An ERC-20 token on Ethereum can be deployed in minutes without writing a single line of code. You need MetaMask, a small amount of ETH, and your token details. This guide covers every step.
What is an ERC-20 Token?
ERC-20 is the standard token specification on Ethereum. Every ERC-20 token follows the same interface, which means it is automatically compatible with MetaMask, Uniswap, Etherscan, and any other Ethereum application - from day one, with no extra configuration.
ERC-20 tokens are the most widely used token type in crypto. They power everything from stablecoins like USDC and USDT to governance tokens, utility tokens, and memecoins.
What You Need Before You Start
Install MetaMask from metamask.io and create a wallet. Back up your seed phrase securely before continuing.
Have at least 0.003 ETH ready to cover the platform fee, plus Ethereum gas (typically $10-$40 on top).
Prepare a square token logo in PNG, JPG, or WEBP format. This is shown on DEXs and block explorers.
Decide your token name, symbol, and total supply before you start. These are written permanently to the blockchain.
About Ethereum gas fees: Gas is the cost of computing power on Ethereum, paid in ETH. It fluctuates with network demand. Gas is paid directly to Ethereum validators - not to Launchify. Check current gas prices at etherscan.io/gastracker before deploying.
Enter your token name and symbolThe name is the full name (e.g. "Pepe Coin") and the symbol is the ticker shown on exchanges (e.g. "PEPE"). Symbols are typically 3-6 characters.
3
Set total supply and decimalsTotal supply is the number of tokens that will ever exist. Decimals should be 18 for a standard ERC-20 (this is the Ethereum default and pre-filled). Do not change decimals unless you have a specific reason.
4
Add a description and upload your logoThese are stored in your token's metadata file and displayed on DEX interfaces, block explorers, and wallets that support token metadata.
5
Select optional add-onsAdding Social Links (+0.01 ETH) stores Telegram, Twitter, and website in your metadata. Renounce Ownership (+0.005 ETH) permanently removes the contract owner, making the token fully decentralised. Both are strong trust signals that traders look for.
6
Connect MetaMask and confirm the paymentClick "Pay and Deploy ERC-20 Token". MetaMask opens with one transaction to approve - the platform fee. Confirm it. A second MetaMask popup covers the gas fee. That is all you need to approve.
7
Deployment completes - copy your contract addressWithin 1-2 minutes your ERC-20 contract is live on Ethereum mainnet. Copy your contract address - you will need it for Uniswap listings, Etherscan verification, and sharing with your community.
ERC-20 Token Parameters Explained
Name and Symbol
The name is the full display name of your token. The symbol (ticker) is the short code shown on exchanges. Both are written permanently to the blockchain - choose carefully. Common symbol lengths are 3-6 characters, all uppercase.
Total Supply
This is the total number of tokens that will exist. A supply of 1,000,000,000 (1 billion) is common. With 18 decimals, each token is divisible into 1018 units - so even tiny fractions can be traded.
Decimals
ERC-20 decimals control divisibility. 18 is the standard and recommended value - it matches ETH itself and is expected by Uniswap and most DeFi protocols. Only change this if you are building a specific use case (for example, stablecoins sometimes use 6).
Renouncing Ownership
The deploying wallet is initially set as the contract owner. Renouncing transfers ownership to a burn address (0x000...dead), permanently locking the contract. After renouncement, no one can modify the contract. This cannot be undone.
Name and symbol are permanent. Unlike Solana tokens, Ethereum ERC-20 contracts do not support metadata updates after deployment. Double-check your token name, symbol, and supply before confirming.
Cost Breakdown
Item
Cost
Base ERC-20 deployment fee
0.003 ETH
Social links add-on
+0.01 ETH
Renounce ownership add-on
+0.005 ETH
Ethereum gas fee (variable)
$10-$50 depending on network
After Deployment: Next Steps
Add your contract address to MetaMask as a custom token so it appears in your wallet
Create a Uniswap v3 liquidity pool so your token can be traded (go to app.uniswap.org - New Position)
Your token will appear on Etherscan automatically - verify the contract source code for the verified badge
Dexscreener and GeckoTerminal will pick up your token automatically once a Uniswap pair has trades
Share your contract address with your community and submit to CoinGecko / CoinMarketCap for listing
Frequently Asked Questions
Launchify charges 0.003 ETH as a base platform fee. Ethereum gas fees are additional and vary - typically $10-$50. With all add-ons selected, the total platform fee is 0.018 ETH plus gas.
No. Launchify deploys a fully verified ERC-20 contract on your behalf. You supply the token parameters through the form, and the deployment happens automatically.
ERC-20 tokens are on Ethereum - the most established blockchain with the largest DeFi ecosystem. SPL tokens are Solana's token standard, with much lower fees and faster transaction times but a smaller ecosystem. See our Solana vs Ethereum token comparison for a full breakdown.
The contracts deployed by Launchify have a fixed supply set at deployment. The total supply you enter is final. If you renounce ownership, even the deployer loses all control.
After you confirm the payment in MetaMask, deployment typically completes within 1-2 minutes, depending on network congestion. During high-traffic periods it may take up to 5 minutes.
The token contract is deployed and visible on Etherscan immediately. Source code verification (the green checkmark on Etherscan) may require a separate verification step after deployment.
Deploy Your ERC-20 Token Now
No Solidity. No waiting. Your Ethereum token live on mainnet in under 5 minutes.