14 Best Meme Coins to Buy in May 2025
We believe in full transparency with our readers. Some of our content includes affiliate links, and we may earn a commission through these partnerships. However, this potential compensation never influences our analysis, opinions, or reviews. Our editorial content is created independently of our marketing partnerships, and our ratings are based solely on our established evaluation criteria. Read More
While fresh contenders hit the market every month, often delivering bigger percentage moves for early buyers, Dogecoin and Shiba Inu dominate today’s meme coin market. However, figuring out which newcomers can realistically join that top tier takes more than scrolling X.
Our analyst team spent 600-plus hours screening 300 projects for three must-have traits: an engaged community, viral branding potential, and price momentum. That deep dive narrowed the field to the very best meme coins: DOGE, SHIB, SOLX, BTCBULL, and MIND, among others.
In the following sections, we discuss why each coin made the cut, explain our rating methodology, and flag the key pros and cons so you can decide which meme crypto fits your risk profile.
Best New Meme Coins to Buy in May 2025
- Layer-2 scaling solution for Solana blockchain
- Faster, cheaper transactions with rollup technology
- Cross-chain compatibility with Ethereum network
- Solana
- ETH
- Bank Card
- Deflationary meme coin with Bitcoin rewards
- Token burns reduce supply as Bitcoin rises
- Bitcoin airdrops triggered by key price milestones
- ETH
- usdt
- bnb
- +1 more
- Autonomous AI launching new crypto projects
- AI-powered market insights for crypto traders
- Token-gated access to exclusive intelligence tools
- ETH
- usdt
- bnb
- +1 more
- Next-gen platform merging live content, AI tools, staking, crypto payments and more
- SUBBD holders get access to AI-optimized content and experiences
- Loyalty is rewarded with staking bonuses, XP boosts, and daily creator drops
- Bank Card
- ETH
- bnb
- +1 more
- Introducing the first Bitcoin L2 solution
- Allows users to trade BTC almost instantaneously
- Enhanced transaction security with ZK-proofs
- USDC
- ETH
- usdt
- Play-to-earn opportunities with the Harry Hungry Hippo game
- A meme coin that combines AI with GameFi
- Lucrative staking rewards while in presale
- ETH
- usdt
- bnb
- +1 more
- Utility-driven meme coin aiming to revolutionize $25 billion influencer industry
- $INPEPE facilitates instantaneous transactions between influencers, agencies and investors
- Earn 5462% APY staking income during the presale phase
- ETH
- usdt
- Bank Card
Top Meme Coins With Market Cap
Total Meme Coin Market Cap: $71.8 billion (-5.3%)
Here’s our list of the best established and new meme coins for May 2025:
Coin
Symbol
Current Price
Market Cap/Money Raised
Dogecoin
DOGE +0.91%
$0.22
$34.26B
Shiba Inu
SHIB +13.33%
$0.000015
$8.99B
Solaxy
SOLX +72.20%
$0.001722
$35M
BTC Bull Token
BTCBULL +402.00%
$0.00251
$5.66M
Mind of Pepe
MIND +25.05%
$0.0037515
$9.6M
Bitcoin Hyper
HYPER +0.00%
$0.0115
$12,000
Harry Hippo
HIPO +49.50%
$0.007475
$1.86M
InfluencerPepe
INPEPE +4.79%
$0.0000001970
$137,000
Pepe
PEPE +24.52%
$0.000012
$5.21B
Bonk
BONK +0.65%
$0.000020
$1.61B
Floki
FLOKI +1.61%
$0.00010
$957.97M
Pudgy Penguins
PENGU +4.35%
$0.014
$926.85M
ai16z
AI16Z +18.71%
$0.34
$377.36M
Fartcoin
FARTCOIN +24.31%
$1.37
$1.37B
ℹ️ The data in this table was last updated on May 21, 2025, except for new meme coin figures, which were updated on May 20, 2025.
14 Best Meme Coins to Invest in 2025 (Detailed Reviews)
This section focuses on the hottest upcoming and new meme coins in May 2025 and established projects, such as Dogecoin. These picks allow investors to get in early, reducing immediate downside risk while we wait for them to hit major exchanges.
After all that digging, we found that Solaxy, Bitcoin Bull Token, and Mind of Pepe could be the next meme coins that will explode, judging by their presale performance. Below, we dive into detailed reviews of our top picks.
1. Dogecoin (DOGE) — First Meme Coin, Launched as a Joke, Now Mainstream
Dogecoin, launched in 2013 as a parody of crypto culture, features the Shiba Inu dog Kabosu. Despite its humorous origins, it became a major cryptocurrency and remains the market’s most recognized and influential meme coin.
Dogecoin’s popularity exploded in 2020 through Reddit campaigns, reaching an all-time high of $0.73 in 2021. After significant corrections, it’s now regaining strength with a market cap of $34.26B.
Despite recent market volatility, Dogecoin continues to attract attention, partly fueled by initiatives like the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Its strong community, merchant acceptance, and exchange listings ensure it remains a cornerstone of the meme coin sector.
