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The Meme Coin Market in 2025: Trust, Community, and the End of Hype

The Meme Coin Market in 2025: Trust, Community, and the End of Hype

The meme coin market, once a wild frontier of viral trends and overnight millionaires, has entered a new phase. What began as a playful experiment with coins like Dogecoin has morphed into a $60 billion ecosystem in 2024. Yet, this growth comes with a catch: saturation is reshaping the rules of the game. I’ve watched the pendulum swing from unchecked hype to a more discerning market where trust and community are the new currencies of success. Let’s unpack this evolution and what it means for investors and developers alike.

The Saturation Dilemma: A Market at a Crossroads

The numbers tell a compelling story. BDC Consulting’s 2024 report highlighted a staggering 169% increase in the meme coin market cap, reaching $60 billion by year-end. This surge, driven by the likes of Dogecoin ($35.91 billion), Shiba Inu ($8.97 billion), and newer entrants like PEPE ($6.12 billion), reflects a flood of tokens vying for attention. Coinmarketcap’s latest rankings, updated in June 2025, underscore this dominance, with established coins overshadowing the thousands of micro-projects launched on platforms like Solana and Ethereum. But here’s the rub: this oversaturation has fragmented liquidity and investor focus.

In practical terms, shared liquidity across projects means that the capital pool, once concentrated on a few breakout stars, is now spread thin. Based on what I have observed from the Raydium’s liquidity pools, a popular decentralized exchange on Solana, suggests that liquidity often constitutes just 20-40% of a coin’s market cap. With so many tokens competing, even this cushion is eroding, leading to diminished returns. I recall the days when a coin like Pepe could skyrocket 7,000% in 17 days, as noted in an article on The Straits Times Singapore in November 2024. Today, such explosive gains are rare, and investors are left chasing 1.5x returns on high-risk bets, a far cry from the 10x or 100x promises of yesteryear.

This saturation forces a reckoning. The market is no longer forgiving of projects that rely solely on a catchy meme or a fleeting viral moment. Instead, it demands substance, and that substance begins with trust, a concept I believe will define the meme coin narrative for the foreseeable future.

Trust as the Cornerstone of Success

Trust has emerged as the linchpin in this crowded market, a shift rooted in human psychology and market maturity. When individuals risk their savings on a meme coin, they’re not just betting on a joke. They’re investing in a belief system. This belief hinges on transparency, accountability, and a sense of ownership, elements that sustain projects through inevitable downturns. Take CAPTAINBNB, for instance, a coin that has garnered attention for its 100% circulating supply and renounced contracts, as highlighted in recent X discussions. Such moves signal to investors that the project isn’t a rug pull waiting to happen, fostering a loyalty that hype alone can’t replicate.

This perspective aligns with insights from industry observers, who argue that community-driven transparency, think regular AMAs (Ask Me Anything sessions) or open development roadmaps builds resilience. I’ve seen this play out firsthand with coins that weathered the 2024 bear market by keeping their communities engaged, contrasting sharply with projects that vanished after their initial pump. I believe that trending tokens emphasizes social engagement and holder growth as key indicators, suggesting that trust is quantifiable in the form of active, committed communities.

Yet, building trust is no small feat. Many developers still cling to the old playbook, launching with a meme, a charismatic figurehead, and a promise of riches. This approach, while effective in 2023 and early 2024, is losing its luster. The market has matured, and investors are asking harder questions: Who’s behind this? What’s the long-term vision? Without answers grounded in integrity, even the best memes fizzle out.

The Declining Power of Key Opinion Leaders

This brings us to the contentious role of influencers or Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), a topic that stirs debate in every crypto corner. For years, KOLs, think Twitter influencers with tens of thousands of followers, have been the rocket fuel for meme coin launches. A single endorsement could send a token from obscurity to a $10 million market cap overnight. But as of 2025, their influence is under scrutiny, and for good reason. This is also echoed in several panels that I have spoken on with Cointelegraph events.

