Though memecoins may have started as a joke, they’ve proven to have unexpected power within the cryptocurrency world.
Memecoins represent a prime example of the playful spirit of internet culture within the cryptocurrency world. They offer a unique blend of entertainment and investment opportunities while maintaining a low barrier to entry, as the potential upside is percieved as significantly higher than already-established tokens such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. This accessibility allows anyone, regardless of financial experience, to participate in the phenomenon of memecoins.
Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies, which often focus on decentralization and security, memecoins prioritize fun and the sense of community that surrounds their brand and theme. These coins cover a broad range of themes that resonate within online communities — from dogs and cats to politics and celebrities. The price of these coins is largely based on the strength of their community and the enthusiasm of their followers, who frequently promote and organize campaigns to boost the coin’s value on social media and other digital platforms.
One of the first and most iconic memecoins in the current market is Dogecoin (DOGE), which originated in 2013 as a parody of the crypto craze and gained massive popularity thanks to the backing of communities on platforms like Reddit. Since then, Dogecoin and other memecoins have captured the attention of public figures, with their prices fluctuating significantly depending on the support and promotion from celebrities and influencers in the crypto space.
It’s important to note that memecoins are highly speculative, and their value can increase or decrease dramatically based on the activity and organization of their communities online. Some have even reached market capitalizations in the nine figures, solidifying a notable presence within the crypto ecosystem. In our next article, we’ll explore how these communities, public figures, and internet culture at large have influenced the rise of memecoins and their impact on the crypto market.
Popular Memecoins This Week and Their Numbers
Source: Author’s Own Work
The Role of Humor and Community Engagement in Memecoin Success
Several factors can influence the price of these coins. These elements can either boost or diminish their popularity, directly impacting their market value. Below, we explore some of these factors to better understand how memecoins evolve and assess how safe it might be to invest in them.
1. Social Media and Viral Trends
Social media platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and Instagram can significantly impact the price and popularity of memecoins. Why? Because when a memecoin becomes trendy, thousands or even millions of people start discussing it, generating attention and curiosity.
How does this work?
A popular user on Twitter or any other major social platform posts about a new memecoin. If this post goes viral, many people want to learn more about the coin, and some even decide to purchase it. This massive interest creates a rapid demand, quickly driving up its price. However, just as it rises, the price can also fall quickly if the interest fades or people decide to sell.
Real-life Example:
In May 2021, Shiba Inu gained explosive popularity when social media users, especially on Twitter and Reddit, started promoting it as “the next Dogecoin.” This viral trend was fueled by the widespread enthusiasm for memecoins and the hope that Shiba Inu could reach a value similar to Dogecoin.
At that time, Elon Musk tweeted about his Shiba Inu dog without directly naming the coin. This simple tweet sparked a wave of excitement within the Shiba Inu community, who saw it as indirect support. As a result, there was a massive increase in Shiba Inu’s price and trading volume in a short time. The trend was so powerful that many users started buying large amounts of SHIB, hoping for substantial gains.
2. The Impact of Celebrities
Celebrities can significantly influence the price of memecoins simply by mentioning or endorsing them, as they inspire their followers to take an interest. The backing or simple comment from a celebrity can dramatically affect the price of a memecoin.
Examples:
Elon Musk — Musk has moved the market with various mentions and has publicly supported Dogecoin through multiple tweets. Each time Musk posts something positive about Dogecoin, the price tends to increase, as his followers view this as a cue to buy the coin.Mark Cuban — The owner of the Dallas Mavericks and crypto enthusiast has publicly supported Dogecoin, allowing fans to use DOGE to purchase tickets and merchandise on the Mavericks’ site. His support boosted Dogecoin’s credibility and adoption, positively impacting its price.Snoop Dogg — The rapper has also shown support for Dogecoin on multiple occasions, even changing his Twitter name to “Snoop Doge” and sharing DOGE memes. These gestures have contributed to greater visibility and price boosts for the coin.
Understanding that these coins rely heavily on community credibility is crucial; celebrities with millions of followers can sway these coin prices through their opinions and endorsements.
3. The Sense of Community in Memecoins
Unlike other cryptocurrencies, memecoins tend to have a very strong community sense. People who buy memecoins do so not only for investment but also because they feel part of a humorous and united group. A common characteristic of these communities is the sense of “support” among members, as they motivate each other to hold onto the coin rather than sell, helping to stabilize its price. They also create fun content to share on social media, attracting more people to join.
Some memecoins allow users to participate in exclusive events and campaigns, and certain communities organize activities such as fundraisers or marketing campaigns, further boosting the coin’s visibility.
For example, the Dogecoin community raised funds to send the Jamaican bobsled team to the Olympics in 2014, generating significant media attention. Ultimately, these are strategies that communities create to increase visibility for their memecoin, encourage purchases, and, in turn, raise the coin’s price.
Conclusion
Though memecoins may have started as a joke, they’ve proven to have unexpected power within the cryptocurrency world. Their value and popularity rely heavily on community support, viral trends, and, in many cases, the endorsement of influential celebrities.
While investing in memecoins can seem attractive (especially due to their highly accessible price), it’s also crucial to understand the volatile factors that drive their prices, like those analyzed here.
If you enjoyed this exploration of the memecoin phenomenon, we invite you to follow our Medium channel, where we’ll continue publishing content on this and related topics. In our next article, we’ll share a guide on best practices for investing in memecoins, helping you navigate this market more informedly and securely. Don’t miss out!
Memecoins: How Humor and Community Shape Crypto Success was originally published in Coinmonks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.