Pros
- Large, active community supporting Dogecoin’s longevity
- Low transaction fees make it ideal for microtransactions
- Widespread adoption of tipping and small payments
- Celebrity endorsements, notably from Elon Musk, boost visibility
Cons
- No supply cap, leading to high inflationary pressure
- Minimal ongoing development compared to other cryptos
- Concentrated ownership makes it susceptible to price manipulation
- Lacks real utility outside of speculative trading
Launch Date | December 2013 |
Chain | Dogecoin Network |
24-Hour Price Change | |
Current Price | $0.22 |
Year-to-Date Return | +38.18% |
Market Cap | $34.26B |
2. Shiba Inu (SHIB) — Ethereum-Based Dogecoin Rival With DeFi Ambitions
Following Dogecoin’s success, many meme coins gained traction, but Shiba Inu remains a standout. Launched in 2020 on Ethereum, it mirrors Dogecoin’s viral appeal while offering smart contract compatibility and a strong foundation for real-world DeFi integration.
Shiba Inu’s ecosystem keeps evolving, with Shibarium — its Layer 2 solution — pushing new DeFi use cases. SHIB is widely available on major exchanges and social platforms, making adoption seamless. Recent bullish signals and Shibarium’s scaling milestones have reignited community momentum.
Initially priced at $0.00000000051, SHIB reached an all-time high of $0.000088 in October 2021. After a 2024 slump, it shows renewed strength at $0.000015, fueled by breakout patterns and growing on-chain activity.
Pros
- Strong community support is driving project development forward
- ShibaSwap and Shibarium add utility and scalability
- Deflationary mechanisms with token burns to reduce supply
Cons
- No real utility beyond speculative meme-driven value
- Founder anonymity raises transparency and long-term trust concerns
Launch Date | August 2020 |
Chain | Ethereum |
24-Hour Price Change | ![]() |
Current Price | $0.000015 |
Year-to-Date Return | -32.56% |
Market Cap | $8.99B |
3. Solaxy (SOLX) – Best Upcoming Meme Coin; First Solana L2 Solution
A trending utility-focused meme coin called Solaxy is currently making big waves in the crypto world. It claims to be one of Solana’s first Layer 2 solutions, combining the fun of meme culture with real blockchain tech.
While most meme coins thrive purely on hype, Solaxy improves Solana’s scalability by reducing network congestion and making transactions smoother. This means it’s not just a speculative token; it has a real purpose that strengthens the ecosystem it runs on.
Solaxy Presale Funding Status
Pros
- First-ever Solana Layer 2, adding real value to the network
- Strong presale momentum with $35M raised
- An active and engaged community is driving adoption
Cons
- Still in its early stages, so adoption is uncertain
- Competes with other scaling solutions that have more developer support
Presale Started | December 2024 |
Chain | Solana |
Current Price | $0.001722 |
Price Increase | ![]() |
Raised So Far | $35M |
4. Bitcoin Bull Token (BTCBULL) – Best Bitcoin-Inspired Meme Coin; Offers Upcoming Airdrops
Bitcoin Bull Token is one of the best meme coins to buy as it combines real value and the viral appeal of meme culture. Unlike most meme tokens that are just speculative investments, BTCBULL will offer BTC airdrop rewards when certain Bitcoin price milestones are achieved, such as $150k and $200k.
Aside from BTC airdrops, Bitcoin Bull Token holders will also benefit from frequent token burns, which should remove 15% of the total token supply. The token burn mechanics are activated as Bitcoin reaches a specific price, such as $125k and $175k.
BTC Bull Presale Funding Status
Pros
- Bitcoin airdrops to BTCBULL token holders when Bitcoin reaches certain price milestones
- Generous staking yields of 73% during the presale
- Token burn mechanics at certain Bitcoin price milestones
Cons
- Staking APY is dynamic and drops as more tokens are staked
- This is a meme coin tied to Bitcoin’s performance, making it highly volatile
Presale Started | February 2025 |
Chain | Ethereum |
Current Price | $0.00251 |
Price Increase | ![]() |
Raised So Far | $5.66M |
5. Mind of Pepe (MIND) – An Innovative New AI Agent Meme Coin
Mind of Pepe isn’t your typical meme coin; it’s powered by AI to track market sentiment, analyze trends, and even engage with the crypto community.
While most meme tokens rely on hype and community activity, MIND takes things to another level by integrating an autonomous AI agent that interacts with dApps, social media, and decentralized platforms. This makes it one of the most innovative meme coins out there, blending AI with crypto culture in a way no other project has done before.
Mind of Pepe Presale Funding Status
Pros
- AI-powered automation for market tracking and engagement
- Strong presale numbers with increasing investor interest
- Staking rewards for long-term holders
Cons
- Still in development, so real-world performance is unproven
- The AI features need adoption to reach their full potential
Presale Started | February 2025 |
Chain | Ethereum |
Current Price | $0.0037515 |
Price Increase | ![]() |
Raised So Far | $9.6M |
6. Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER) – Meme Coin With Bitcoin Layer 2 Functionality
Unlike many meme tokens that rely solely on viral trends, Bitcoin Hyper introduces a Layer 2 solution for the Bitcoin network, aiming to enhance transaction speed and reduce costs. This approach addresses Bitcoin’s scalability challenges, offering near-instant finality and lower fees through its integration with the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM).
