Crypto

Top 5 Memecoins of 2024

Analyzing Trading Volume, Social Impact, and Whale Moves

Julia Gerstein
20.12.2024
14 min
385

    Despite being outperformed by major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, as of the end of 2024, memecoins collectively sustain billions of dollars in trading activity, highlighting their strong community support, speculative momentum, and increasing relevance in crypto culture. 

    Year-to-Date (YTD) Real Trading Volume for Memecoins: Dogecoin leads with $583B, followed by Shiba Inu ($207B) and Pepe ($323B), showcasing the growing influence of memecoins in the crypto market. Source: Messari

    Dogecoin alone, for instance, holds trading volume comparable to mid-tier assets like XRP ($663B), underscoring its staying power as the leading memecoin.

    Year-to-Date (YTD) Real Trading Volume for Top Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin leads the market with $8.15T, followed by Tether at $15.38T and Ethereum at $3.81T, showcasing the dominance of blue-chip crypto assets. Source: Messari

    Dogecoin (DOGE)

    Dogecoin's 2024 Performance: A Year of Resurgence and Explosive Growth, Highlighted by a 485% Surge in Q4, Traded Against USDT on Binance Source: TradingView.com

    Over the year, Dogecoin's price has shown significant growth, increasing by approximately 485%. The chart currently reflects a strong upward trend, particularly in the final quarter of the year, where growth was most pronounced. After a relatively stable period during the first half of the year, with minor price fluctuations between January and August, the first signs of upward momentum appeared in September, as the price began to inch higher. The real breakthrough, however, occurred in November, when Dogecoin experienced a parabolic surge, skyrocketing from approximately $0.08 to a peak near $0.48. This massive rally was fueled by increased trading volumes and renewed market enthusiasm, firmly placing Dogecoin back in the spotlight. As of December, the price has stabilized in the $0.40-$0.41 range, maintaining a strong bullish posture and signaling sustained investor confidence. 

    Dogecoin's Market Cap Soars in 2024: A Steady Climb Turns Parabolic in Q4, Reaching $70B Amid Surging Market Activity. Source: coinmarketcap.com/view/memes/dogecoin

    Dogecoin's market cap saw a dramatic rise from approximately $10B at the start of 2024 to over $62B by early December, with the most significant growth occurring in Q4. After a relatively stable period from January to August, where the market cap fluctuated between $8B and $12B, the first signs of upward momentum emerged in September, as renewed market interest and increasing trading activity pushed the market cap past the $20B mark. The real breakthrough, however, came in November, when Dogecoin experienced a parabolic surge, driven by a combination of heightened trading volumes, growing community enthusiasm, and a bullish sentiment in the broader crypto market. By early December, Dogecoin’s market cap had peaked near $70B before stabilizing at approximately $62.41B, cementing its place as one of the top-performing assets of the year.

    Dogecoin's Twitter Following in 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 approximately 7.4% over the past year, gaining nearly 290,000 followers. While the first half of the year showed minimal growth, a more notable increase occurred in Q4, aligning with Dogecoin's market cap rally and increased market activity. This highlights how price performance and social media buzz are interconnected, with followers reacting positively to significant market 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 throughout 2024 was heavily influenced by whale activity, with significant fluctuations observed during key periods. Early in the year, May and September stood out as notable accumulation phases, where wallets holding 100 million+ DOGE saw sharp increases in transaction volumes. These movements often correlated with price volatility, indicating that whales were strategically buying large amounts of DOGE and later redistributing holdings for short-term profits. By mid-July, wallets holding 1 million to 10 million DOGE also displayed heightened activity, likely signaling preparation for market shifts. The months of November and December witnessed renewed whale confidence, as wallets holding 10 million to 100 million DOGE showed a surge in transactions alongside a notable price rally. These year-end movements suggested a resurgence of bullish sentiment among large holders. Overall, whale wallets played a pivotal role in shaping Dogecoin's trading momentum throughout the year, driving accumulation during market lows and capitalizing on gains during periods of increased market interest.

    Shiba Inu (SHIB) 

    Shiba Inu's 2024 Performance: A Year of Volatility and Growth, Highlighted by a Massive Q1 Rally and a Strong Rebound in Q4, Traded Against USDT on KuCoin. Source: TradingView.com

    Over the year, Shiba Inu's price has demonstrated significant volatility and growth, marking key movements throughout 2024. The chart reveals an explosive rally in March, where SHIB surged from a relatively stagnant price of around $0.00001 to a peak near $0.00005, driven by a sharp increase in trading volumes and heightened market interest. Following this parabolic move, the price corrected sharply, stabilizing around $0.00002 during the mid-year months (April to August), with fluctuations indicative of market consolidation and cooling sentiment.

