What is cryptocurrency listing on an exchange? Complete guide for beginners and professionals

Cryptocurrencies have firmly entered our lives, becoming not only an investment tool but also a symbol of the new digital economy. One of the key events in the development of any crypto project is its listing on the exchange. This process opens doors to a wide audience, increases liquidity, and gives the token a chance to take its place in the market. But what is the placement of cryptocurrency? How does it work, what stages does it include, and why are platforms like MEXC considered among the best for this? In this article, we will explore all aspects of listing — from its definition to practical advice for developers and traders.

The MEXC cryptocurrency exchange, established in 2018, has established itself as a reliable platform with low fees, a wide selection of tokens, and active support for new projects. Whether you are a newcomer or an experienced investor, this guide will help you understand how listing impacts the market and how to maximize its benefits.

Cryptocurrency Listing on MEXC
Cryptocurrency Listing on MEXC

What is a cryptocurrency listing?

A cryptocurrency listing (Listing on the exchange for trading) is the process by which a new digital asset (token or coin) is added to a trading platform, such as a cryptocurrency exchange. After that, users can buy, sell, or exchange the token for other assets, whether cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH), or fiat money like US dollars (USD). A listing is a kind of “pass” for the token into the world of public trading, where it becomes available to millions of traders and investors.

Imagine that you have created a new product, such as a unique gadget. In order for it to become popular, it needs to be displayed in a large store where customers will see it. In the world of cryptocurrencies, that “store” is the exchange, and listing is the process of placing your token on this display.

Listing can be divided into two main types:

  1. Primary listing – the token first appears on the exchange after development is completed, ICO (Initial Coin Offering), IDO (Initial DEX Offering), or other stages of creation.
  2. Secondary listing – a token already traded on one platform is added to another to expand its audience and increase liquidity.

On MEXC, the listing process goes through strict selection, ensuring user safety and protecting them from questionable projects. This makes the exchange one of the most reliable platforms for new tokens.

How does listing differ from ICO and IDO?

Beginners often confuse listing with ICO or IDO, but these are different concepts. ICO and IDO are stages of the initial token release when a project attracts capital from investors. Listing occurs later when the token has already been created and is ready for trading. For example, after a successful ICO, the team can apply for a listing on MEXC so that the token becomes available for widespread trading.

Why is listing important for crypto projects?

Listing on an exchange is not just a technical procedure but a strategic move that can make or break a project. Let’s explore why it is so important and how it affects the development of the token.

1. Increased liquidity

Liquidity is a key factor in the success of any asset. It indicates how easily a token can be bought or sold without significantly impacting its price. Exchanges like MEXC provide tokens with access to a vast number of market participants — from retail traders to large investors. High liquidity reduces the spread (the difference between the buying and selling price) and makes trading more predictable.

For example, if a token is traded only on a little-known platform with low trading volume, its price may drop sharply when trying to sell even a small amount. On MEXC, thanks to a wide audience and advanced infrastructure, such issues are minimized.

2. Increasing Recognition and Trust

Listing on a major exchange automatically attracts attention to the project. MEXC, for example, actively promotes new tokens through its channels: Twitter, Telegram, blog, and newsletters. This helps the project reach an international level and attract new users.

Additionally, listing on a reputable platform increases trust. Users know that MEXC carefully checks projects by examining their technical base, tokenomics, and team reputation. This reduces the risk of investing in fraudulent schemes known as ‘scams’.

3. Token Price Increase

Historically, listing on major exchanges is often accompanied by a rise in token price. This is due to increased demand, speculative interest, and excitement surrounding the new asset. For example, tokens added to MEXC often show growth of 50–300% in the first days of trading due to active community support and marketing campaigns.

However, it is important to remember that such growth is not always sustainable. After the initial price surge, a correction may occur if the project does not meet expectations.

4. Access to new markets

Listing on a global exchange like MEXC gives the project access to users from different countries. This is especially important for projects aiming for international expansion. MEXC supports an interface in multiple languages and offers convenient ways to top up accounts, making it popular among traders from Asia, Europe, and America.

Types of Listings on Crypto Exchanges

Listing is not a one-size-fits-all process. It may vary depending on the platform and the project’s goals. Let’s look at the main types of listings that exist in the market.

1. Direct Listing

Direct listing is a classic process of adding a token to an exchange. The project team submits an application, provides the necessary documents, undergoes verification, and, if successful, the token appears in the list of trading pairs. For example, on MEXC, this could be a pair like TOKEN/USDT or TOKEN/BTC.

This type of listing is suitable for projects with an already completed product and a stable user base. MEXC makes the process as transparent as possible by providing clear instructions on its website.

2. Listing via Launchpool or Kickstarter

Many exchanges offer special programs for launching new tokens. On MEXC, this includes:

  • Launchpool — a platform where projects conduct initial token sales, attracting capital from exchange users.
  • Kickstarter — a program allowing holders of the MX token (the native token of MEXC) to participate in the distribution of new tokens before their official listing.

