Kaia Compatible Tokens (KCT) are a foundational element of the Kaia blockchain ecosystem, enabling developers and enterprises to issue and manage digital assets with standardized smart contracts. Built on interoperable token specifications such as KIP-7 and KIP-17, KCTs ensure seamless integration across decentralized applications (dApps), wallets, and exchanges within the Kaia network. Whether you're launching a fungible utility token or minting unique NFTs, understanding KCT standards is essential for building scalable, secure, and compatible blockchain solutions.
This guide explores the core token standards on Kaia, their technical structure, real-world applications, and best practices for development — all while aligning with current blockchain trends in 2025.
What Are Kaia Compatible Tokens (KCT)?
Kaia Compatible Tokens (KCT) refer to smart contracts that adhere to predefined technical specifications on the Kaia blockchain. These standards ensure consistency, security, and interoperability across dApps, services, and user wallets. Any individual or organization wishing to issue a token on Kaia must comply with these established protocols.
The two primary standards are:
- KIP-7: For fungible tokens (similar to ERC-20 on Ethereum)
- KIP-17: For non-fungible tokens (NFTs), akin to ERC-721
These standards define a set of functions and events that enable predictable interactions between tokens and external systems like exchanges, marketplaces, and wallet interfaces.
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KIP-7: The Fungible Token Standard
Fungible tokens are interchangeable and divisible — each unit holds identical value, much like traditional currency. For example, one dollar bill is equivalent to any other dollar bill. This uniformity makes fungibility a cornerstone of most digital currencies and utility tokens.
On Kaia, KIP-7 serves as the standard for creating fungible tokens. It defines a comprehensive interface that supports core operations such as transferring tokens, querying balances, and approving third-party spending.
Core Functions and Events in KIP-7
The KIP-7 standard includes mandatory and optional interfaces:
Mandatory Interface (IKIP7)
event Transfer(address indexed from, address indexed to, uint256 value);
event Approval(address indexed owner, address indexed spender, uint256 value);
function totalSupply() external view returns (uint256);
function balanceOf(address account) external view returns (uint256);
function transfer(address recipient, uint256 amount) external returns (bool);
function allowance(address owner, address spender) external view returns (uint256);
function approve(address spender, uint256 amount) external returns (bool);
function transferFrom(address sender, address recipient, uint256 amount) external returns (bool);Extended Safety Functions
function safeTransfer(address recipient, uint256 amount, bytes data) external;
function safeTransfer(address recipient, uint256 amount) external;
function safeTransferFrom(...) external;Optional Extensions
- IKIP7Metadata: Adds
name(),symbol(), anddecimals()for human-readable token info. - IKIP7Mintable: Enables authorized accounts to create new tokens.
- IKIP7Burnable: Allows token destruction.
- IKIP7Pausable: Grants the ability to pause transfers during emergencies.
Developers can combine these modules to build feature-rich tokens tailored to specific use cases — from governance tokens to stablecoins.
Note: KIP-7 contracts must also implement KIP-13 for interface detection, ensuring compatibility with wallets and dApps.
For implementation examples and full documentation, visit the official KIP-7 specification.
KIP-17: The Non-Fungible Token Standard
Unlike fungible tokens, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) represent unique digital or physical assets. Each NFT has distinct properties and cannot be exchanged on a one-to-one basis. This uniqueness opens doors for digital art, collectibles, gaming items, real estate tokens, and more.
Kaia’s KIP-17 standard provides the framework for creating and managing NFTs with full ownership tracking and transferability.
Key Features of KIP-17
Core Interface (IKIP17)
event Transfer(address indexed _from, address indexed _to, uint256 indexed _tokenId);
event Approval(address indexed _owner, address indexed _approved, uint256 indexed _tokenId);
event ApprovalForAll(address indexed _owner, address indexed _operator, bool _approved);
function balanceOf(address _owner) external view returns (uint256);
function ownerOf(uint256 _tokenId) external view returns (address);
function safeTransferFrom(...) external payable;
function transferFrom(...) external payable;
function approve(...) external payable;
function setApprovalForAll(...) external;
function getApproved(...) external view returns (address);
function isApprovedForAll(...) external view returns (bool);Optional Modules
- IKIP17Metadata: Adds
name,symbol, andtokenURI— a link to metadata (e.g., image, description). - IKIP17Enumerable: Enables enumeration of tokens owned by an address or total supply.
- IKIP17Mintable / Burnable / Pausable: Similar to KIP-7 extensions but adapted for unique tokens.
A well-known example is CryptoKitties, where each virtual cat is represented as a unique NFT with its own genetic code. No two cats are the same, making them non-interchangeable.
Developers can customize KIP-17 contracts by adding game mechanics, royalty logic, or access control — then deploy them directly onto the Kaia network.
For code samples and detailed specs, check out the KIP-17 documentation.
👉 Learn how top projects are leveraging NFT standards for next-gen digital ownership models.
Kaia Service Chain Token Standards
Kaia supports Service Chains — sidechains anchored to the main Kaia blockchain that allow enterprises and developers to run customized networks with independent governance and performance optimization.
To enable cross-chain value transfer between the mainnet and service chains, special bridge contracts are used. These contracts are currently under development and will introduce new token standards specifically designed for inter-chain compatibility.
Once released, these specifications will be published on KaiaDocs, providing guidelines for secure asset bridging, token wrapping, and decentralized custody solutions.
Why Choose KIP Standards Over ERC-20 and ERC-721?
While Kaia maintains backward compatibility with Ethereum-based ERC-20 and ERC-721, it strongly recommends using KIP-7 and KIP-17 instead. Here's why:
Optimized for Kaia’s Architecture
KIP standards are derived from ERC counterparts but fine-tuned for Kaia’s consensus mechanism, gas model, and network efficiency. This results in faster transactions and lower fees compared to generic implementations.
Enhanced Ecosystem Compatibility
Tokens built using KIP standards integrate smoothly with native Kaia tools — including wallets, explorers, DeFi platforms, and NFT marketplaces. In contrast, ERC-based tokens may face limitations or require additional wrappers.
Future-Proof Extensibility
KIP standards support modular design patterns with optional interfaces like minting, burning, pausing, and metadata — allowing developers to build advanced functionality without breaking compliance.
For a detailed comparison of differences between KIP-7 vs ERC-20 and KIP-17 vs ERC-721, refer to:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use ERC-20 tokens on the Kaia network?
A: Yes, Kaia supports ERC-20 and ERC-721 for backward compatibility. However, using KIP-7 or KIP-17 is recommended for better performance and full ecosystem integration.
Q: How do I create a KCT-compliant token?
A: Start by selecting the appropriate standard (KIP-7 or KIP-17), then implement the required interfaces in Solidity. Use official GitHub repositories for reference implementations and test thoroughly before deployment.
Q: Are there tools to verify if my token is KCT-compliant?
A: Yes. Kaia provides verification tools through its developer portal and block explorer. You can also use automated testing frameworks like Hardhat or Truffle with custom assertions.
Q: Can I add custom logic to my KCT?
A: Absolutely. The base standards define minimum requirements. Developers are encouraged to extend functionality — such as vesting schedules, staking rewards, or access controls — as long as core interfaces remain intact.
Q: Is there a cost to deploy a KCT?
A: Deployment incurs a gas fee paid in KAIA (the native cryptocurrency). Fees are generally low due to Kaia’s efficient consensus mechanism.
Q: Where can I find sample code for KCTs?
A: Official implementations are available on GitHub: