tokens.

Professionalism

Well-crafted metadata shows you've put thought into your token.

Updating Metadata

Whether you can update metadata depends on your token's update authority. If you revoke the update authority during creation, metadata becomes permanent. This is generally recommended for trust, but it means you cannot change details later.

If you keep update authority, you can modify metadata later. However, this reduces trust because holders know you could change the token's identity. Learn more about authority management.

Best Practices

When creating token metadata:

Use a clear, descriptive name that reflects your token's purpose
Choose a symbol that's memorable and not too long (3 to 6 characters is ideal)
Write a concise description that explains what your token does
Use a high-quality logo (at least 256×256 pixels, PNG or WEBP format)
Include creator information and social links for transparency
Consider revoking update authority to lock metadata permanently
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Solana token metadata?
Solana token metadata is the on-chain information that describes a token - including its name, ticker symbol, logo URI, and description. Metadata is stored using the Metaplex Token Metadata Program and is what causes wallets, DEXs, and block explorers to display your token with the correct name and image.
Where is Solana token metadata stored?
Token metadata is stored on-chain via the Metaplex Token Metadata Program. The metadata account is linked to the token's mint address and holds the name, symbol, and a URI pointing to an off-chain JSON file that contains additional details such as the logo image and description.
Can token metadata be changed after the token is created?
Yes, metadata can be updated as long as the update authority has not been revoked. Whoever holds update authority can change the name, symbol, image, and description at any time. Revoking update authority permanently locks the metadata, which many investors prefer as it prevents rug-pulls.
What happens if I revoke update authority on my token?
Revoking update authority permanently locks your token's metadata. No one - not even the original creator - can ever change the name, symbol, image, or description again. This is irreversible and typically increases holder trust, as it proves the token details cannot be altered after launch.