An unlock schedule is a predefined timeline that specifies the dates and quantities of token releases from vesting contracts. It provides a roadmap for how a token's circulating supply will evolve over time.
Unlock schedules are determined at the project's inception and are typically enforced by smart contracts on-chain. They cover all token allocations — team tokens, investor tokens, ecosystem funds, and community rewards — each potentially with different vesting terms.
Monitoring unlock schedules across the market is one of the most effective strategies for anticipating supply-side dynamics. Large unlocks relative to daily trading volume can create significant selling pressure and price volatility.