Recently, I’ve noticed that more and more projects are aiming to onboard Web2 users into Web3. Last year, Telegram gained a lot of attention thanks to the explosive popularity of “Dogs” projects, which successfully brought many Telegram users into the Web3 space. This was also a key reason why major exchanges became bullish on the TON ecosystem at the time.
Later, we saw projects focusing on converting Linktree users to Web3, and now there’s Cygnus, aiming to transition Instagram users into the Web3 world.
It’s clear that investors are particularly drawn to projects that serve as a bridge for Web2 audiences. Cygnus, for example, secured a massive $20 million in its pre-seed round—an impressive amount at such an early stage. Top-tier investors such as OKX, Optimism, and Mirana participated, showcasing strong confidence in this user onboarding narrative.
So, what exactly is Cygnus building?
In short, CygnusFi aims to merge Instagram-style social engagement with DeFi yield protocols, creating a modular “scroll-to-earn” platform—imagine a Web3 version of TikTok where you earn while browsing.
Core Mechanism: Modular Yield Protocol
Unlike typical “farming” models that rely on token incentives, CygnusFi generates real, verifiable on-chain yields. The platform offers modular strategies that users can customize, such as:
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“Stable Mode”
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“Swing Mode”
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“HODL ETH Mode”
Users deposit assets into the platform, and CygnusFi auto-allocates them into multiple DeFi protocols like Pendle, Sturdy, Aave, Compound, and Spark to generate returns, redistributing a portion back to users.
Social Layer + Points System
CygnusFi isn’t just about yield—it’s also built for viral growth through social integration:
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Bind your Instagram account
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Invite friends
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Create and share Vaults
These actions earn you $LENS points, which will play a role in future airdrop eligibility, blending yield farming with social influence.
Q1 2024 Performance Highlights
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User Growth: Over 800% increase in Q1, now surpassing 8 million users
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TVL: Over $900 million, up 569.23% in Q1
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User Earnings: Over $17 million generated for users in Q1
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Instagram Engagement: 900M+ monthly clicks, 50M+ daily visits
The Cygnus Narrative
Cygnus aims to become the “Instagram with a wallet” for the Web3 era. Much like how Notcoin ignited the TON ecosystem and Sonic activated the TikTok crowd, CygnusFi isn’t just building a protocol—it’s turning social platforms into DeFi distribution engines.
Getting Started with Cygnus
Step 1: Visit the official website: https://i.cygnus.finance
Step 2: Log in directly using your Instagram account
Step 3: Click on the yellow grid on the homepage to start earning Star Points
Project Summary
In the race to onboard Web2 users into Web3, whoever succeeds will become the next big leader. Cygnus has a yield model that works—it all comes down to whether the platform can truly convert users into active participants.
At its core, success will depend on whether users can actually earn real rewards. If Cygnus can deliver on this promise, it’s definitely a project to watch.
