How to Create an SPL Token on Solana, Step by Step
Updated 2026-09-06 · 7 min read
Solana fungible tokens are commonly created with either the classic Token Program or Token-2022. Both use a mint account plus token accounts for holders, so creating one does not require writing your own token program — you call an existing Solana token program.
This guide explains the shared creation flow and where Token-2022 differs, so you know what you are signing rather than clicking through it. LaunchMemes keeps Classic SPL as the compatibility-first option and offers Token-2022 as an explicit choice.
The pieces of an SPL token
- Mint account: stores the supply, decimals, mint authority and freeze authority. Its owner identifies whether the token uses the classic Token Program or Token-2022, and its address is the token address people paste into scanners.
- Token accounts: one per holder per token, usually the Associated Token Account derived from the owner's wallet address.
- Metadata: stores the name, symbol and URI that point to the token image and description. LaunchMemes uses Metaplex metadata; its Token-2022 path also uses an immutable MetadataPointer to the expected metadata account.
Choosing decimals
Decimals are fixed at creation and cannot be changed. Six decimals is the common choice for meme coins; nine matches SOL itself; stablecoins usually use six.
The only practical effect is the smallest tradable unit. It has no bearing on the value of your token.
Minting the supply
Creating the mint does not create tokens. A separate mint-to instruction issues the initial supply into your wallet's token account. Launchers do both for you in one flow.
After the initial mint, revoking the mint authority is what makes the supply permanently fixed. Until then, the supply number displayed anywhere is provisional.
Metadata and images
Token metadata points at a JSON file, which in turn points at your image. If either becomes unavailable, wallets and chart sites may stop rendering the token correctly. LaunchMemes pins metadata and images to IPFS. Its current Token-2022 option uses MetadataPointer and does not enable transfer-fee or transfer-hook extensions.
Keep the image square and reasonably small. Wallets and chart sites render it at tiny sizes and will time out on very large files.
Authorities, in plain terms
There is a real trade-off on update authority: keeping it lets you fix a typo or replace a broken image, but it also lets you swap the token's whole identity after people have bought. Many teams keep it briefly, then revoke it once the metadata is settled.
- Mint authority active = the supply can grow. Revoked = the supply is final.
- Freeze authority active = specific holders can be blocked from transferring. Revoked = nobody can be frozen, ever.
- Update authority active = name, symbol and image can be changed later. Revoked = the identity is locked.
What you pay
Solana requires lamports for newly created accounts and charges transaction fees. Those network costs are separate from the launcher. LaunchMemes charges a 0.01 SOL platform fee for the Create Token flow, whether you choose Classic SPL or Token-2022.
After creation
A freshly created token is not tradable. Nothing quotes a price until there is a market: either a bonding curve or a liquidity pool. Decide which route you want before you tell anyone the token exists.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change the supply after creating the token?
Only while the mint authority is still active. Once it is revoked, the supply is permanently fixed.
Can I change the token name or logo later?
Only if the update authority has not been revoked. After revoking, the metadata is immutable.
Is an SPL token the same as a meme coin?
Meme coin describes the branding and use case, not the token standard. On Solana, a meme coin can use the classic Token Program or Token-2022.
Do I need a liquidity pool?
You need some market for the token to be tradable — either a bonding curve fair launch or a liquidity pool on an AMM.