The project’s architecture includes a trustless bridge that allows users to deposit BTC onto Hyper’s L2. Transactions are secured using ZK-proofs and periodically committed to the mainnet, ensuring efficiency and security. This setup enables functionalities like staking and dApps, expanding Bitcoin’s capabilities without compromising its foundational principles.
HYPER Presale Funding Status
Pros
- Integrates Bitcoin with Layer 2
- Fast transactions with low fees
- Trustless bridge for secure transfers
Cons
- Early-stage project with high risk
- Limited adoption compared to major tokens
- Meme coin narrative may fade
Launch Date | May 2025 |
Chain | Bitcoin Hyper (Bitcoin L2) |
Current Price | 0.0115 |
Price Increase | ![]() |
Amount Raised | $12,000 |
7. Harry Hippo (HIPO) – Top New Meme Coin Blending Fun, Rewards, and AI
Harry Hippo is a new meme coin blending gaming, AI, and crypto rewards. Its Harry Hungry Hipo game lets players earn HIPO tokens with strong staking returns. The project plans to expand with NFTs, AI tools, and exchange listings.
Harry Hippo combines high staking yields, AI-powered GameFi, and strong presale interest. While its roadmap is ambitious, risks include inflation, an anonymous team, and cooling NFT demand. Long-term success hinges on adoption, community traction, and delivering on its innovative meme coin vision.
Harry Hippo Presale Funding Status
Pros
- Early high-level CEX listing secured through negotiation
- Strong integration with GameFi and P2E
- NFT utility and potential for future scalability
Cons
- High staking APY could lead to inflation
- Long-term viability remains uncertain
Launch Date | January 2025 |
Chain | Ethereum |
Current Price | $0.007475 |
Price Increase | ![]() |
Amount Raised | $1.86M |
8. Influencer Pepe (INPEPE) – Top Meme Coin Bridging Web3 and the Influencer Economy
Influencer Pepe is positioning itself as one of the most utility-driven meme coins in the market today. Built on Ethereum, the project aims to transform the $48 billion influencer marketing industry by offering instant, blockchain-powered payments for content creators and brands.
Using smart contracts, Influencer Pepe eliminates intermediaries like agencies, enabling direct and secure transactions between influencers and advertisers. During its early presale phase, the project has already raised over $137,000, with a live price of $0.0000001970. It also boasts a staking APY of 5,031%, making it an attractive opportunity for early supporters.
Influencer Pepe Presale Funding Status
Pros
- Smart contract payments remove intermediaries
- Targeting a $48B influencer economy with real utility
- Credit card purchases and multi-chain support broaden accessibility
Cons
- Highly speculative early-stage project
- Anonymous team and unproven adoption by influencers
- High marketing allocation (35%) could dilute value
Launch Date | April 2025 |
Chain | Ethereum |
Current Price | $0.0000001970 |
Price Increase | ![]() |
Amount Raised | $137,000 |
Pepe is a meme coin based on the Pepe the Frog meme, launched in April 2023. Built on Ethereum, it quickly hit a $1 billion market cap in three weeks, and now sits at $5.21B.
The last month saw renewed interest, with PEPE growing +94.35%.”Despite seeing renewed interest in April 2025, PEPE has dropped by +94.35% in the last 30 days. The coin has high volatility, but a strong holder base supports its resilience, while its deflationary mechanism reduces supply and increases value.
Investing in Pepe is risky due to its volatility and recent turbulence, including the unexpected transfer of 16 trillion tokens. However, after burning 6.9 trillion tokens and appointing new advisors, the coin showed signs of recovery.
Pros
- Strong, loyal community driving project momentum forward
- Its deflationary mechanism reduces supply and increases scarcity
- Memorable branding built on the iconic Pepe meme
Cons
- No real utility beyond speculative meme-driven value
- Founder anonymity raises transparency and long-term trust concerns
Launch Date | April 2023 |
Chain | Ethereum |
24-Hour Price Change | ![]() |
Current Price | $0.000012 |
Year-to-Date Return | +53.40% |
Market Cap | $5.21B |
10. Bonk (BONK) — First Dog-Themed Meme Coin on Solana
Bonk is Shiba Inu-themed Solana meme coin, launched with a massive airdrop on December 25, 2022. Its release fueled Solana’s 2023 comeback, and April 2025 saw another surge as BONK rallied over 60% alongside Solana’s broader altcoin breakout.
Bonk’s market cap now sits around $1.61B, easily tradable on major exchanges like Binance and Coinbase. Technical analysts highlight a breakout from a falling wedge pattern, suggesting further upside.
