In my previous article, I talked about crypto exchange sites. Basically, they’re a place online where you can purchase many different kinds of cryptocurrencies. In this article, I’m going to talk about a specific type of cryptocurrency you can purchase from them as I have a list of meme coins. I’ll talk about what meme coins are and some of the most popular ones today.
Meme coins, in the world of digital currency, are like the comic relief in a high-stakes drama. They’re born from internet jokes or popular memes, making them quirky and unpredictable compared to the more serious cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. The biggest thing setting them apart is their cultural vibe—they’re less about tech innovation and more about community and the shared laughter in the crypto space.
The captivating story of meme coins kicked off with Dogecoin in 2013, which started as a joke but quickly morphed into a cultural sensation. Inspired by the popular ‘Doge’ meme featuring the Shiba Inu dog, this coin unwittingly paved the way for a whole genre of cryptocurrencies fueled by pop culture. It’s fascinating how a lighthearted jab at the increasing popularity of altcoins managed to spark an entire trend that would see meme coins becoming serious players in the digital currency arena.
These coins gained popularity not just because of the humor behind them but also due to the communities they created. These are passionate, online communities who share a vision or inside joke. For many of these groups, it’s not just about profit—it’s about the engagement, the memes, and the fun shared by like-minded individuals.
The rocket-like popularity of these coins since then largely thrives on social media platforms. Meme culture itself, which is inherently viral, ties directly into the success of these coins. This means their value can skyrocket, all hinging on the buzz they generate online. Essentially, internet culture and the enthusiasm of these dedicated communities are the bedrock of meme coins’ popularity.
One thing to always keep in mind if you’re thinking about diving into meme coins is their volatility. Unlike traditional investments, these are like the wildcards of finance—exciting and potentially rewarding, but also a test of nerves. Always keep a close eye on trends and stay in tune with the heartbeat of online discussions, as that’s often where the next big move in the value might be hinted. So here is a list of meme coins and their history, at least some of the more well kno
Dogecoin: The Birth of a Phenomenon
Dogecoin sprang to life in 2013 as a playful twist on the booming cryptocurrency scene. Created by software engineers Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer, it was initially meant to poke fun at the flood of new digital currencies popping up at the time. What started as a lighthearted jest, however, quickly took on a life of its own, becoming a beloved staple in the crypto community.
Dogecoin managed to capture the hearts of many through its welcoming and charitable community. From sponsoring the Jamaican bobsled team to funding clean water projects in Kenya, Dogecoin enthusiasts, known as ‘Shibes’, showed the world the good that could come out of digital currency humor. This community-driven spirit is arguably the most enduring trait of Dogecoin, proving that crypto doesn’t always have to be cutthroat trades and financial jargon.
The meteoric rise of Dogecoin also demonstrated the power of internet culture—a mix of memes, online celebrities, and viral moments that propelled its status. With endorsements from high-profile figures like Elon Musk, affectionately dubbed the ‘Dogefather’, Dogecoin surged in both fame and value. This kind of growth highlighted how social influence and memes can intertwine to create substantial market impacts.
Though originally conceived as a ‘fun and friendly’ currency, Dogecoin’s ripple effect extended far beyond casual jests. It established itself as a legitimate cryptocurrency, pushing conversations around the decentralization of finance and the role of community. Dogecoin showcased the potential of grassroots marketing, relying heavily on humor and online culture as mediums.
For newcomers thinking about getting involved, Dogecoin offers lessons in the balancing act of risk and community spirit. While it can be tempting to jump in due to its viral fame, understanding the nature of its fluctuations and the driving forces behind its value is crucial. Observing trends and being active in its community might just be the best strategy for those venturing into this crypto haven.
I did have some Dogecoin for awhile on the investment platform known as Robinhood. It didn’t really do much in value during the time I had and I initially got into it because of the popularity that Dogecoin was going through at the time. It has recently gone up a little bit and remains one of the top meme coins out there especially in marketcap and because of its marketcap, it makes up the top ten cryptos out there. I might purchase some more of it in the future.
Shiba Inu: The ‘Dogecoin Killer’
Shiba Inu entered the stage with grand ambitions, branding itself as the ‘Dogecoin Killer’. This Ethereum-based token was created anonymously in August 2020 by a person or group known as Ryoshi. Its aim was to ride the meme coin wave, capitalizing on the internet’s love for the Shiba Inu dog breed, the same popular image that helped propel Dogecoin to stardom.
What makes Shiba Inu stand out is its ecosystem complexity. It’s not just a meme token—for real, it’s part of a bigger picture. The developers introduced the ShibaSwap exchange and a trio of tokens (SHIB, LEASH, and BONE) designed to give users a more comprehensive DeFi experience. This effort to offer actual utility alongside memes gives Shiba Inu a different edge in the meme coin market.
Shiba Inu’s rapid rise shocked many in the crypto world. It’s like that scrappy underdog story where despite starting with a modest valuation, it skyrocketed due to grassroots support from what became known as the ‘ShibArmy’. This community, massive and vocal, played a huge role in pushed its market cap into the billions, emphasizing just how influential internet-based communities can be.