I dare say that more than 60% of KOL-backed projects see initial pumps, 50% crash due to credibility issues and 90% of them failed to survive through a period of 2 months. I’ve witnessed this pattern myself: a KOL with a track record of rug pulls or failed calls promotes a new coin, only for the community to balk when the inevitable dip hits. There are also KOLs with 1 million followers, yet they fail to get the token to more than $800K in market cap. Why buy the dip if the KOL’s past projects never recovered? This skepticism is palpable on platforms like X, where users increasingly call out “clown” influencers whose hype doesn’t match their results.

I urge investors to look beyond paid promotions and conduct due diligence. The market’s memory is long, and a KOL’s history can cap a coin’s potential. Imagine a project reaching $5 million, only to stall at $10 million because profit-takers flee, spooked by the promoter’s tainted reputation. The result? A promising narrative dies, not for lack of community support, but for lack of trust in the messenger. This trend suggests that the KOL model, once a shortcut to success, is becoming an anchor dragging projects down. To be honest, the $5m, $10m is just an example, in reality most of them failed to even reach $1m market cap.

The Rise of Community and Utility

If KOLs are losing their grip, who or what will lead meme coins into the future? The answer lies in communities and utility, two forces that, when combined, create a foundation for lasting value. Shiba Inu’s evolution offers a case study. Beyond its meme origins, the project has expanded into ShibaSwap and Shibarium, a layer-2 solution that enhances transaction efficiency. This utility, coupled with a passionate community, has kept it relevant.

Similarly, Pepe Coin has thrived by leveraging community-driven initiatives and strategic partnerships, blurring the line between meme coin and utility token. Coins like Shiba Inu and Pepe stand out due to their ecosystems, suggesting that utility, whether in DeFi, gaming, or decentralized governance, adds a layer of legitimacy. I’ve observed this firsthand: projects integrating practical applications tend to attract a different caliber of investor, one less swayed by hype and more interested in long-term potential.

A couple of projects have pivoted to a Web3 super app that empowers community governance and creator monetization. This approach moves beyond the meme, offering a platform where users can organize and thrive. It’s a model that echoes the DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) structures gaining traction in 2025, where token holders vote on development paths. This shift from top-down promotion to bottom-up participation is, in my view, the future of meme coins.

The Role of Trading Bots and Market Manipulation

No discussion of 2025’s meme coin market would be complete without addressing trading bots, particularly sniper bots. These automated tools, capable of executing trades in milliseconds, have become a double-edged sword. Their prevalence on decentralized exchanges (DEXs), where they exploit new token listings to front-run retail investors is a big problem. I’ve seen this play out: a coin launches, bots snap up supply, and prices spike artificially before crashing, leaving latecomers with losses.

This dynamic can distort market signals, but projects are fighting back. Time-locked liquidity pools and anti-bot mechanisms during launches are becoming standard, aiming to level the playing field. While not foolproof, these measures suggest a market adapting to technological challenges, a sign of maturity that could benefit legitimate projects in the long run.

Regulatory Horizons and the Road Ahead

Looking ahead, regulatory developments will shape meme coin trajectories. The U.S. Bitcoin Act, passed in early 2025, and the allowance of banks to custody crypto, signal a more structured environment. This could impose KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) requirements, challenging some meme coin projects that thrive on anonymity. Yet, it also opens the door to institutional investment, potentially legitimizing the space and paving the way for meme coin ETFs, a possibility I’ve speculated on with colleagues.

This regulatory push may bifurcate the market. Established coins like Dogecoin, with their proven track records, will coexist with innovative, utility-focused projects. The challenge for developers will be balancing compliance with the anarchic spirit that birthed meme coins. For investors, it means a need for sharper analysis, moving beyond memes to assess fundamentals like team credibility and technological innovation.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

As I reflect on the meme coin market in 2025, one truth stands out: the era of hype is giving way to an era of trust. Saturation has forced a reset, pushing projects to prioritize transparency, community engagement, and utility over viral gimmicks. KOLs, once kingmakers, are losing relevance as investors demand substance. Trading bots and regulatory shifts add complexity, but they also signal a maturing ecosystem where the best ideas can rise.

