Understanding blockchain technology often begins with grasping the concept of token standards—a foundational element that shapes how digital assets function within a network. For users exploring the TRON ecosystem, terms like TRC-20, TRC-721, and TRC-10 are frequently encountered. While these may seem confusing at first, they represent structured frameworks that enable seamless creation, transfer, and management of tokens on the TRON blockchain.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about TRON’s most widely used token standards, their technical distinctions, real-world applications, and why they matter in today’s decentralized landscape.
What Is a Token Standard?
A token standard is a set of rules and functions that define how a cryptocurrency token operates on a blockchain. These standards ensure compatibility across wallets, exchanges, decentralized applications (dApps), and smart contracts. Without standardized protocols, each token would require custom integration—making scalability and interoperability nearly impossible.
On the TRON network, which supports smart contracts through its TRON Virtual Machine (TVM), developers can issue new tokens following predefined templates. The most prominent among them are TRC-10, TRC-20, and TRC-721—each serving distinct purposes and use cases.
As of now, over 82,000 tokens have been issued on the TRON mainnet. Among these:
- Over 77,000 are based on the TRC-20 standard (approximately 93.68%),
- Around 3,600 follow the TRC-10 standard (~4.42%),
- And more than 1,500 utilize the TRC-721 standard (~1.87%).
Together, these three standards account for over 99% of all tokens on TRON, highlighting their dominance and reliability in the ecosystem.
TRC-10: Native Tokens Without Smart Contracts
The TRC-10 standard is unique because it does not rely on smart contracts or the TRON Virtual Machine (TVM). Instead, TRC-10 tokens are created directly at the protocol level—making them native to the TRON blockchain.
👉 Discover how native blockchain tokens simplify asset issuance with minimal technical overhead.
Key Features of TRC-10:
- No smart contract required: Tokens are issued using built-in blockchain functionality.
- Low cost and high efficiency: Transactions involving TRC-10 tokens consume fewer resources.
- Single issuance per account: Each TRON address can only create one TRC-10 token.
- Fixed issuance fee: Creating a TRC-10 token requires a one-time payment of 1,024 TRX.
Due to their simplicity and speed, TRC-10 tokens are ideal for projects seeking fast deployment without complex coding. However, their lack of programmability limits advanced features like automated transfers or conditional logic.
TRC-20: The Powerhouse of Programmable Tokens
The TRC-20 standard is the most widely adopted token framework on TRON. It enables developers to create customizable tokens using smart contracts executed on the TRON Virtual Machine (TVM).
One of the biggest advantages of TRC-20 is its full compatibility with Ethereum’s ERC-20 standard. This means developers familiar with Ethereum can easily port their tools, wallets, and dApps to the TRON network with minimal adjustments.
Why TRC-20 Dominates the Ecosystem:
- Unlimited token creation: A single account can deploy multiple TRC-20 tokens.
- Smart contract flexibility: Allows for complex logic such as vesting schedules, minting caps, and burn mechanisms.
- Interoperability: Widely supported by exchanges, DeFi platforms, and wallets.
- Low transaction fees: TRON’s high throughput ensures cheap and fast transfers.
Use cases include utility tokens, governance tokens, stablecoins (like USDT on TRON), and reward systems in gaming or social platforms.
TRC-721: The Standard for Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)
While TRC-10 and TRC-20 focus on fungible assets (where each unit is interchangeable), TRC-721 introduces support for non-fungible tokens (NFTs)—unique digital assets with individual value and identity.
Each TRC-721 token has a distinct ID, making it irreplaceable and non-divisible. This standard powers digital collectibles, virtual real estate, game items, art, and membership passes on the TRON blockchain.
Core Advantages of TRC-721:
- Uniqueness: Every token is one-of-a-kind or part of a limited series.
- Ownership verification: Provides transparent proof of ownership and transaction history.
- ERC-721 compatibility: Tools and marketplaces built for Ethereum NFTs can be adapted for TRON.
- Growing ecosystem: Increasing adoption in gaming, metaverse projects, and digital art platforms.
With rising interest in digital ownership and Web3 experiences, TRC-721 plays a crucial role in expanding TRON’s presence beyond traditional finance into creative and immersive domains.
Interoperability Challenges and Solutions
Tokens built on different standards cannot interact natively. For example, a TRC-10 token cannot directly communicate with a TRC-20 contract without middleware. This lack of cross-standard compatibility can hinder user experience and limit functionality.
To address this, the blockchain industry has developed innovative solutions:
Blockchain Bridges
These allow tokens to move between different networks (e.g., from Ethereum to TRON) by locking assets on one chain and minting equivalent ones on another.
Wrapped Tokens
A "wrapped" version of a token (like wBTC or wTRX) can be created on another standard to enable usage in ecosystems that don’t support the original format.
These mechanisms enhance liquidity, expand access, and promote broader adoption across decentralized platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between TRC-10 and TRC-20?
TRC-10 tokens are native to the TRON blockchain and do not use smart contracts, making them faster and cheaper to transact. TRC-20 tokens are created via smart contracts on the TRON Virtual Machine (TVM), offering greater flexibility and programmability but requiring slightly more bandwidth.
Can I create multiple TRC-20 tokens from one wallet?
Yes. Unlike TRC-10, which limits an account to one token issuance, there is no restriction on how many TRC-20 tokens a single wallet can deploy.
Is USDT on TRON a TRC-20 token?
Yes. Tether (USDT) issued on the TRON network follows the TRC-20 standard. It is one of the most widely used stablecoins on TRON due to low fees and fast settlement times.
Are TRC-721 tokens compatible with Ethereum NFT marketplaces?
While not directly compatible, many platforms support both ERC-721 and TRC-721 due to their structural similarities. However, dedicated TRON NFT marketplaces offer better integration and lower costs.
How much does it cost to issue a token on TRON?
Issuing a TRC-10 token costs a fixed 1,024 TRX. For TRC-20 tokens, costs vary depending on smart contract complexity but generally require less than 100 TRX in energy and bandwidth.
Which token standard should I choose for my project?
Choose TRC-10 for simple, fast-deploying tokens without advanced features. Opt for TRC-20 if you need programmable logic or plan to integrate with DeFi protocols. Use TRC-721 for unique digital assets like NFTs.
Final Thoughts
Understanding TRON token standards is essential for anyone building or investing in the ecosystem. Whether you're launching a stablecoin, creating an NFT collection, or developing a decentralized application, choosing the right standard impacts scalability, cost, and user adoption.
With over 82,000 tokens already live on its network, TRON continues to prove itself as a robust platform for digital asset innovation—powered by efficient standards like TRC-10, TRC-20, and TRC-721.
As blockchain technology evolves, so too will these frameworks—opening new doors for creators, developers, and users worldwide.
👉 Explore the future of tokenization and decentralized ecosystems today.