    The first signs of a renewed uptrend emerged in September, as Shiba Inu gradually gained momentum, breaking through resistance levels in October. The rally accelerated significantly in November, with SHIB climbing from $0.00002 to a peak near $0.000033 in December. This upward momentum was accompanied by a clear spike in trading volumes, reflecting growing investor confidence and renewed enthusiasm in the broader crypto market.

    As of mid-December, Shiba Inu's price has stabilized around the $0.000027 range, maintaining a strong support zone and signaling the potential for continued bullish sentiment heading into the next year. The sustained trading activity underscores SHIB's resilience and ongoing appeal to traders and investors alike.

    Shiba Inu's Market Cap Resurgence: A Dramatic Climb in Early 2021 Peaks at $40B, Followed by a Consolidation Phase Before Regaining Momentum in 2024, Surpassing $20B Amid Renewed Investor Interest. Source: coinmarketcap.com

    Shiba Inu's market cap experienced a remarkable resurgence throughout 2024, starting the year at around $5B before steadily climbing to exceed $20B by December. The first half of the year saw relatively muted growth, with market cap fluctuations between $5B and $8B as investor sentiment remained cautious. However, momentum began building in Q3, fueled by increasing trading volumes and renewed interest in the memecoin sector. The real breakout occurred in early Q4, as Shiba Inu's market cap surged past the $10B mark and continued its upward trajectory, peaking at over $20B. This rally was driven by a combination of factors, including increased adoption, whale activity, and a general bullish sentiment across the cryptocurrency market. By the end of the year, Shiba Inu maintained a strong position near the $18B-$20B range, reflecting sustained investor confidence and solidifying its status as a leading memecoin contender.

    Shiba Inu’s Twitter Following in 2024: Early Year Surge Followed by Stability and a Late Q4 Uptick, Indicating Sustained Community Support and Growing Market Optimism. Source: coindive.app/currencies/shiba-inu

    Shiba Inu’s Twitter following expanded by approximately 8.2% throughout 2024, adding nearly 320,000 new followers. The year started with a sharp surge in follower count during Q1, driven by increased market hype and community engagement. Growth stabilized during the middle of the year but picked up momentum again in Q4, coinciding with Shiba Inu’s price rally and rising trading activity. This reflects the strong link between Shiba Inu’s social media presence and its market performance, as renewed optimism fueled both follower growth and investor interest.

    Pepe (PEPE)

    Pepe's 2024 Performance: A Year of Volatility and Exponential Gains, Marked by a Parabolic Rally in Q4, Reaching a Peak of $0.00002848 on OKX. Source: TradingView.com

    Over the year, Pepe's price has demonstrated substantial volatility, ultimately delivering impressive gains, particularly in the final quarter of 2024. After a relatively steady climb between January and May, where the price fluctuated within a narrow range, Pepe saw its first major breakout in March, surging to a local high near $0.000015. However, this rally was followed by a period of correction and consolidation throughout the summer months, with the price retreating and stabilizing around the $0.000008–$0.000012 range.

    The real momentum shift occurred in November, as renewed market enthusiasm and a surge in trading volumes propelled Pepe into a parabolic rally. The price skyrocketed from approximately $0.000012 to an all-time peak of $0.00002848 in early December. This explosive growth was driven by a combination of heightened investor interest, broader bullish sentiment in the memecoin sector, and significant whale activity.

    As of mid-December, the price has stabilized around the $0.000023–$0.000024 range, consolidating its gains and maintaining a strong upward posture. This recent performance highlights Pepe's resilience and growing prominence in the memecoin market, with investor confidence remaining high as the year draws to a close.

    Pepe's Market Cap Surge in 2024: A Steady Rise Turns Explosive in Q4, Reaching Over $10B Following Renewed Market Hype and Increased Trading Volumes. Source: coinmarketcap.com

    Pepe's market cap demonstrated a dramatic resurgence throughout 2024, starting the year at approximately $500M before skyrocketing to over $10B by December. The first half of the year remained relatively quiet, with the market cap hovering between $500M and $1B as investor interest in memecoins stayed subdued. Signs of upward momentum began to emerge in Q3, particularly in August, when Pepe's market cap broke past $4B, fueled by heightened trading volumes and increased market participation. The real breakout, however, occurred in Q4, when renewed investor enthusiasm and rising whale activity propelled the market cap to a peak of over $10B. This parabolic surge was further supported by bullish market sentiment and increased adoption within the crypto community. By year-end, Pepe's market cap stabilized around $8B-$10B, signaling strong investor confidence and cementing its position as one of the standout performers in the memecoin space for 2024.

