BonkFun Introduces "BONK Classic" with Zero Creator Fees
BonkFun has implemented a significant overhaul of its token launch model, aiming to regain momentum in Solana's competitive meme coin launchpad market. The platform announced the complete removal of creator fees for a new launch format, dubbed "BONK Classic," representing a fundamental shift in its economic design.
Under the BONK Classic structure, projects launching on BonkFun will incur no creator fees. Instead, traders will be subject to a 0.30% swap fee. A substantial portion of this fee will be directed back into liquidity pools, deviating from previous models where a larger share was distributed to token creators. The stated objective of this change is to enhance liquidity, minimize slippage, and cultivate a more favorable trading environment.
Addressing Trader Concerns Over Fees
The BonkFun team has acknowledged the growing dissatisfaction within the meme coin community regarding escalating creator fees. The platform's new strategy is designed to better align the interests of traders and the protocol by completely decoupling creator profits from trading activities.
The BONK Classic model prioritizes the quality of trade execution over creator revenue. This fee structure closely resembles the mechanics employed in Raydium-based meme coin launches during 2024, a period when several Solana tokens achieved substantial market capitalizations.
Dual Launch Models: BONK Classic and BONKERS
While introducing BONK Classic, BonkFun is not entirely eliminating creator monetization. The platform will continue to offer an alternative launch option named "BONKERS," which is tailored for teams seeking continuous revenue streams.
The BONKERS launch model includes:
- •Swap fees reduced by up to 50%.
- •Customizable creator fee percentages.
- •Rewards distributed exclusively in a single quote asset, such as a USD-pegged stablecoin.
By consolidating rewards into a single asset, BonkFun aims to simplify payout processes and eliminate the complexities associated with its former dual-token reward system.
BonkFun's Rise and Subsequent Market Challenges
BonkFun debuted in April 2025, stemming from a collaboration between the BONK community and Raydium. It rapidly established itself as a prominent no-code token creation platform on the Solana network. The initial launch saw remarkable success, with over 2,700 tokens created within the first 72 hours.
The platform generated approximately $800,000 in fees during its inaugural week, contributing to a 50% surge in the BONK token's price. At its zenith in July 2025, BonkFun facilitated over 55% of all token launches on Solana, temporarily surpassing Pump.fun in market share.
Pump.fun Reclaims Dominance in the Launchpad Space
Recent market data indicates that Pump.fun has reasserted its leadership in the launchpad sector. In the preceding 24 hours, Pump.fun recorded nearly 30,000 new token launches, with trading volume exceeding $109 million and daily fees surpassing $1.27 million.
This resurgence appears to have prompted BonkFun's strategic adjustment, as traders increasingly gravitate towards platforms offering lower costs and more robust liquidity.
Market Reaction to BONK and the New Strategy
As of the latest reporting, BONK is trading near $0.00001116, marking a 0.74% increase on the day. Trading activity has seen a significant acceleration, with volume jumping approximately 86% to over $300 million. This surge suggests renewed investor interest following the platform's announcement.
Amidst intensifying competition, BonkFun's introduction of the zero-fee Classic model signifies a strategic pivot. The platform is betting that a focus on liquidity-first economics, rather than solely creator incentives, will define the next phase of leadership within Solana's meme coin launch ecosystem.