For those in this space, whether developers building the next big coin or investors seeking the next big win, the message is clear: focus on what endures. Build communities that grind alongside you, integrate utility that adds value, and let trust be your north star. The market won’t forgive shortcuts, but it will reward vision. So, I ask you: What’s your trust metric for a meme coin? Is it the community’s voice, the project’s roadmap, or the utility it offers? Share your thoughts. I’m eager to hear how you’re navigating this evolving landscape.

“TRUST IS THE NEW HYPE.” – Anndy Lian

 

Source: https://news.shib.io/2025/07/13/the-meme-coin-market-in-2025-trust-community-and-the-end-of-hype

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

www.anndy.com
j j j

Community, Chains, and the Future of Crypto: Insights from Anndy Lian

Community, Chains, and the Future of Crypto: Insights from Anndy Lian

Dan sat down with Anndy Lian, blockchain strategist and thought leader, to discuss the current state of the crypto industry, the challenges of adoption, and the critical role of community. The conversation, rich with practical wisdom and candid observations, offers a roadmap for both newcomers and veterans navigating the ever-evolving world of blockchain.

The Institutional Chill: Why Retail Users Feel Left Out
The interview opens with a frank assessment of the crypto landscape. Dan notes, “Everything is very institutional, very cold, and retail users can’t get involved with most of this stuff.” Anndy agrees wholeheartedly, highlighting a core issue: the barriers to entry remain high, not just because of technical complexity, but also because the industry often fails to make a genuine effort to include everyday users.

Anndy elaborates, “People are not trying hard enough, that’s number one. The second part is they are actually getting into the wrong kind of projects.” He points out that many newcomers are lured into complex decentralized exchanges (DEXs) or swaps, which are difficult to manage and understand. “How are you going to stick, how are you going to extract from what they are buying? It’s very technical,” he says, emphasizing that the steep learning curve can be discouraging.

Lowering the Barriers: The Role of Meme Coins and Gaming
So, what’s the solution? Anndy suggests that the best entry point for new users might be through “fun meme coins or maybe even gaming stuff.” He believes that starting with simple, accessible projects can help users build confidence before tackling more complex aspects of crypto. “Keep it simple, easy to understand, and then you start going to the higher levels, the higher complexities,” he advises.

This approach, he argues, is essential because “no one’s going to understand swapping and wallets and seed phrases right off the bat, and there’s a huge amount of risk with that.” By making the onboarding process less intimidating, the industry can attract a broader audience and foster genuine engagement.

Choosing the Right Chain: More Than Just Technology
Another recurring theme in the conversation is the importance of choosing the right blockchain. Anndy observes that while there are over 200 blockchains, only a handful have real activity, incentives, and communities. “You’ve got to really choose the right chain, even if you’re going to launch a meme or maybe a utility. You’ve got to choose the right chain that gives you the support,” he says.

He warns that launching a project on a chain without financial or community support is a recipe for failure. “If you are on a chain where there’s no support in terms of money, no support in terms of community, it gets a little bit awkward for the project owner. It’s very difficult for people to enter into that particular chain because no one else is using it.”

Dan summarizes the challenge: “If you don’t build a blockchain that could support [a real community], you’re not going to get any users.” Anndy agrees, noting that the lack of users adds to the barrier of entry. “If the entry is easy, I come to my buddy, ‘Are you on X chain?’ You say, ‘Yes, I am, let’s do it.’ But if you’re on some chain where you couldn’t even find it in the wallet, it’s just going to be useless. We’re on different planets at that point.”

Community First: The Heartbeat of Crypto
For Anndy, the most critical factor in any blockchain project is the community. “Whenever we talk about adoption, whenever we talk about users, it goes back to the community. If you have a blockchain that is just a blockchain, it’s useless. You need people to use it, you need people to keep the network sustainable.”

He continues, “It’s no longer about user experience, how much revenue are they generating. Because no user, no experience.” In his view, the technology is largely commoditized—“the technology-wise, it’s almost the same for everybody”—so the differentiator is the strength and vibrancy of the community.