    Pepe's Twitter Following in 2024: A Rapid Surge in Q1 Reaching Over 700K, Followed by Steady Growth and a Strong Q4 Rally, Reflecting Renewed Community Engagement and Increased Market Buzz. Source: coindive.app/currencies/pepe

    Pepe's Twitter following expanded by approximately 27% throughout 2024, adding over 150,000 new followers. The year began with a sharp surge in Q1, as Pepe gained traction amid growing market hype and strong community backing. Following this rapid increase, follower growth stabilized between Q2 and Q3, reflecting a period of consolidation as market sentiment cooled. However, momentum reignited in Q4, driven by Pepe’s price rally and increased trading volumes, which attracted renewed investor attention and community engagement. This highlights the strong correlation between Pepe’s social media growth and its market performance, as rising optimism and market activity fueled both price action and community expansion.

    dogwifhat (WIF)

    WIF's 2024 Performance: A Year of Volatility and Recovery, Marked by a Q4 Surge to $4.48, Driven by Renewed Market Interest and Increased Trading Activity. Traded Against USDT on Binance. Source: TradingView.com

    Over the year, WIF's price has demonstrated notable volatility followed by a strong recovery, ultimately surging in Q4. The chart highlights a turbulent first half, with significant price swings between March and June, where WIF peaked at $4.48 before retracing sharply to sub-$1 levels by mid-year. From July through September, the price remained relatively stable, fluctuating within a narrow range between $1.00 and $1.80 as market sentiment consolidated.

    The turning point came in October, as WIF's price began gaining upward momentum, supported by growing trading volumes and increased market interest. The real breakthrough occurred in November, when WIF surged from approximately $2.00 to a Q4 high of $4.48. This sharp rally was fueled by renewed enthusiasm in the memecoin sector and bullish sentiment across the broader crypto market.

    As of December, WIF's price has retraced slightly, stabilizing around the $2.80-$3.00 range. Despite the pullback, the asset maintains a strong bullish posture, with sustained trading activity and investor confidence signaling the potential for further gains as the market moves into the new year.

    WIF's Market Cap in 2024: A Year of Volatility and Q4 Breakout, Peaking Near $4B Amid Renewed Market Interest and Increased Trading Activity. Source: coinmarketcap.com

    WIF's market cap experienced significant volatility and growth throughout 2024, beginning the year at approximately $200M before surging to a peak near $4B by December. The initial months of the year saw a sharp rise in March, driven by increasing trading activity and a growing interest in the memecoin sector, with the market cap climbing to over $2B. This upward momentum, however, faced intermittent corrections through Q2 and Q3, as WIF’s market cap fluctuated between $1B and $2B amidst broader market uncertainty. The real breakout came in Q4, particularly in November, when renewed investor enthusiasm and strong whale activity fueled a parabolic surge, pushing the market cap to its peak of $4B. By year-end, WIF’s market cap stabilized in the $2.5B-$3B range, reflecting sustained investor confidence and highlighting its emergence as a major contender in the memecoin landscape for 2024.

    WIF's Twitter Following in 2024: A Steady Climb from 20K to Over 120K, Marked by Accelerated Growth in Q1 and Q4, Highlighting Rising Community Interest and Sustained Engagement Amid Market Volatility. Source: coindive.app/currencies/wif

    WIF's Twitter following grew by approximately 60% throughout 2024, adding over 100,000 new followers. The year started with a steady increase in Q1, as WIF gained attention from early adopters and market buzz around emerging memecoins. Growth continued at a slower pace through Q2 and Q3, reflecting a phase of market consolidation and reduced hype. The real surge occurred in Q4, coinciding with WIF’s significant price rally and heightened trading activity, which reignited investor interest and community enthusiasm. This strong correlation between WIF’s social media growth and market performance underscores the critical role of community engagement in sustaining momentum within the memecoin sector.