Bonk powers blockchain tools like BonkSwap and BonkBot and supports NFT drops. Despite no formal roadmap, its explosive recent momentum, bullish technical setup, and vibrant community make it a strong contender among Solana meme coins this cycle.
Pros
- Strong community backing within the Solana ecosystem
- Fast, low-cost transactions using Solana’s blockchain technology
- Decentralized governance via BONK DAO promotes community involvement
Cons
- Large token supply (100 trillion) may dilute value
- Relies heavily on community hype and social media
Launch Date | December 2022 |
Chain | Solana |
24-Hour Price Change | ![]() |
Current Price | $0.000020 |
Year-to-Date Return | -34.00% |
Market Cap | $1.61B |
11. Floki (FLOKI) — Meme Coin With Utility in Gaming and Education
Floki, launched in July 2021 and inspired by Elon Musk’s Shiba Inu, surged over 802,000% from its all-time low. It now boasts a market cap of $957.97M, fueled by strong community support and viral marketing.
With nearly half in circulation, Floki’s 20 trillion token supply creates inflation risk as new tokens unlock. This differs from Shiba Inu’s fully circulating supply and may affect future price momentum and investor sentiment.
The project is evolving beyond memes, integrating DeFi, NFTs, and a metaverse game called Valhalla. Plans for a prepaid crypto card and ecosystem expansion signal Floki’s ambitions to combine real-world utility with its strong meme-driven community appeal.
Pros
- Strong community support is known as the “Floki Vikings”
- Ecosystem includes DeFi tools, NFTs, and metaverse gaming
- Operates on both Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain, offering flexibility
Cons
- Limited utility outside of its ecosystem projects
- Dependent on community engagement for long-term success
Launch Date | June 2021 |
Chain | Ethereum and BSC |
24-Hour Price Change | ![]() |
Current Price | $0.00010 |
Year-to-Date Return | -54.17% |
Market Cap | $957.97M |
12. Pudgy Penguins (PENGU) – NFT-Born Meme Coin Linked to Toy Merchandise
Pudgy Penguins is the utility token of Pudgy Penguins, an NFT brand expanding into toys, gaming, and IP licensing. Launched in December 2024 with an 88.9B supply, it powers fast, low-cost transactions and is tied to real-world retail milestones.
Now trading near $0.014, down from a $0.052 ATH, PENGU shows strong community backing but high volatility. Real-world partnerships offer potential, though inflationary tokenomics and broader NFT market weakness pose risks.
Despite market challenges, PENGU’s integration into Walmart distribution and an NFT-inclusive ETF highlight its growing mainstream reach. Its success depends on sustained brand momentum and the evolving NFT ecosystem’s strength.
Pros
- Launched on Solana for fast, low-cost transactions
- Built a family-friendly brand with broad, inclusive visual appeal
- Offers governance, merch, events, and game access utilities
Cons
- Tied to NFT market trends
- Inflationary token distribution risks
- Susceptible to rapid sentiment swings
Launch Date | December 2024 |
Chain | Solana |
24-Hour Price Change | ![]() |
Current Price | $0.014 |
Year-to-Date Return | -72.05% |
Market Cap | $926.85M |
AI16Z launched on Solana in October 2024 as an AI-themed meme coin. It quickly hit a $2.48 ATH by January 2025, fueled by viral attention on X and speculation around “AI agent” tokens. In April 2025, it rallied another 35% after a bullish breakout and new AI partnerships.
As of May 9, 2025, AI16Z trades around $0.34, still below its peak but showing renewed strength. Recent momentum comes from a technical breakout and growing adoption, especially across Southeast Asia, where retail interest is booming.
Beyond meme appeal, AI16Z is evolving: it announced a decentralized inference engine with AI Protocol and is eyeing major exchange listings. While risks remain, its blend of AI hype, substantial trading volume, and community growth makes it a top meme coin to watch.
Pros
- AI-driven trading using data analysis for efficiency
- DAO enables community voting on strategies
- Open-source AI platform expands real-world utility
- Token ownership democratizes VC-like investment access
Cons
- Relies heavily on hype cycles
- No transparent development roadmap
- Prone to sudden sentiment shifts
Launch Date | October 2024 |
Chain | Solana |
24-Hour Price Change | ![]() |
Current Price | $0.34 |
Year-to-Date Return | +427.84% |
Market Cap | $377.36M |
14. Fartcoin (FARTCOIN) – Solana Meme Coin With Funny Branding
Fartcoin launched on Solana in October 2024, quickly hitting a $1.37B market cap. Viral traction from transaction “fart” sounds and meme contests drove $500M+ daily volume, earning listings on Raydium and Bybit within weeks.
Currently trading around $1.37, Fartcoin has recently hit its all-time high of $2.62 on January 19, 2025. Its humor-first branding and capped 1B supply fuel speculation, though reliance on meme trends keeps volatility extreme.
Fartcoin thrives purely on viral engagement, offering no utility beyond laughs. While its AI origin story and community rewards attract traders, long-term viability hinges on sustaining hype in a saturated meme market.
