How token ownership unlocks Hydra API access.
Token-Gated Access
Hydra API access is gated by token ownership. This isn't speculative utility — holding the HYDRA token is the mechanism that grants access to the data streams. The more streams you want, the more tokens you hold.
How It Works
1. Hold HYDRA tokens (ERC-20 on Base) in your wallet
2. Sign in at hydra.fast with your wallet (via Privy)
3. Your on-chain balance is checked — this determines your tier
4. Create an app on the Platform and activate streams
5. Generate API keys scoped to your active streams
6. Use API keys to authenticate REST and WebSocket requests
No account creation. No credit card. No bridging. Your wallet is your account.
Token Thresholds
Your token balance determines your tier, which controls which streams you can activate:
| Stream Tier | Min. HYDRA | Streams Included |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 100 | Geopolitical signals, market data, earthquakes |
| Standard | 400 | + Military aircraft, naval vessels |
| Advanced | 800 | + Cyber threats, missile alerts, airspace |
| Full Access | 1,400 | All streams including social media OSINT |
Exact thresholds are subject to change via governance. The current values are always readable on-chain and reflected in the dashboard.
Subscriptions
Streams are activated per-app on the Platform dashboard. If you hold 400 tokens (Standard tier), you can activate any combination of Basic and Standard streams for your app.
You then generate API keys scoped to your active streams. Each key only grants access to the streams you explicitly include — even if your tier unlocks more.
API Key Lifecycle
| Event | Effect |
|---|---|
| Key created | Valid until expiry or revocation |
| Balance check passes | Streams remain active |
| Balance drops below tier | Affected streams return 402 on next balance check |
| Key revoked | Immediately rejected on all requests |
| Key expires | Rejected after expiry date |
Build your applications to handle 401 and 402 responses gracefully — re-check your balance and key status when you receive them. Token balances can fluctuate, especially for wallets that are actively trading.
Node Operators
Top-tier holders can run their own data nodes, contributing to the network rather than just consuming it. Node operators receive reduced API costs and fee rebates. See Node Operators for details.