These tools are beneficial for both sides: projects receive funding and marketing support, while users gain access to promising assets at a reduced price.

3. Pre-market Listing

Pre-market is a relatively new format where a token becomes available for trading even before the official listing. This creates early liquidity and allows traders to speculate on the price. MEXC is actively developing such opportunities, making it attractive for active market participants.

Pre-market listing
Pre-market listing

4. Decentralized Listing

On decentralized exchanges (DEX) like Uniswap or SushiSwap, listing occurs without the involvement of intermediaries. Anyone can create a token and add it to the liquidity pool. However, this approach has its downsides: the lack of verification increases the risk of ‘junk’ tokens or scam projects emerging.

Unlike DEX, MEXC offers a centralized approach with a high level of security and control, making it preferred for serious projects and investors.

How does the listing process on MEXC work?

Listing on the exchange is a complex process that requires preparation and interaction between the project and the platform. Let’s break down how it works using MEXC as an example.

Stage 1: Application Submission

The first step is to submit an application through the official MEXC website. The project team must provide:

  • Whitepaper — a document describing the idea, technology, and goals of the project.
  • Tokenomics — information about the token issuance, distribution, and economic model.
  • Legal Documents — proof of company registration and compliance with KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations.
  • Roadmap — a development plan for the project with specific milestones and timelines.

This data helps the exchange assess the potential and reliability of the project.

Stage 2: Technical and Financial Audit

MEXC conducts a thorough examination:

  • Smart Contract Security — code analysis for vulnerabilities. An independent audit from companies like CertiK or PeckShield is often required.
  • Financial Stability — studying the tokenomics to ensure the project won’t collapse due to poor token distribution.
  • Team Reputation — checking the developers’ experience and their previous projects.

This stage takes from a few weeks to a month, depending on the complexity of the project.

Stage 3: Agreement on Terms

If the project passes the review, the parties agree on:

  • Listing Fees — Some exchanges charge a fee, although MEXC often offers flexible terms for promising projects.
  • Trading Pairs — for example, the token may be traded against USDT, BTC, or MX.
  • Launch Date — the exact time for the start of trading is agreed upon in advance.

Stage 4: Marketing Preparation

MEXC actively helps projects with promotion:

  • Publishes announcements on Twitter, Telegram, and on its website.
  • Organizes token giveaways (airdrop) to attract users.
  • Conducts AMA sessions (Ask Me Anything) with project representatives.

These steps create excitement and attract traders to the new token.

Stage 5: Start of Trading

The token is officially added to the asset list, and users begin trading. MEXC ensures high platform performance so that there are no delays or disruptions even during a surge of traders.

Advantages of Listing on MEXC

MEXC stands out among other crypto exchanges due to its unique features. This is why projects and traders choose this platform.

1. Low Fees

MEXC offers one of the most competitive fees in the market: 0% for makers and 0.1% for takers in spot trading. For futures, the fees are also minimal, making the platform attractive for active traders.

2. Huge selection of tokens

MEXC offers over 1500 tokens and hundreds of trading pairs. This allows projects to easily integrate into the ecosystem and find their audience.

3. Support for new projects

Launchpad and Kickstarter programs help young projects raise capital and build a community. For example, users can participate in token giveaways using MX, which stimulates interest in new assets.

4. High performance

The exchange uses advanced technology, processing up to 1.4 million transactions per second. This ensures stability even during periods of high volatility.

5. Global reach

With millions of users worldwide and support for numerous languages, MEXC provides access to international markets. This is especially important for projects aimed at a global audience.

How to prepare for a token listing?

For projects

  1. Create a quality whitepaper — it should be clear, contain technical details, and have specific goals.
  2. Conduct an audit of smart contracts — this is a mandatory requirement for major exchanges.
  3. Develop tokenomics — avoid excessive concentration of tokens among the team or early investors.
  4. Build a community — active Telegram and Twitter groups increase the chances of success.
  5. Prepare a budget — listing and marketing require investments.

For Traders

  1. Keep an eye on announcements — MEXC publishes listing news on social media.
  2. Study projects — read the whitepaper and analyze the team.
  3. Test strategies — use a demo account to practice approaches.
  4. Participate in events — Launchpad and Kickstarter provide access to tokens at an early stage.

Conclusion

Listing a cryptocurrency on an exchange is a complex but critically important process that opens new horizons for projects and traders. It is not only a way to increase liquidity and recognition but also an opportunity to attract a global audience. MEXC stands out among other exchanges due to its transparency, support for new tokens, and low fees, making it a leader in this field.

If you are a developer looking to bring your project to market, or a trader searching for promising assets, MEXC offers everything you need for success. Keep an eye on announcements, participate in events, and take advantage of this platform’s opportunities to stay ahead in the dynamic world of cryptocurrencies. Register on MEXC today and start your journey towards financial freedom!

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