Pros
- Viral humor with unique audio features
- Capped supply limits inflation risks
- Strong Solana ecosystem integration
- Active meme-driven community
Cons
- Zero utility beyond entertainment
- Early holders dominate supply
- High sell pressure post-surges
Launch Date | October 2024 |
Chain | Solana |
24-Hour Price Change | ![]() |
Current Price | $1.37 |
Year-to-Date Return | +5430.85% |
Market Cap | $1.37B |
Best Meme Coins — Key Takeaways
- Meme coins run on hype; their value is driven by community buzz, not fundamentals like traditional cryptocurrencies.
- Dogecoin and Shiba Inu still dominate, but emerging meme coins have breakout potential and could unseat them.
- The Solana, Ethereum, and BSC chains host most meme cryptos; before committing capital, compare gas fees, TPS speed, and wallet support.
- Use launchpads and on-chain trackers to spot new meme coins early, vet dev teams, and avoid obvious rug-pull scams.
- Diversify across established and new picks to balance explosive upside potential with the resilience of large-cap meme coin giants.
What Is a Meme Coin?
Meme coins are cryptocurrencies inspired by internet culture, humor, or viral trends. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies that aim to solve specific problems or offer utility, meme coins rarely have intrinsic value or practical applications.
Their worth is mainly driven by community engagement, social media buzz, and speculative trading. These tokens are typically created on public blockchains, allowing anyone to mint and trade them with minimal barriers.
Meme Coin Performance Statistics and Trends
Types of Meme Coins by Theme
Meme coins are a fast-evolving asset class with themes that tap into culture, tech, and identity. Understanding the different types can help you spot trends early, assess risk more accurately, and build a meme coin strategy that aligns with your goals.
Dog Meme Coins
Dog meme coins are cryptocurrencies inspired by dog-related internet memes. They are typically created as jokes but often evolve into speculative assets with massive communities. The movement began with Dogecoin (DOGE) in 2013, a fork of Litecoin featuring the Shiba Inu “Doge” meme.
While DOGE was originally a parody, it gained serious momentum during the 2021 bull run, amplified by Elon Musk’s endorsements. This sparked a wave of new dog meme coins emerging, including:
- Shiba Inu (SHIB)
- Floki Inu (FLOKI)
- Bonk (BONK)
- dogwifhat (WIF)
Cat Meme Coins
Cat meme coins are based on feline internet culture — think viral cat videos, memes, and the internet’s long-standing obsession with cats. While dog meme coins dominated early meme coin cycles, cat-themed tokens gained traction in 2023 and exploded in 2024 as investors sought the “next DOGE.”
Some of the biggest successes include:
- Popcat (POPCAT)
- Mog Coin (MOG)
- cat in a dog’s world (MEW)
- Wen (WEN)
Political Meme Coins
Political meme coins are crypto tokens themed around real-world politicians, elections, or ideologies. They gained traction during the 2024 U.S. election cycle. While most parody public figures, some are directly endorsed, like the Official Trump (TRUMP) coin launched in January 2025, which briefly hit a $10B market cap.
Although no other PolitFi tokens are anywhere near as popular as Official Trump, some notable other coins include:
- Melania Meme (MELANIA)
- Kekius Maximumus (KEKIUS)
- Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
Pop Culture and Internet Memes
Pop culture and internet meme coins are based on viral internet moments, celebrities, or iconic characters, often launched rapidly to capitalize on trending topics. They’re part meme, part cultural timestamp, and fully speculative. Think of coins tied to viral memes like Pepe (PEPE), or celebrities like Iggy Azalea’s MOTHER or Hawk Tuah Girl’s HAWK.
These coins rely on momentum: a trending meme, a TikTok clip, or an X post can soar prices. Many meme coins are created using platforms like Pump.fun, which saw over 6 million meme coins launched in 2024 alone.
AI Meme Coins
AI meme coins are tokens that fuse artificial intelligence with meme culture. But not all are created equal. Some are AI-generated, meaning the token’s concept, branding, or tokenomics were designed using generative AI tools.
Notable examples include:
- Goatseus Maximus (GOAT)
- Fartcoin (FARTCOIN)
Most Popular Blockchains for Meme Coins
Meme coins have emerged on countless blockchain networks, each offering different pros and cons. However, they have been particularly successful on a select few networks, which you can see a comparison of below:
Meme Coin Network | Avg. Transaction Fee | Top Examples |
---|---|---|
Solana (SOL) | $0.0005265 | ![]() ![]() |
Ethereum (ETH) | $0.27 | ![]() ![]() |
Binance Smart Chain (BSC) | $0.013 | ![]() |
Tron (TRX) | $0.26 | ![]() |
Base | $0.00007 | ![]() ![]() |
- Solana Meme Coins: Solana has become the go-to chain for meme coins, and it’s easy to see why: near-zero fees (~$0.0005), fast finality (~2.5 seconds), and throughput that scales to over 2,900 transactions per second.
