Kik is launching their own digital currency as a token on the Ethereum network. Multiple tokens run on top of Ethereum. One of these tokens is called ETH. It's Ethereum's native and most widely accepted token. Why is Kik launching their own token instead of using ETH? Typically the answer to this question is about creating additional features that the native token ETH doesn't have (Ethereum tokens can be programmed to follow arbitrary rules). No, Kik's token will not have any additional features. The sole reason they are creating their own token instead of using ETH is to have a money printing machine that they control. It's in their white paper after several pages about decentralization and fairness. Search for "Kin Rewards Engine".