Crypto

Top 5 Memecoins of 2024

Analyzing Trading Volume, Social Impact, and Whale Moves

Julia Gerstein
20.12.2024
12 min
4.4K
    Top 5 Memecoins of 2024

    Despite being outperformed by big coins like Bitcoin, at the end of 2024 memecoins have billions of dollars in trading volume, showing strong community support, speculation and increasing relevance in crypto culture.

    YTD Real Trading Volume for Memecoins: Dogecoin leads with $583B, followed by Shiba Inu ($207B) and Pepe ($323B). Source: Messari

    Dogecoin alone has trading volume comparable to mid-tier coins like XRP ($663B), it’s a staying power as the top memecoin.

    YTD Real Trading Volume for Top Coins: Bitcoin leads with $8.15T, followed by Tether at $15.38T and Ethereum at $3.81T. Source: Messari

    Dogecoin (DOGE)

    Dogecoin 2024 Performance: A Year of Comeback and Explosive Growth, 485% in Q4, vs USDT on Binance Source: TradingView.com

    Throughout the year Dogecoin has grown significantly, up around 485%. The chart shows a strong uptrend, especially in the last quarter of the year, where the growth was most pronounced. After a relatively flat period in the first half of the year, with minor price movements between January and August, the first signs of up movement appeared in September, when the price started to go up. The real breakout happened in November, when Dogecoin went parabolic, from around $0.08 to $0.48. This massive move was driven by increased trading volume and market hype, putting Dogecoin back in the spotlight. As of December the price has stabilized in the $0.40-$0.41 range, still bullish and showing investor confidence.

    Dogecoin Market Cap 2024: A steady climb turns parabolic in Q4, reaches $70B. Source: coinmarketcap.com/view/memes/dogecoin

    Dogecoin’s market cap went from around $10B at the beginning of 2024 to over $62B by December, with most of the growth happening in Q4. After a flat period from January to August where the market cap fluctuated between $8B and $12B, the first signs of up movement appeared in September, when the market cap went past $20B. The real breakout happened in November, when Dogecoin went parabolic, driven by increased trading volume, growing community and a bullish sentiment in the broader crypto market. By December Dogecoin’s market cap peaked at around $70B and then stabilized at $62.41B, making it one of the top performing assets of the year.

    Dogecoin Twitter Followers 2024: A steady climb with a Q4 boost, reflecting renewed market hype and community interest. Source: coindive.app/currencies/dogecoin

    Dogecoin’s Twitter account grew by around 7.4% over the past year, gaining almost 290,000 followers. While the first half of the year was flat, the second half saw more growth, aligning with Dogecoin’s market cap rally and increased market activity. This shows how price and social media are connected, with followers reacting to big price movements.

    DOGE Whale Activity Over 2024

    DOGE Whale Activity Over 2024

    DOGE Whale Activity Over 2024

    DOGE Whale Activity Over 2024

    DOGE Whale Activity Over 2024

    DOGE Whale Activity Over 2024

    DOGE Whale Activity Over 2024

    Dogecoin’s price action in 2024 was heavily influenced by whale activity, with notable movements during key periods. In the beginning of the year, May and September were accumulation phases where wallets holding 100 million+ DOGE saw big increases in transaction volume. These moves often correlated with price volatility, meaning whales were buying large amounts of DOGE and later selling for short term profits. By mid-July wallets holding 1 million to 10 million DOGE were active, likely preparing for market shifts. November and December saw whale confidence back, as wallets holding 10 million to 100 million DOGE had a big increase in transactions and a price rally. These year end moves suggested big holders were getting bullish again. Overall whale wallets played a big role in Dogecoin’s price action throughout the year, accumulating during market lows and profiting during periods of increased market interest.

    Shiba Inu (SHIB) 

    Shiba Inu 2024: A year of volatility and growth, massive Q1 rally and strong Q4 rebound. Traded against USDT on KuCoin. Source: TradingView.com

    Shiba Inu’s price has been very volatile and growing throughout 2024. The chart shows a big move in March where SHIB went from a stagnant price of around $0.00001 to $0.00005, driven by increased trading volume and market hype. After the parabolic move the price corrected sharply and stabilized around $0.00002 during the mid-year months (April to August) with fluctuations showing market consolidation and cooling off.

    The first signs of an uptrend emerged in September, Shiba Inu started to gain momentum, breaking resistance in October. The rally accelerated in November, SHIB went from $0.00002 to $0.000033 in December. This move was accompanied by a big increase in trading volume, showing growing investor confidence and renewed interest in the broader crypto market.As of mid-December Shiba Inu is trading around $0.000027, in a strong support zone and looking to continue the bullish trend into next year. The sustained trading activity shows SHIB’s resilience and ongoing appeal to traders and investors.