- Ethereum Meme Coins: While still the OG network for meme coins, Ethereum struggles with high gas fees ($0.27 currently, but $50+ or more at peak congestion) and 30x slower confirmation times. It’s still dominant for legacy tokens like SHIB and PEPE, but newer projects are migrating.
- BNB Meme Coins: BNB Chain is cheaper and faster than Ethereum, making it a favorite for small-cap launches and Asia-based communities.
- TRON Meme Coins: The TRON Network offers ultra-fast 3-second confirmation times and cheap TRX transfers. It’s especially popular in Asia and among dApp users, making it a top choice for mobile-first or gaming-centric audiences. However, its ecosystem isn’t as developer-friendly as Solana or Ethereum, which limits broader adoption.
- Base Meme Coins: This Ethereum L2 is gaining traction thanks to low fees and Coinbase’s backing.
Other choices include Polygon, which remains a solid pick for its mix of speed and EVM compatibility. Avalanche also deserves a mention, but is limited due to its slow transaction confirmation times.
What Influences the Price of a Meme Coin?
As with any other investment, the price of cryptocurrencies is influenced by supply and demand. However, in the case of meme coins, the factors that affect the general market sentiment are slightly different. Here, we’ll discuss the top five factors that influence the price of a meme coin.
Meme coins often experience rapid price increases due to social media virality, fueled by hype and FOMO. For example, Official Trump (TRUMP) was launched on January 17, 2025, just before President Trump’s inauguration, and its value surged over 300% overnight, after going viral on social media.
📈 Overall Market Performance
When the cryptocurrency market is bullish, meme coins often see amplified gains due to increased investor confidence and speculative trading. Conversely, these coins may experience steeper declines in bear markets than those with solid fundamentals.
✅ Exchange Listings
When a meme coin is listed on major cryptocurrency exchanges, it gains increased visibility and trading volume, often resulting in a price surge. For instance, Pepe saw a 15% rise in 24 hours and a 104% increase in a week after its listing on Coinbase and Robinhood on November 13, 2024.
🔥 Token-Burning Events
Token-burning events are important for meme coin price increases as they reduce supply, making the currency scarcer. If demand remains steady or increases, these events can increase prices. For example, in February 2025, approximately 389 million SHIB tokens were burned. Following this, SHIB’s price increased by about 6% at the start of March.
🌟 Celebrity Endorsements
When well-known crypto influencers and KOLs (i.e., Key Opinion Leaders) publicly support a meme coin, their large followings often increase buying activity, driving up prices.
Pros of Investing in Meme Coins
While the best strategy for risk-averse investors is to focus on cryptocurrencies with strong fundamentals that are likely to withstand the test of time, if you buy new meme coins and sell them at the right time, you can make life-changing profits. In this section, we’ll discuss the advantages of meme coins.
Higher Potential for Quick Gains
Meme coins often grow drastically during hype cycles, with some delivering triple-digit returns in days. Their low market caps and viral social media traction amplify price swings, allowing even small investments to generate significant profits. New projects launching at fractions of a cent offer accessible entry points for small investors.
Opportunity to Get in Early
Early adoption lets investors buy tokens before viral trends or exchange listings drive mainstream attention. Presale rounds and safelist allocations provide discounted pricing while staking incentives and reward holders as communities grow. Catching a meme coin before TikTok or Elon Musk mentions it can mean significant gains.
Fresh Marketing and Hype
Meme coins thrive on communities rallying around humor or cultural moments. Platforms like X (Twitter) and Discord buzz with inside jokes, influencer endorsements, and coordinated meme waves, contributing to FOMO and quick price increases. This community energy supports interest longer than traditional assets.
Potential for Unique Features or Innovation
Beyond memes, newer projects integrate utility like governance voting, NFT rewards, or partnerships with gaming platforms. These features add layers of engagement, turning speculative assets into tools for earning passive income or accessing exclusive content.
Less Competition Among Investors
Early-stage meme coins attract fewer whales, letting retail traders dominate price action. With limited circulating supply and low initial liquidity, even small buy-ins can have some influence.
Cons of Investing in Meme Coins
Despite the potential benefits, you should be extremely careful when looking for the next big meme coin for your portfolio — you could also lose all the funds you invested. Here are the disadvantages of investing in meme coins instead of more traditional cryptocurrencies.
Lack of Utility and Long-Term Value
Many meme coins have no practical use or clearly defined roadmap. Their value often relies entirely on social media trends and online attention. Once that attention fades, prices tend to collapse, leaving investors with assets that hold little to no value.
High Volatility and Poor Liquidity
Price fluctuations in meme coins can be extreme. Profits can disappear within hours. Many of these tokens also suffer from low trading volumes, making it difficult to exit positions without accepting significant losses.
Exposure to Scams and Market Manipulation
Pump-and-dump schemes often target meme coin markets. Early holders generate hype to inflate prices, then sell large amounts, causing sudden crashes. In other cases, project teams abandon the token altogether, commonly called “rug pulls,” leaving investors with nothing.
