What Are Crypto Meme Coins? Do They Still Have Any Relevance?



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Crypto meme coins have made a comeback over this past month. With billions of dollars worth of liquidity flowing in, people are again questioning their real value.

Originally created as fun experiments or as nods to internet trends, these digital currencies have become an important part of the cryptocurrency world. From the pioneering Dogecoin to the plethora of options available today, meme coins have carved a niche for themselves, blending humor with the innovative technology of blockchain.

As per this Dune Dashboard, meme coins have once again become the hottest narrative in crypto.

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So, keeping this in mind, let’s learn more about the meme coin sector.

Crypto Meme Coins: How Did It All Begin?

The story of meme coins begins with Dogecoin (DOGE), created in 2013 as a lighthearted take on the growing crypto ecosystem. The DOGE founders used the Shiba Inu meme as their mascot. While the coin didn’t take itself too seriously, its accessibility and the lack of pretension made it extremely popular. Dogecoin’s success paved the way for others like Shiba Inu (SHIB), which embraced the meme culture with open arms, and many more followed.

Characteristics of Crypto Meme Coins

Meme coins are characterized by their high volatility and often massive or uncapped supply, leading to billions or trillions of tokens circulating at very low values per token. Their price movements are largely influenced by social media buzz and celebrity endorsements, resulting in extreme fluctuations in value over short periods.

Since they aren’t as sophisticated as DeFi and NFT protocols, meme coins can be relatively easily created with minimal technical expertise. This accessibility and the cultural phenomena they tap into make them a unique, albeit unpredictable, asset.

Consider this example:

In January 2021, the Reddit trading community WallStreetBets, known for its significant influence on the stock market, notably supported GameStop stock in a stand against Wall Street firms shorting the stock. 

Following that, their focus shifted to Dogecoin, a popular meme cryptocurrency. The interest in Dogecoin was ignited by a tweet from an account named “WSB Chairman,” which, despite its associations with WallStreetBets, is not officially linked to the Reddit group. 

Within just two hours, Dogecoin’s price surged by 142%, from $0.007 to $0.017

This event highlighted the powerful role that social media and online trading communities play in influencing the markets of meme coins, driven by internet culture and collective sentiment.

Are Crypto Meme Coins Relevant?

So, do meme coins have value? The allure of meme coins lies in their community-driven nature. They are not just simple digital assets; they represent a culture, a sense of belonging, and a shared joke everyone is in on. Additionally, the low entry price of many meme coins makes them accessible to a broad audience, further fueling their popularity.

However, we may all be underrating the real value of these coins. During a recent sitdown with Real Vision CEO Raoul Pal, BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes discussed the role and impact of memecoins in the cryptocurrency space. Despite their speculative nature, Hayes argues that memecoins play a crucial role in drawing attention and talent to blockchain networks, suggesting that networks capable of embracing meme culture can gain significant value from the increased activity and adoption they bring.

On the other hand, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin is not a big fan of meme coins but believes they could have useful and charitable applications. In fact, Buterin himself once famously donated billions of dollars worth of meme coins to charity for Covid Relief in India.

Are Crypto Meme Coins Safe?

As an investment, meme coins can be extremely volatile. Their value can skyrocket on the whims of internet trends or a tweet from a high-profile individual, only to plummet just as rapidly. We recommend that you tread cautiously, armed with research and a clear understanding of the market’s speculative nature.

Some meme coins can also be scammy, so we recommend checking Dappbay’s Red Alarm.

How Can I Create My Own Crypto Meme Coin?

As meme coins continue to captivate the crypto world, initiatives like the “BNB Chain Meme Innovation Battle” are spotlighting this unique sector. This competition invites developers and creators to channel their ingenuity into developing meme coins, offering substantial rewards and recognition. 

With a dynamic prize pool that can reach up to $1M USD, it’s an enticing opportunity for those looking to make their mark in the meme coin space. Get all the details and check the terms and conditions here.

In Closing

With their blend of humor, community, and technology, meme coins remain a vibrant part of the crypto ecosystem. As they evolve, these digital assets continue challenging our perceptions of value and utility in the digital age. 

For developers and enthusiasts alike, the BNB Meme Innovation presents a golden opportunity to be at the forefront of this exciting movement. So, why not dive into the world of meme coins and even create the next big sensation?

Submit your application here.