This is why meme coins, despite their reputation, have found success. “It’s not that I love the meme coins, but I love the community. The community is strong, and if the community is strong, there’s going to be more growth. It has to be always community first and there’s nothing else.”

The Reality of Risk: Learning Through Loss
Anndy doesn’t shy away from the risks inherent in crypto. He acknowledges that losing money is “part and parcel of this whole process,” and that it’s often the fastest way to learn. “It depends on how much you want to screw this up, right? But if you are just thinking about trying out, you really need to go through the whole process of how you’re going to onboard your users, how you’re going to manage all these different swaps. Sometimes it’s not easy, man. I have people crying, saying that they sent to the wrong chain.”

He sees these challenges as opportunities for education, suggesting that resources like Dan’s podcast can help newcomers avoid common pitfalls. “It’s part and parcel of education, and perhaps they should listen to your podcast.”

The Social Layer: Where Crypto Communities Gather
The conversation shifts to where crypto communities actually gather online. While X (formerly Twitter) is the hub for the latest news and activity among crypto natives, Anndy points out that Facebook remains surprisingly vibrant, especially among older users in places like Hong Kong. “You’ll be so surprised. When I’m in Hong Kong, when I talk to some of the older folks, they are actually super active on Facebook. They showed me their groups—crazy groups, man. That’s something I’ve neglected for a long time, but it’s amazing to see.”

He shares that some Facebook groups have over 140,000 active members, many of whom are highly engaged. “Whenever they post something, you get so many replies below. I’m actually really, really happy to see that.” This diversity of platforms, he suggests, is a strength, and he encourages multi-platform engagement to reach different audiences.

Building Together: Collaboration and the Future
Anndy closes with a call for greater collaboration and unity within the crypto space. “It’s all about interacting with people. For your audiences who are on YouTube, I also strongly suggest that you get yourself on X as well. We could do some shows together and get the ball rolling because we are literally talking to the same kind of target audience and we should start to unite and make some things work.”

He also sees potential in leveraging Facebook and other platforms to reach new demographics, especially those who may be overlooked by the crypto mainstream. “Let’s do more, and since Eddie is here, he knows restaurant business and Facebook, perhaps you could all do something there. Or maybe you can do a multi-social account stream so that we can get the best traction.”

Conclusion: Community, Simplicity, and the Human Touch
Anndy Lian’s insights cut through the hype and technical jargon that often cloud the crypto conversation. His message is clear: technology alone is not enough. The future of blockchain depends on strong, engaged communities, accessible entry points, and a willingness to learn from both success and failure.

As he puts it, “We need more users, and it has to be an easy onboarding experience or something they really want to use.” By focusing on people—meeting them where they are, supporting their journeys, and building together—the crypto industry can move beyond its institutional chill and realize its promise as a truly inclusive, transformative force.

 

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

www.anndy.com
j j j

Why Building Community is the SECRET to Project Success! Interview with Anndy Lian X Eddy Gonzalez

Why Building Community is the SECRET to Project Success! Interview with Anndy Lian X Eddy Gonzalez

At Consensus 2025 in Hong Kong, Eddy Gonzalez, a Taiwan-based YouTuber, sat down with Anndy Lian, a renowned blockchain expert, best-selling author, to discuss the critical role of community in project success. The interview, titled “Why Building Community is the SECRET to Project Success!”, offered profound insights into the importance of community-driven strategies in the blockchain and Web3 space.

The Foundation of Success: Community

Anndy Lian opened the conversation with a powerful statement: “If you are a project owner trying to build a big project, you have to focus on community. And if you are an investor, please invest in projects that are sustainable.” This set the tone for the discussion, emphasizing that community is not just a marketing tool but the backbone of any successful venture in the blockchain ecosystem.

Lian elaborated on the shift from traditional marketing to community-driven approaches, stating, “In Web3, the community is not just an audience; it’s the backbone of every project. Unlike traditional marketing, where brands talk at consumers, Web3 thrives on co-creation and shared ownership. Communities are the ones who breathe life into projects, and their engagement can make or break a venture.” This sentiment underscores the transformative power of communities in the decentralized world.

