How rewards work
When rewards are added to a pool:- A reward provider supplies tokens to be distributed over a set period.
- Eligible liquidity providers may accrue a share of rewards.
- Rewards are calculated based on the reward configuration and eligible liquidity.
- Liquidity providers can claim accrued rewards through the Orca interface.
What rewards may affect
Prerequisites
Before requesting rewards, prepare the following:- An existing pool — Rewards are added to existing Orca pools.
- Reward tokens — These are the tokens to be distributed.
- Token list status — The reward token may need to be on the Orca Token List.
- Orca coordination — Rewards require review and coordination with Orca.
Process overview
Adding rewards involves coordination with Orca. The general flow is:Step-by-step guide
Step 1: Prepare your information
Gather the following details:Step 2: Check token list status
The reward token may need to be on the Orca Token List before rewards can be configured.- Already listed? Continue to Step 3.
- Not listed? Submit token information for review: Orca Token List.
Step 3: Contact Orca
Reach out through one of these channels:- In-app Support — Use the Support button in the wallet menu.
- Community — Reach out on Discord or Telegram.
- Existing channels — Use an existing communication channel with the Orca team, if you have one.
Step 4: Wait for review
The Orca team will review the request and may follow up to:- Confirm whether the requested reward setup can be supported.
- Provide transfer instructions if the request proceeds.
- Confirm the proposed start date and reward duration.
Step 5: Transfer reward tokens
If Orca confirms that the reward setup can proceed:- Transfer the reward tokens to the address provided by Orca.
- Send the transaction signature to Orca.
- Wait for confirmation that the transfer was received.
Step 6: Rewards are activated
After Orca configures the rewards:- Reward information may appear in the Orca interface.
- Eligible liquidity providers may begin accruing rewards according to the reward configuration.
- Rewards are distributed over the configured duration.
Reward parameters
Duration options
Reward duration is coordinated with Orca and depends on the requested setup.Distribution method
Rewards may be distributed:- Continuously — Over the configured reward period.
- Proportionally — Based on eligible liquidity and the reward configuration.
- To eligible liquidity — For CLMM pools, reward eligibility may depend on whether liquidity is in range.
Claiming rewards
Liquidity providers can claim accrued rewards:- Through the Orca interface
- Alongside accrued trading fees, where applicable
- Using the Harvest function
Scenarios
New pool, new token
- Create your pool: Splash Pool or CLMM Pool.
- Submit token information for review: Orca Token List.
- Contact Orca about rewards and include relevant token list information.
- If the request proceeds, transfer reward tokens according to Orca’s instructions.
Existing pool, listed token
- Contact Orca with the pool and reward details.
- Confirm program parameters with Orca.
- If the request proceeds, transfer reward tokens according to Orca’s instructions.
- Rewards are activated after configuration is complete.
Extending an existing reward period
- Contact Orca before the current reward period ends.
- Provide the proposed additional token amount and duration.
- If supported, Orca will provide next steps for extending the reward period.
Planning considerations
Reward amount
When planning a reward request, consider:- Total reward token amount
- Reward duration
- Existing pool liquidity
- Expected reward display in the Orca interface
- Whether the reward token is already listed or needs review
Timing
When planning timing, consider:- Requested start date
- Token list review, if required
- Orca review and coordination
- Any announcements or community communications you plan to make
Monitoring
After rewards are activated, you can monitor:- Reward display in the Orca interface.
- Accrued rewards for eligible liquidity providers.
- Pool liquidity and trading activity.
- Whether the reward period needs to be extended or updated.
Costs
- Reward tokens — You provide the tokens to distribute.
- Setup — There is no fee for standard reward setup.
- Network fees — Transactions may require standard Solana network fees.
- Protocol fees — Standard Orca protocol fees apply to trades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add multiple reward tokens?
Some pools may support multiple reward tokens. Contact Orca to review the requested setup.Can I cancel a reward program early?
Reward programs generally cannot be canceled early once configured. Review the token amount and duration carefully before proceeding. Contact Orca to discuss edge cases.How are rewards displayed to LPs?
The Orca interface may display estimated reward APR based on the current reward rate and pool TVL. Displayed APR is an estimate and can change as pool conditions change.What if no one provides liquidity?
If no eligible liquidity is provided, rewards may not be distributed as expected. Contact Orca if you have questions about a specific reward setup.Can I reward a pool I did not create?
You may be able to add rewards to an existing Orca pool, subject to review and coordination with Orca.Related Resources
- Creating a Splash Pool - Simple pool creation
- Creating a CLMM Pool - Advanced pool creation
- Token List - Submit token display information for review
- Harvesting Yield - How LPs claim rewards