Token Metadata Guide: The Complete Setup for Solana Tokens
Token metadata transforms a basic token into a branded asset with identity and utility. This guide walks through each field, from name and symbol to extended attributes and images, showing how proper setup builds trust and visibility. Correct metadata is required for listing on major platforms and can directly impact trading volume and holder retention.
Key Points
- 1Metadata includes name, symbol, description, and image—foundation for any token.
- 2Extended attributes like website and social links add legitimacy and community access.
- 3A correct image (200x200 PNG) is mandatory for DEX listings and wallet displays.
- 4On-chain vs. off-chain storage: Understand the permanence and cost differences.
- 5Proper setup on Spawned is automated, saving time and ensuring compatibility.
What is Token Metadata?
The identity layer for your digital asset.
Token metadata is the descriptive information attached to a cryptocurrency token. Think of it as the digital packaging and label for your token. While the token contract itself handles transfers and ownership, the metadata tells users what the token is. On Solana, this system is often built using the Token Metadata Program, a standard that allows for rich, extensible data.
Without metadata, your token would appear in wallets and explorers as an anonymous string of letters and numbers. With it, you establish a clear identity, which is the first step in building a project that people can understand and trust. For a deeper look, see our Token Metadata Definition.
The Core Metadata Fields (Non-Negotiable)
Every token needs these basic fields filled out correctly. They are the minimum requirement for your token to be recognizable.
- Name: The full name of your token (e.g., 'Spawned Creator Token'). Keep it under 32 characters for best compatibility across all wallets and explorers.
- Symbol: The trading ticker (e.g., 'SPWN'). Typically 3-5 uppercase characters. This is what appears on price charts.
- Description: A 1-3 sentence overview of your token's purpose. This is your elevator pitch to potential buyers. Be clear, not hype-driven.
- Image: A square image file, ideally 200x200 pixels in PNG format. This icon appears in user wallets, on DEX interfaces, and market data sites. A blurry or placeholder image signals an unfinished project.
Extended Attributes: Building Legitimacy
Turn a token into a hub for your entire project.
Beyond the basics, you can add attributes that connect your token to a larger ecosystem. These are not required, but they are powerful signals of a serious project.
- Website: A link to your project's homepage. This is the #1 most-clicked link from explorers.
- Twitter/X, Telegram, Discord: Direct links to your community channels. Essential for announcements and support.
- Creator Fee Address: The wallet that receives a percentage of secondary sales (enabled via the Token-2022 standard). On Spawned, this is set to 1% post-graduation, providing ongoing creator revenue.
Including these links moves your token from a speculative asset to a node in a networked community. Projects that omit them often struggle with trust.
On-Chain vs. Off-Chain Metadata: A Critical Choice
Permanence vs. flexibility—where should your data live?
Where your metadata lives matters for permanence, cost, and flexibility. Most Solana tokens use a hybrid approach.
| Aspect | On-Chain Metadata | Off-Chain Metadata (URI) |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | Data is stored directly on the Solana blockchain. | A link (URI) pointing to a JSON file hosted elsewhere (e.g., Arweave, IPFS, a web server). |
| Cost | More expensive due to blockchain storage costs. | Very low cost; hosting is cheap or free. |
| Permanence | Immutable and permanent once set. | Depends on the hosting. A web server link can break; Arweave is permanent. |
| Flexibility | Cannot be changed after creation. | The JSON file can be updated, but the URI itself is usually immutable. |
The Standard Practice: The token's on-chain record holds a URI field. This URI points to a JSON file hosted on a permanent decentralized storage like Arweave. This JSON file contains all the rich metadata (name, symbol, image link, attributes). This balances cost and permanence.
Step-by-Step: Setting Metadata on Spawned
Using Spawned's launchpad simplifies this process into a guided form. Here’s what to prepare and how it works.
3 Common Metadata Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
These errors can cripple your token's perception from day one.
- Mistake 1: Using a Temporary Image Host. Linking your metadata image to a service like Imgur or Google Drive. These links can expire or change, causing your token's icon to disappear from wallets. Fix: Use permanent decentralized storage (Arweave) or a reliable, paid CDN.
- Mistake 2: Leaving the 'Unknown' JSON. Many launchpads use a generic, placeholder metadata JSON. Your token inherits this 'unknown' branding. Fix: Always customize your metadata. Platforms like Spawned force you to provide custom details, avoiding this issue entirely.
- Mistake 3: Incorrect Image Dimensions. A non-square or low-resolution image will appear stretched or pixelated. Major DEX interfaces may reject it. Fix: Use a graphic design tool to crop and export a precise 200x200 PNG file before launch.
Verdict: Metadata is Not an Afterthought
Your metadata is your token's first impression. Make it count.
Treating token metadata as a last-minute form to fill is a major strategic error. It is the primary interface between your project and every potential holder. Complete, accurate, and professionally presented metadata can increase initial trust and engagement by a significant margin.
For creators launching on Solana, using a platform that enforces and automates correct metadata setup is the most efficient path. It eliminates technical risk and ensures your token meets all platform requirements from the moment it goes live. This foundational work supports everything that follows: community growth, exchange listings, and the activation of features like the 0.30% holder rewards on Spawned.
Ready to Launch with Flawless Metadata?
Skip the complexity and potential errors of manual metadata setup. Spawned guides you through the entire process, ensuring your token's identity is solid from day one. You get a professional presentation without needing to understand the underlying storage protocols.
Launch your token on Spawned for a 0.1 SOL fee and receive your AI-powered website builder included—saving you $29-99 per month on essential tools. Build trust from your first trade.
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, no. The core metadata fields (name, symbol, URI) are immutable once the token is minted on Solana. This is a security feature to prevent scams. The JSON file that the URI points to *can* be updated if you control the hosting, but the URI itself is permanent. Always double-check everything before finalizing your launch.
Use a **200x200 pixel PNG file** with a transparent or solid background. PNG is universally supported and maintains quality. Avoid JPEG due to compression artifacts. The image must be square. This specific size is the standard for display on Solana wallets, DEX interfaces like Raydium, and block explorers.
Costs are minimal. The on-chain storage for the metadata URI is a fraction of a cent. The main cost is for permanent file storage if you use a service like Arweave, which can be around $0.02-$0.05 for a small image and JSON file. Platforms like Spawned bundle this cost into the launch fee, so you don't have to manage it separately.
This happens for one of three reasons: 1) The metadata was never set during creation (a 'blank' token). 2) The metadata URI is broken or points to an inaccessible server. 3) The wallet's token list hasn't updated yet. If you used a proper launchpad, reason #1 is impossible. Always verify your token on a block explorer like Solscan immediately after launch—it updates faster than wallets.
No, not if you use a modern launchpad. When you fill out a form on a platform like Spawned, it automatically generates the technically correct JSON file for you, uploads it, and sets the on-chain URI. You only need to provide the content (text, links, image). Manual JSON handling is only needed for advanced, custom deployments.
Token metadata is the standardized, on-chain-accessible data package (name, symbol, image link). Your token's website is an external marketing and information hub, which you should link to *within* the metadata. The AI website builder included with a Spawned launch creates this separate, professional website for your project, which you then link in your token's metadata to provide full context to holders.
It establishes the identity of the token that generates the rewards. Clear, legitimate metadata builds the trust required for people to hold your token long-term. The 0.30% ongoing reward distributed to holders is tied to the token contract. Proper metadata ensures holders know exactly what they are holding and can find your project's links, reinforcing the value of holding for rewards. Learn more about the [benefits of proper setup](/glossary/token-metadata/token-metadata-benefits).
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