The Evolution of Blockchain and Community

Reflecting on his journey in the blockchain space, Lian shared how he first encountered Bitcoin in 2013, primarily for transactional purposes. “Back then, I didn’t fully understand what Bitcoin could do, but I saw its potential for anonymous transactions in the advertising industry,” he recalled. Over time, his involvement deepened, and he became a key advisor to governments and a vocal advocate for blockchain technology.

Lian highlighted the importance of authenticity and transparency in building trust within communities. “People can sense when a project is genuine. At OG Peanut, we prioritize open communication and honesty. If we make a mistake, we own up to it and involve the community in finding solutions. This builds credibility and strengthens our bond with members,” he explained. This approach fosters loyalty and long-term engagement, which are crucial for project sustainability.

Challenges in Community Building

While the benefits of community-driven marketing are undeniable, Lian also addressed the challenges associated with it. He pointed out the difficulty of scaling community engagement as projects grow. “As your community expands, maintaining the same level of personal connection becomes challenging. At OG Peanut, we’ve had to invest in tools and processes to ensure that every member feels heard, even as our numbers grow,” he shared.

Another challenge is managing toxic behavior within communities. “Not all community members have positive intentions. We’ve had to implement strict moderation policies to prevent harassment and misinformation. Balancing openness with safety is a delicate act, but it’s crucial for maintaining a healthy community,” Lian explained. This highlights the need for robust governance structures to ensure a positive and inclusive environment.

The Role of AI in Community Engagement

The conversation also touched on the impact of AI on community interactions. Lian shared his experience testing AI agents, including one that cloned a friend of his. “The AI agent was incredibly smooth and almost indistinguishable from the real person. It’s a powerful tool, but it’s also a bit scary,” he noted. While AI can enhance community engagement, Lian emphasized the importance of maintaining genuine human connections. “AI is a good utility for projects, but it should supplement, not replace, real human interaction,” he advised.

Lian also highlighted the limitations of AI in handling volatile data. “AI agents struggle with up-to-date information, especially in fast-changing markets like cryptocurrency. Simple conversations are fine, but when it comes to real-time data, they fall short,” he explained. This underscores the need for a balanced approach, leveraging AI for efficiency while ensuring that human oversight remains central.

The Future of Community-Driven Marketing

Looking ahead, Lian expressed optimism about the continued evolution of community-driven marketing. “As technology advances, we’ll have even more tools to connect with and empower our communities. The key will be staying true to our values and prioritizing the human element,” he said. This vision aligns with the ethos of Web3, where decentralization and inclusivity are key principles.

Lian also emphasized the importance of sustainability in project development. “If you are a project owner, please work hard for your project. A lot of project owners are not focused, and that’s a big problem. To build a big project, you have to focus on community,” he advised. For investors, he recommended prioritizing projects that demonstrate long-term viability and a strong commitment to their communities.

Key Takeaways

The interview with Anndy Lian offered valuable insights into the role of communities as the secret to project success in the Web3 era. Key takeaways include:

  1. Authenticity and Transparency: Building trust through open communication and honesty is essential for fostering loyal communities.
  2. Scalability and Governance: As communities grow, maintaining personal connections and implementing robust governance structures are critical challenges.
  3. The Role of AI: AI can enhance community engagement but should supplement, not replace, genuine human interaction.
  4. Sustainability: Project owners must focus on building sustainable projects, and investors should prioritize ventures with long-term viability.
  5. Education and Safety: Newcomers to the blockchain space should take the time to educate themselves and prioritize safety in their investments.

Anndy Lian’s insights underscore the transformative potential of communities in the blockchain space, offering a roadmap for projects looking to harness this powerful marketing tool. As the industry continues to evolve, the principles of authenticity, transparency, and sustainability will remain central to building successful and impactful projects.

For those interested in learning more from Anndy Lian, he can be found on Twitter and his personal website, where he regularly shares valuable insights and advice on blockchain and community building.

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

www.anndy.com
j j j