    Shiba Inu Market Cap 2024: Big climb in early 2021 peaks at $40B, consolidates and then regains momentum in 2024, surpasses $20B with renewed investor interest. Source: coinmarketcap.com

    Shiba Inu’s market cap had a big resurgence in 2024, starting the year around $5B and going up to $20B by December. The first half of the year was relatively flat, with market cap fluctuations between $5B and $8B as investors were cautious. But momentum started to build in Q3 with increasing trading volume and renewed interest in the memecoin space. The real breakout was in early Q4 when Shiba Inu’s market cap went past $10B and continued to go up, peaking at over $20B. This move was driven by a combination of factors, increased adoption, whale activity and general bullishness in the crypto market. By the end of the year Shiba Inu was trading in the $18B-$20B range, showing sustained investor confidence and solidifying its position as a top memecoin.

    Shiba Inu Twitter 2024: Early year surge, then stability and a late Q4 bump, showing continued community support and growing market optimism. Source: coindive.app/currencies/shiba-inu

    Shiba Inu’s Twitter following grew by around 8.2% in 2024, adding almost 320,000 followers. The year started with a big surge in Q1 driven by market hype and community engagement. Growth was flat in the middle of the year and then picked up in Q4 when Shiba Inu’s price and trading activity increased. This shows the strong correlation between Shiba Inu’s social media and market performance, as renewed optimism fueled both follower growth and investor interest.

    Pepe (PEPE)

    Pepe 2024: A year of volatility and exponential growth, parabolic rally in Q4, reached $0.00002848 on OKX. Source: TradingView.com

    Pepe’s price has been very volatile and delivered big gains throughout the year, especially in Q4. After a steady climb between January and May where the price was ranging, Pepe had its first big move in March and reached a local high of $0.000015. Then it corrected and consolidated throughout the summer and the price went down and stabilized around $0.000008-$0.000012.

    The real momentum started in November when market enthusiasm and trading volume surged and Pepe went parabolic. The price went from $0.000012 to an all-time high of $0.00002848 in early December. This was driven by renewed investor interest, memecoin sector bullishness and big whale activity.

    As of mid-December the price is ranging around $0.000023-$0.000024, consolidating the gains and looking strong. This recent move shows Pepe’s resilience and growing presence in the memecoin space, investors are still very confident as the year ends.

    Pepe Market Cap 2024: Steady climb turns explosive in Q4, reaches over $10B with renewed market hype and increased trading volume. Source: coinmarketcap.com

    Pepe’s market cap had a big surge throughout 2024, started the year around $500M and went to over $10B by December. The first half of the year was quiet, the market cap was ranging between $500M and $1B as memecoin interest was low. Signs of up move started in Q3, especially in August when Pepe’s market cap broke $4B, fueled by increased trading volume and market participation. The real breakout was in Q4 when renewed investor interest and whale activity pushed the market cap to over $10B. This parabolic move was supported by bullish market and increased adoption in the crypto space. By the end of the year Pepe’s market cap was ranging $8B-$10B, showing strong investor confidence and solidifying its position as one of the top performers in the memecoin space for 2024.

    Pepe Twitter 2024: Big surge in Q1 to 700K, then steady growth and strong Q4, reflecting renewed community interest and market hype. Source: coindive.app/currencies/pepe

    Pepe’s Twitter following grew by around 27% in 2024, adding over 150,000 followers. The year started with a big surge in Q1 as Pepe gained traction with growing market hype and strong community backing. Then follower growth was steady between Q2 and Q3 as market cooled down. But momentum picked up in Q4 as Pepe’s price and trading volume increased and attracted renewed investor interest and community engagement. This shows the strong correlation between Pepe’s social media and market performance as optimism and market activity drove both price and growth.

    dogwifhat (WIF)

    WIF 2024: A year of volatility and recovery, Q4 surge to $4.48, driven by renewed market interest and trading volume. Traded on Binance against USDT. Source: TradingView.com

    WIF’s price was very volatile and recovered well over the year, surged in Q4. The chart shows a wild first half, with big price swings between March and June where WIF peaked at $4.48 and then retracted to sub-$1 by mid-year. Then the price was stable between July and September, ranging between $1.00 and $1.80 as market cooled down.

    The turning point was in October when WIF started to move up, supported by growing trading volume and market interest. The real move was in November when WIF went from around $2.00 to a Q4 high of $4.48. This big move was driven by renewed memecoin sector hype and bullish sentiment across the crypto space.

    As of December WIF’s price is pulling back slightly, ranging $2.80-$3.00. Despite the pullback, WIF is still very bullish, with sustained trading activity and investor confidence signaling more upside as we move into the new year.

    WIF Market Cap 2024: A year of volatility and Q4 breakout, peaked near $4B with renewed market interest and trading volume. Source: coinmarketcap.com

    WIF’s market cap was very volatile and grew throughout 2024, started the year around $200M and went to $4B by December. The first half of the year was a big surge in March, driven by increasing trading volume and growing memecoin interest, with the market cap reaching over $2B. The up move was interrupted by corrections in Q2 and Q3, WIF’s market cap was ranging between $1B and $2B as the broader market was uncertain. The real breakout was in Q4, especially in November when renewed investor interest and strong whale activity pushed the market cap to $4B. By the end of the year WIF’s market cap was ranging $2.5B-$3B, showing strong investor confidence and solidifying its position as one of the top memecoin performers for 2024.