Regulatory Uncertainty and Security Weaknesses
Governments are increasingly analyzing speculative crypto assets. This could result in restrictions or outright bans. At the same time, many meme tokens lack proper security infrastructure. Hacks, phishing attempts, and poorly protected wallets put investors at risk of total loss.
Where Can You Find New Meme Coins?
Meme coins thrive on internet culture, turning jokes into multi-million-dollar assets overnight. The key to profiting from them is spotting trends before they hit mainstream attention. This requires monitoring launch platforms, tracking social media sentiment, and leveraging blockchain analytics tools.
Investors who can identify meme coins before they explode often see the highest returns. However, early investing carries risks, as many new tokens lack long-term viability. Below are proven strategies to help you find promising meme coins early.
Monitor Launchpads for Early Access
Meme coin launchpads provide a structured way to discover new tokens before they reach the public. These platforms vet projects and ensure fair launches, reducing the risk of crypto scams. Some of the top crypto launchpads for meme coins include:
- Best Wallet – A multi-chain wallet with an integrated launchpad, offering exclusive early access to vetted presales and token launches.
- MemePad – The first IDO platform focused solely on meme coins and micro-cap tokens.
- Pump.fun – A Solana launchpad allowing users to create and trade meme coins effortlessly.
- GraFun – Built on the BNB Smart Chain, this platform prioritizes security and fair launches.
- SunPump – A Tron blockchain launchpad designed for fair launches.
- Seipex – A Sei Network launchpad with a strong social component, integrating seamlessly into decentralized exchanges.
Launchpads offer early access to projects with high viral potential. Investors can monitor token sales, assess community activity, and spot projects gaining momentum. Pump.fun, for instance, became the fastest-growing crypto app ever, reaching $100 million in revenue within 217 days.
Use Tools to Track Pre-Pump Activity
Successful meme coin investors rely on data. Blockchain analytics tools and crypto whale trackers reveal early movements, showing where large-scale investors position funds. Key platforms include:
- BullX – Tracks wallet movements, helping investors spot large buys before prices surge.
- MemeCoinTracker – Analyzes social engagement, holder growth, and transaction activity.
- Dexscan – Aggregates data from over 100 decentralized exchanges, identifying trending tokens across multiple blockchains.
By watching whale wallets and transaction patterns, investors can pinpoint potential meme coin breakouts before they go mainstream. A sudden spike in whale accumulation often signals an upcoming rally.
Join and Engage With Crypto Communities
Meme coins gain traction primarily through social media and online communities, where early adopters drive hype and engagement. Platforms like Reddit, X, TikTok, Telegram, and Discord are key hubs for discovering new tokens before they go viral.
Engaging in these spaces allows you to stay ahead of trends, spot emerging projects, and assess market sentiment. Here’s where to look:
- Reddit – Subreddits like r/CryptoMoonShots or r/MemeCoins discuss new projects, share insights, and track market movements.
- X – Monitor trending hashtags like #NewCrypto or #MemeCoin and follow top crypto X accounts for early information.
- TikTok – Viral videos have previously triggered meme coin explosions, making it a valuable platform for spotting trends.
- Telegram groups and Discord channels provide real-time discussions, early announcements, and insider information before tokens hit mainstream exchanges.
To engage effectively, participate in discussions, AMAs, and X Spaces hosted by developers and influencers to gain deeper insights. You can also like, share, and comment to boost a meme coin’s visibility. Remember to verify legitimacy by checking for bot activity, fake engagement, and whether the development team is transparent and responsive.
Follow Influencers and Thought Leaders
Crypto influencers have a history of propelling meme coins into the spotlight. Figures like Elon Musk have sent tokens soaring with a single tweet. However, not all influencer-backed projects are sustainable. Some have been part of “pump-and-dump” schemes, where promoters inflate a token’s value before selling it off.
To avoid falling into traps, research influencer credibility and track record. It might be worth investigating if multiple respected analysts are discussing a new project. Be wary of low-quality endorsements, as some influencers are paid to promote tokens with no real value.
Not every meme coin will succeed. To determine whether a new token has breakout potential, analyze key factors:
- Community Engagement – Active communities drive demand. Look for high engagement in Telegram, Discord, and social media.
- Meme Strength – The best meme coins are shareable and tied to trending internet culture. A weak meme won’t gain traction.
- Development Team Credibility – Transparent teams with a history of delivering projects inspire confidence. Anonymous teams carry higher rug-pull risks.
- Tokenomics and Supply – Coins with excessive supply struggle to gain value. Deflationary mechanisms, such as token burns, improve scarcity.
By combining these strategies — leveraging launchpads, using blockchain tools, monitoring social media, and assessing token fundamentals — you can identify meme coins before they go viral. While the risks are high, early movers have the best chance of securing gains.
The Latest Events in the Meme Coin Industry (May 20, 2025)
On May 19, Trump Media’s Truth Social formally denied influencer Ran Neuner’s claim that a platform-branded meme coin would appear within 72 hours. The statement, echoed by Donald Trump Jr., sought to quash speculation after several unofficial “TRUTH” tokens surfaced on Solana launchpads.