Comparatively, Shiba Inu offers an interesting case of both similarity and contrast to Dogecoin. While they share that meme culture origin and a beloved dog mascot, Shiba Inu ventures deeper into the DeFi space, presenting itself not just as a joke but as a legitimate player in the decentralized finance arena. This distinction could be a sign of where meme coins might head if they wish to stay relevant beyond viral trends.
Anyone eyeing Shiba Inu should consider the nuances beyond its meme appeal. Understanding ShibaSwap and the ecosystem could be key to anticipating its future movements. Since the value can swing wildly, keeping an eye on community discussions and market changes remains crucial for anyone thinking about jumping aboard this canine-inspired crypto.
I do currently posess Shiba Inu and honestly, I have the most of amount of Shiba Inu (in terms of total tokens) coins when compared to all the other cryptos that I have. With that being said though, Shiba Inu is not even worth a penny. Why, you may ask? Well, the developers created A TON of Shiba Inu tokens as in hundreds of TRILLIONS of them. The price of Shiba Inu is just fractions of a penny, but that’s not to say it hasn’t been worth it for people who invested in it, quite the contrary.
One thing I will have to say about the developers of Shiba Inu is that they have created one heck of an ecosystem for the coin, as mentioned above. One thing that they have also done is created what’s called a burm mechanism meaning that Shiba Inu tokens are sent to an address where they can’t be recovered. This means that in the long term, the supply of Shiba Inu will dwindle and the price might eventually increase. Shiba Inu is one of the few meme coins that I do recommend investing in (I’m not a financial advisor, invest at your own risk!).
PEPE and BONK: The Next Big Thing in Meme Coins
PEPE and BONK are among the freshest faces in the meme coin universe, each trying to carve out a niche with their unique offerings and comedic charm. As spin-offs from the energized meme coin movement, they harness humor and community spirit to capture attention.
PEPE is inspired by the infamous Pepe the Frog meme, and it resonates strongly with internet meme lovers. Aiming to replicate the viral successes of predecessors, PEPE capitalizes on a blend of humor, nostalgia, and meme culture. It’s like joining a club where everyone gets the joke, and the currency reflects that communal in-joke vibe.
BONK, on the other side, promotes itself as a community-driven meme coin. Its creators market BONK as a fun alternative that’s easy to use, with a goal to unite both new and existing crypto enthusiasts. This inclusive angle, paired with a playful spin on the ‘bonking’ meme, helps BONK foster a welcoming community atmosphere.
Both PEPE and BONK lean heavily on their respective communities for upward momentum. Their success stories are written in social media posts, meme creations, and the buzz generated by fans. This strategy of leveraging viral content and humor blends into the very lifeblood of these coins, drawing energy and value from online interactions.
For those looking to explore these new meme coins, consider the driving power of cultural trends and community engagement. Being part of the conversation online and understanding the meme references at play can offer valuable insights into potential investment opportunities. It’s all about keeping up with the community pulse and the trending jokes that steer these coins.
I haven’t invested in any of them at this time, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t. They have both increased in value at this time, but similar to Shiba Inu, they both have trillons of coins. It remains to be seen whether they will still be popular in the long term.
A Comprehensive List of Other Meme Coins and Emerging Trends
The world of meme coins stretches far beyond just Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, PEPE, and BONK. There’s a whole slew of other contenders trying to capture the hearts and laughter of crypto enthusiasts. Coins like MonaCoin, Hoge Finance, and Akita Inu each bring their own unique twist to the meme coin game, offering diversity in both concept and community.
MonaCoin is a pioneer out of Japan, building a reputation on its home turf with a cat-like charm that aims to engage a local audience while still inviting international attention. Hoge Finance differentiates itself with a unique supply-deflationary mechanism, adding a layer of financial intrigue on top of its meme appeal.
Then there’s Akita Inu, which like Shiba Inu, plays into the ongoing fascination with Shiba Inu-themed tokens. Positioned as another ‘Dogecoin alternative’, its narrative continues to showcase how a shared internet culture around a beloved pet can evolve into a growing market presence.
New meme coins are always emerging, each fueled by the latest internet meme or trend, ready to capture lightning in a bottle. This fast-paced part of the crypto world means that staying updated with the latest releases and understanding their cultural underpinnings can be as entertaining as it is challenging.
For anyone considering investing in meme coins, the advice is simple: know the community and the memes that fuel these coins. Be playful, but also alert. Embrace both the fun and the inherent risks of this unpredictable market, while keeping an ear to the ground for the latest trends and discussions driving these digital assets.
Personally, I tend to steer away from meme coins, though Shiba Inu is the lone exception at the moment. People have definitely made money with them, so not saying they are not worth getting into, but I much prefer cryptocurrencies that have a true function or utility, something that is solving a real world problem and will be around for a long time because of that. Meme coins will definitely be around for awhile especially with new ones popping up. I have even heard of a joke one coming around made in the image of the current chairman of the SEC. As always, do your research and find a meme coin or other crypto that fits what you’re looking for.