Okay, before you even think about launching your Ultimate Token-2022 on Solana, do this: create the token, then immediately revoke mint and freeze authorities. Why? Nobody trusts a token where you can print more coins or freeze accounts anytime. I usually hit that revoke button right after minting - it shows you're legit, and it's required for liquidity pools on Raydium anyway. Trust me, skipping this? Your buyers will rug check you and bounce.
Costs like 0.000005 SOL per transaction. Super cheap. And it works because exchanges and DEXs scan for this - green flags everywhere.
Token-2022 is the upgraded SPL token standard on Solana. Think of old SPL tokens as basic bikes - they work, but Token-2022 adds cool extensions like built in metadata (name, symbol, logo right on chain), transfer taxes, confidential balances, even interest bearing tokens. Why does this matter? Most noobs use basic SPL, but 2022 lets you slap on features without writing code. In my experience, memecoins and utility tokens using 2022 explode faster 'cause wallets like Phantom display your logo instantly. No more "Unknown Token" BS.
But here's the thing - it's not magic. You still need a Solana wallet, some SOL for fees (grab like 0.5 SOL to start, fees are ~0.000005 SOL each), and a tool that supports it. Sound familiar? If you've messed with Ethereum ERC-20, this is faster. Way faster.
I usually pair it with Ledger for big launches. Hot wallets get hacked. Don't learn that the hard way.
Look, no CLI nonsense unless you're a dev. Use a no code tool like SlerfTools, 20lab.app, or Smithii. I love 20lab - dead simple. Head to 20lab.app/create spl token. Why there? Supports Token-2022 out the box, metadata upload, even transfer tax if you want fancy.
Connect wallet. Boom, address shows up top right. Pick Token-2022 type if options pop - some tools default to it now in 2025.
Hit validate. Review. Approve txns - 2-3 pops, each ~0.001 SOL total. Token address spits out. Copy it. Check Solscan.io - paste address, see your baby live. Minted to your wallet. Easy, right?
Decimals wrong? Token worthless for small trades. 9 is standard. And freeze authority? Revoke it or Raydium rejects your pool. In my experience, forgetting this tanks your launch. Buyers see red flags on Dexscreener.
Want full control? Install Solana CLI. But honestly, skip unless coding.
sh
solana keygen new # New wallet
solana config set --url https://api.mainnet beta.solana.com
solana airdrop 2 # Devnet only, buy SOL for mainnet
spl token create token --program id TokenzQdBNbLqP5VEhdkAS6EPFLC1PHnBqCXEpPxuEb # Token-2022 ID
spl token mint <TOKEN_ADDR> 1000000000spl token initialize metadata <TOKEN_ADDR> name symbol uriTokens in your account. View in Phantom after importing keypair.
Token alone? Useless. Nobody trades air. Next: Raydium pool. Your token + SOL (or USDC). I usually do 10-50 SOL liquidity for starters - sets price, lets swaps happen.
From your tool or Raydium site: Paste token address, add say 1B tokens (80% supply) + 20 SOL. Creates pool. But wait - burn LP tokens after. Makes liquidity "locked forever". Green lock on Dexscreener = trust rocket fuel.
| Pool Size | SOL Needed | Tokens to Add | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Test | 1 SOL | 10% supply | Cheap, test buys/sells |
| Medium Launch | 10 SOL | 50-80% supply | Stable price, attracts traders |
| Big Boy | 100+ SOL | 20-50% supply | Volume king, bots love it |
Burn steps: After pool create, get LP tokens, burn 100%. Confirms. Now live - Dexscreener auto lists. Share CA (contract address) on Twitter/X.
Want passive income? Token-2022 supports transfer tax. 0.3-5% per trade, splits to your wallet or burns. Tools like 20lab let you set it during creation.
Config: Tax receiver = your wallet. Max fee cap ~10%. Why? Funds marketing. But too high? Kills volume. I usually go 1% buy/sell. Test on Devnet first.
Potential issue: Wallets might not show tax preview yet. Users hate surprises. Disclose everywhere.
After pool? Revoke mint (no more printing), freeze (no account locks), and LP burn. Tools have one click. Tx fees negligible.
Do this, and tools like Honeypot.is give green scores. Bots buy in seconds.
Token live. Now what? List on CoinMarketCap (submit via form, free but slow). Pump.fun for memecoins if viral. Telegram group, X spaces. I usually shill CA with logo screenshot.
Issues? Bots front run? Normal. Add anti bot later via extensions. Watch Solscan for whales dumping - buy dips yourself if committed.
Mintable tokens rock for airdrops. In 20lab: Paste mint address, enter amount (e.g. 1,000,000), recipient wallet, mint. Supply jumps. But revoke after or trust dies.
Decimals matter: Mint 1,000,000 with 9 decimals = 1,000,000.000000000 actual tokens. Check balance command: spl token balance <ADDR>
Token-2022 bonus: Confidential mode. Balances hidden, proofs prove validity. Dev heavy - enable extension, mint with privacy. Use for RWAs or private funds. Not for memecoins.
Real numbers:
Refunds? Close unused accounts, get SOL back. Pro move.
Your token, your risk. Multisig for authority (Squads app). Never share seed. Testnet first - airdrop free SOL. Launched wrong params? Nuke and remake, cheap.
In my experience, 80% fails from panic sells. Hold 20% supply outside pool. Patience wins.