Two days earlier, analysts flagged a fake Eric Trump coin that rocketed +6,200% to a $140 million cap. Blockchain forensics firm Bubblemaps found ten insider clusters controlling most of the supply, warning of an imminent rug pull reminiscent of last month’s WOLF collapse.
Regulatory pressure also grew: On May 14, House Democrats asked Treasury for suspicious activity reports on the TRUMP and WLF tokens, while California’s district court dismissed investors’ securities claims against Caitlyn Jenner’s JENNER token but allowed them to re-file by May 23.
Meanwhile, Dogecoin’s active addresses spiked +290% to 469,477 on May 13 after the SEC acknowledged 21Shares’ spot-DOGE ETF amendment. Nasdaq-traded GD Culture Group unveiled a $300 million raise to hold Bitcoin and TRUMP in treasury ahead of Trump’s May 22 token-holder dinner.
Are Meme Coins Legit?
According to the SEC’s 2025 clarification, meme coins are recognized as legit digital assets but not securities under U.S. federal law. The agency considers these tokens closer to collectibles than investment contracts. This means that when purchasing meme coins, buyers are not participating in a common enterprise with the expectation of profit driven by others.
This is a key element in the Howey Test used to define securities. Meme coins do not provide dividends, yields, or ownership rights in any business. As a result, the SEC does not regulate them as securities, meaning they fall outside the investor protections that apply to traditional investments.
However, this does not imply meme coins are risk-free or immune to legal consequences. Fraud, manipulation, and other misconduct related to meme coins remain subject to prosecution under existing federal or state laws.
While meme coins are not inherently scams, they are highly speculative, volatile, and lack oversight. For this reason, they are best viewed as entertainment-based assets rather than sound investment vehicles. Anyone engaging with them should do so cautiously, treating them more like digital collectibles than serious financial instruments.
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Meme Coins
Our rating methodology is precise, data-driven, and divided into two parts. The General Methodology does not count towards the final coin rating; instead, it works as inclusion criteria, ensuring the project meets certain benchmarks like liquidity and market capitalization.
Meme coins are evaluated utilizing our Category-Specific Methodology, which includes community strength (50%), branding and virality potential (35%), and short-term price action (15%) to gauge their potential.
We normalize data with Z-scores to ensure consistency across projects. This helps compare large and small projects fairly and prevents any single factor from skewing the rating. For more information, read our methodology page.
Conclusion
Meme coins offer high-risk, high-reward opportunities driven by community engagement, market trends, and viral potential. Projects like Solaxy, Bitcoin Bull Token, and Mind of Pepe offer strong market momentum.
To maximize returns, diversify across established and emerging meme coins while monitoring tokenomics, market sentiment, and technological developments. Careful analysis and timely entry are crucial for navigating this volatile sector.
Among these, Solaxy is the best new meme coin to buy now. It’s not just riding hype; it delivers real value as Solana’s first Layer 2 solution, helping scale the network while maintaining meme appeal. This combination of utility and virality gives it a unique edge in a crowded market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the largest meme coin by market cap?
What are the top 10 meme coins by market cap?
Which meme coin will explode?
Which meme coin will reach $1?
How do you invest in meme coins?
References
- SEC Releases Statement on Meme Coins (Deloitte)
- Mainstream meme coins signal changing markets (Financial Times)
- Canary Capital breaks new ground with an NFT-inclusive crypto ETF featuring Pudgy Penguins (CryptoSlate)
- RIP Peanut the squirrel. At least he wasn’t flushed away like Pebbles the hamster (The Guardian)
- Crypto Trader Turns $232 Into $1.1M Trading Mubarak Meme Coin (Crypto Ninjas)
- 2024 Annual Crypto Industry Report (CoinGecko)
- Pump.Fun Data (Dune)
- They Went After the Hawk Tuah Crypto Promoters. Now They’re Suing Pump.Fun (Wired)
- TRON Network Fee (Coin Wallet)
- Gas Price Tracker Token Tool (Bitbond)
- Fastest Blockchains by Transactions Per Second (TPS) (Chainspect)
- Solana’s Internal Scalability Test (Solana)
- Transaction Fees — Technical Documentation (Solana)
- AI Bots & Memecoins — web3 with ai16z crypto | EP54 (ai16zcrypto)
- Caitlyn Jenner memecoin buyers to regroup after judge tosses suit (Cointelegraph)
- Nasdaq-listed GDC plans to buy Bitcoin and TRUMP memecoin for $300M (Cointelegraph)
- Staff Statement on Meme Coins (SEC)
- 2025 Meme Market Situation Analysis (Binance Square)
About Cryptonews
Our goal is to offer a comprehensive and objective perspective on the cryptocurrency market, enabling our readers to make informed decisions in this ever-changing landscape.
Our editorial team of more than 70 crypto professionals works to maintain the highest standards of journalism and ethics. We follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure the integrity and credibility of our content.
Whether you’re looking for breaking news, expert opinions, or market insights, Cryptonews has been your go-to destination for everything cryptocurrency since 2017.