    WIF’s Twitter 2024: A steady climb from 20K to over 120K, accelerated growth in Q1 and Q4, showing growing community interest and sustained engagement despite market volatility. Source: coindive.app/currencies/wif

    WIF’s Twitter following grew by around 60% in 2024, adding over 100,000 followers. The year started with a steady growth in Q1 as WIF got attention from early adopters and market buzz around new memecoins. Growth was slower in Q2 and Q3 as the market consolidated and hype died down. The real surge was in Q4, when WIF’s price and trading volume increased and investor interest and community enthusiasm picked up. This shows the strong correlation between WIF’s social media and market performance as community engagement is key to sustaining momentum in the memecoin space.

    Bonk (BONK)

    BONK 2024: A wild year with steady gains and a parabolic Q4, surged to new highs as market got more bullish, traded on Binance against USDT. Source: TradingView.com

    BONK’s price was very volatile but ended 2024 with a big surge, up over 400%. The first half of the year was a series of big price moves, with peaks in March and June where BONK rallied then retracted. Between July and October the price was stable, ranging between $0.00010 and $0.00020 as the market cooled down and investor sentiment was cautious. But momentum started building in early November when BONK broke out of its consolidation phase, showing renewed market interest.

    The real move was in late November when BONK’s price went from around $0.00020 to a peak near $0.00065. This parabolic move was driven by increasing trading volume, whale activity and bullish sentiment across the crypto space. By early December the price pulled back slightly and stabilized around $0.00035-$0.00038, still very bullish and showing investor confidence. BONK’s late year surge put it in the spotlight as one of the top performers in the memecoin space for 2024

    BONK’s 2024 Market Cap: A wild ride with a parabolic Q4, surged to almost $4B before stabilizing, driven by increased market activity and memecoin hype. Source: coinmarketcap.com

    BONK’s market cap was very volatile and grew throughout 2024, started the year around $900M and peaked near $4B in December. The year started with a quiet period until March when a big surge pushed BONK’s market cap to over $2B, driven by increasing trading volume and memecoin interest. Q2 and Q3 were a series of corrections as the market cap ranged between $1.5B and $2B, reflecting a consolidation phase as the broader crypto market was uncertain. The real move was in Q4, especially in November when BONK had a parabolic rally, driven by renewed investor interest, community engagement and whale activity. This surge pushed BONK’s market cap to $4B before correcting. By the end of the year BONK stabilized around $2.5B-$3B, one of the top performers in the memecoin space for 2024.

    Bonks Twitter 2024: A steady climb from 200K to over 350K, accelerated growth in Q2 and Q4, showing growing community interest and renewed market buzz. Source: coindive.app/currencies/wif

    BONK’s Twitter following grew by around 70% in 2024, from 200K to over 350K. The year started with steady growth in Q1 as BONK gained traction in the memecoin space and the buzz around it increased. Q2 saw a big surge, with the follower count surpassing 287K by mid-May as investor interest and social media activity picked up. Q3 was quiet as the broader market cooled down and BONK’s follower count plateaued around 300K. But Q4 saw a resurgence as BONK’s price and trading volume increased and the community got excited again, pushing the follower count past 350K by December. This steady growth shows BONK’s growing presence and the strong correlation between its market performance and Twitter growth, solidifying its position in the memecoin space.

    Conclusion

    The memecoin space proved its strength and relevance in 2024 with a mix of speculation, community engagement and market activity. While traditional cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum dominated the volume, memecoins like Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, Pepe, WIF and BONK collectively traded billions of dollars in volume, they are cultural phenomena in the crypto space.

    Dogecoin was the clear winner with explosive growth in Q4, with a big price surge, market cap growth and social media activity. Shiba Inu was resilient through the year with strong bounces driven by renewed investor confidence and whale accumulation. Pepe was the surprise performer with parabolic growth in Q4 and growing Twitter following. WIF and BONK, the new kids on the block, had a big Q4 rally driven by growing market cap, whale activity and Twitter engagement.

    The performance of these top memecoins shows a bigger trend: memecoins are no longer just speculative assets but part of the crypto market, driven by community momentum, market sentiment and whale movements. As 2024 ends, the memecoin growth shows their increasing influence, and investor enthusiasm and cultural relevance will continue to shape the space in 2025

    Important: not investment advice!

    Remember, trading, investing and buying crypto involves risks. This information is intended for educational purposes only. Conduct your own research, consider your situation and goals and check with investment professionals before making any decisions.

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    Hi, I’m Julia Gerstein. My writing journey started in journalism, where I had the chance to contribute to some of the biggest names in the industry, including Rolling Stone. But as digital finance started reshaping the world, I found myself drawn to the space—breaking down complex crypto concepts for platforms like Cointelegraph and Cryptoglobe. By day, I write for Volet.com, a platform bridging the gap between crypto and traditional finance. By night, I’m still a published author, working on finishing my sci-fi saga and (hopefully) getting Book 2 out into the world! 🚀
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