Token Metadata (Token-2022)

Token Metadata (Token-2022)

Token Metadata is a Token-2022 mint extension that stores token name, symbol, URI, and arbitrary custom fields directly in the mint account. It makes tokens self-contained — no separate Metaplex account needed.

What lives in the metadata field

• name — full token name
• symbol — ticker
• uri — link to an off-chain JSON with logo, description, and additional data
• additional_metadata — custom key-value fields set by the issuer

Connection to MetadataPointer

A second extension called MetadataPointer determines where the canonical metadata lives. Target can be the mint itself (with the Token Metadata extension above) or an external account, e.g. from Metaplex. Both extensions typically work together.

Advantage over the Metaplex pattern

In the classic SPL Token standard, metadata lives in a separate Metaplex account that needs an extra fetch at every display. Token-2022 Token Metadata reduces that to a single account fetch.

Deep dive

Pillar Token-2022 explained.