    Bonk (BONK)

    BONK's 2024 Performance: A Volatile Year Marked by Steady Gains and a Parabolic Q4 Rally, Surging to New Highs Amid Growing Market Enthusiasm, Traded Against USDT on Binance. Source: TradingView.com

    Over the year, BONK’s price experienced significant volatility but closed 2024 with a remarkable surge, increasing by over 400%. The first half of the year was characterized by a series of sharp price movements, including peaks in March and June, where BONK briefly rallied before retracing. Between July and October, the price stabilized, fluctuating within a narrow range as market activity cooled and investor sentiment remained cautious. However, momentum began building in early November, when BONK broke out of its consolidation phase, signaling renewed market enthusiasm.

    The real breakthrough occurred later in November, when BONK’s price skyrocketed from approximately $0.00020 to a peak near $0.00065. This explosive parabolic move was driven by surging trading volumes, increased whale activity, and a bullish sentiment in the broader crypto market. By early December, the price retraced slightly and stabilized around $0.00035-$0.00038, maintaining a strong upward trajectory and signaling continued investor confidence. BONK’s late-year surge firmly placed it in the spotlight as one of the standout performers in the memecoin sector for 2024. 

    BONK's Market Cap in 2024: A Volatile Journey Marked by a Parabolic Q4 Rally, Surging to Nearly $4B Before Stabilizing, Driven by Heightened Market Activity and Memecoin Enthusiasm. Source: coinmarketcap.com

    BONK's market cap showcased substantial volatility and growth throughout 2024, starting the year at approximately $900M before peaking near $4B in December. The year began with a period of relative stability until March, when a sharp surge pushed BONK’s market cap past the $2B mark, driven by rising trading volumes and increased market interest in memecoins. The second and third quarters were characterized by a series of corrections, as the market cap oscillated between $1.5B and $2B, reflecting a consolidation phase amidst broader crypto market uncertainty. The true breakout occurred in Q4, particularly in November, when BONK experienced a parabolic rally, fueled by renewed investor enthusiasm, heightened community engagement, and strong whale activity. This surge propelled BONK’s market cap to a peak of $4B before correcting slightly. By the end of the year, BONK stabilized around the $2.5B-$3B range, solidifying its position as one of the standout performers in the memecoin sector for 2024.

    WIF's Twitter Following in 2024: A Steady Climb from 200K to Over 350K, Marked by Accelerated Growth in Q2 and Q4, Highlighting Rising Community Engagement and Renewed Market Buzz. Source: coindive.app/currencies/wif

    BONK's Twitter following grew by approximately 70% throughout 2024, rising from 200K to over 350K followers. The year began with steady growth in Q1, fueled by increasing buzz around BONK and strong community engagement as it gained traction in the memecoin sector. Momentum accelerated sharply in Q2, with the follower count surpassing 287K by mid-May, driven by heightened investor interest and social media activity. Growth stabilized during Q3, reflecting a cooling period for the broader market, as BONK's follower count plateaued near the 300K mark. However, Q4 saw a resurgence, coinciding with BONK's notable price rally and increased trading volumes, which reignited enthusiasm within the community and pushed the follower count past 350K by December. This steady rise underscores BONK’s growing presence and highlights the strong link between its market performance and the expansion of its social media base, cementing its position as a key player in the memecoin space.

    Conclusion

    The memecoin sector proved its resilience and growing relevance in 2024, fueled by a combination of speculative enthusiasm, robust community engagement, and significant market activity. While traditional cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum dominated the market in terms of trading volume, memecoins like Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, Pepe, WIF, and BONK collectively captured billions of dollars in trading volume, underscoring their position as cultural phenomena within the crypto space.

    Dogecoin, the undisputed leader, showcased its staying power with explosive growth in Q4, marked by a dramatic surge in price, market cap, and social media activity. Shiba Inu demonstrated resilience through a year of volatility, with strong rebounds driven by renewed investor confidence and whale accumulation. Pepe emerged as a standout performer, fueled by parabolic gains in Q4 and a growing social media following. WIF and BONK, two rising stars, solidified their positions with notable Q4 rallies, supported by surging market caps, increased whale activity, and accelerated community engagement on platforms like Twitter.

    The performance of these top memecoins reflects a broader trend: memecoins are no longer merely speculative assets but integral components of the crypto market, driven by community-driven momentum, market sentiment, and strategic whale movements. As 2024 concludes, the sustained growth of memecoins highlights their increasing influence, signaling that investor enthusiasm and cultural relevance will continue to shape the sector in the year ahead.

    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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