Meme coin: what is it and how to make money on it — ASCN

A couple of years ago, the word “memecoin” sounded like a joke — something you’d chuckle at, not invest in. Fast forward to today, and those same “funny” coins can suddenly explode and hand out 1,000% profits in a week.
So what’s really going on? Are they a new symbol of financial freedom, another digital bubble, or just a hype-fueled game? Let’s break down how they work, why they’re blowing up the market in 2025, and whether anyone can actually make money from them.

What Exactly Is a Memecoin?

Hard to believe, but not every cryptocurrency is built to change the world or disrupt finance. Some exist purely to make people laugh, go viral — and sometimes, make a few holders absurdly rich in the process.

Memecoins are a tongue-in-cheek, yet surprisingly important corner of the crypto market. Here’s how to make sense of them.

The Simple Definition

A memecoin is a cryptocurrency inspired by a meme or a cultural trend. Most of them don’t bring any serious tech innovation to the table. Instead, they thrive on internet buzz and community hype.

The key thing is irony. These coins often parody the very idea of crypto itself — part humor, part trolling, part social experiment.

So What Makes Memecoins Different?

For starters — there’s usually no deep value behind them.
Their prices swing like crazy: up tenfold today, down tenfold tomorrow. And hype drives everything. They live and breathe on social media — X, Reddit, Telegram — where memes travel faster than news.

Compare that with Bitcoin, which positions itself as digital gold with limited supply, or Ethereum, the go-to platform for smart contracts. Memecoins? They’re usually simple tokens running on existing blockchains like Ethereum or Solana, without pretending to “revolutionize finance.”

The Power of Humor, Hype, and the Crowd

Memecoins thrive where people share, laugh, and react.

Their magic is virality. One clever meme or an Elon Musk tweet can breathe new life into a forgotten token. Remember when Musk just posted one word — “Doge”? DOGE instantly shot up by double digits. That’s the meme effect in action.

And humor lowers the entry barrier. Instead of parsing a 40-page whitepaper, you see a goofy Shiba Inu in a space helmet shouting “To the moon!” You laugh… and maybe buy a few coins just for fun.

Pro tip: funny doesn’t always mean profitable 😄

The Story of Memecoins and Their Rise to Fame

Memecoins actually have a pretty clear timeline — full of key moments, characters, and some real financial explosions. What started as a joke that nobody took seriously turned into an industry moving billions of dollars.

Dogecoin — The Grandfather of Memecoins

Dogecoin was born in 2013, created by two engineers — Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer. Their goal? To poke fun at how self-important the crypto scene was becoming. Instead of promising revolutions and “next-gen” blockchains, they launched a coin with a Shiba Inu dog and those now-legendary captions: “such wow, much coin.”

Here’s the fun part: DOGE was actually forked from Litecoin and uses the Proof-of-Work algorithm, just like Bitcoin.

In its early days, Dogecoin traded for fractions of a cent and mostly served as “internet tips.” But by 2021, thanks to an active community and a few casual tweets from Elon Musk, things went wild.

At one point in May 2021, Dogecoin’s market cap passed $90 billion. Yes, billion. That was the exact moment the “meme” officially crossed into mainstream finance.

Shiba Inu and the Era of “Dog Finance”

If Dogecoin is the father of memecoins, then Shiba Inu (SHIB) is its rebellious teenager. Launched in August 2020 by an anonymous creator known as Ryoshi, SHIB branded itself as the “Dogecoin killer.” In reality, it was another dog-themed token — but this time built on Ethereum and fueled by extreme community energy.

Shiba’s team pushed things further:
• they launched their own DEX — ShibaSwap,
• rolled out NFT collections,
• involved the community in development,
• and even teased a metaverse project called ShibaVerse.

That’s when the phrase “Dog Finance” caught on — describing this whole ecosystem of dog coins running on memes and pure volatility.

Here’s a wild story: in 2021, one early investor who put just $8,000 into SHIB ended up becoming a billionaire a year later. Sure, that’s a one-in-a-million case, but it keeps the legend alive — the dream of turning a joke coin into life-changing money.

The Power of Social Media, Elon Musk, and Reddit

Let’s be honest — without social media, memecoins would never have taken off. Between 2021 and 2025, several online spaces became the fuel behind this movement:

• Elon Musk — every tweet from him moves markets. He even called DOGE “the people’s crypto.”
• Reddit’s r/WallStreetBets — the same crew behind GameStop and AMC hype — helped push Dogecoin into the spotlight.
• X (Twitter) — the front line of meme battles, quick trades, and nonstop FOMO.
• TikTok — where viral challenges like “Let’s make Dogecoin $1” exploded.
• Telegram and Discord — the real coordination hubs for meme armies.

A new memecoin can launch in the morning, gain thousands of followers by evening, and hit CoinMarketCap’s trending list the next day. That’s how fast things move in meme land.

From Joke to Investment

Before 2020, memecoins were seen as harmless fun — digital jokes with no strings attached. But as their market caps started hitting billions, the tone changed. What used to be a meme became a trade. And not just for beginners. Many current holders are experienced traders or even funds that use memecoins as a tool for short-term speculation.

Here’s what shifted:

• Major exchanges began listing them alongside top altcoins. Suddenly, Dogecoin and Shiba Inu were sitting next to Ethereum and Cardano.

• Investors started treating them as part of high-risk, high-reward strategies — a small but wild slice of their portfolios.

• Developers began adding utility: staking, NFT integration, even gaming elements to keep users engaged.

• New meme projects appeared with actual use cases, trying to blend humor with function.

Top 10 Memecoins of 2025

By now, you’ve probably realized that memecoins aren’t just a random subgenre — they’re a world of their own. To get a feel for the landscape, here are the coins everyone’s talking about this year. Some are classics, others came out of nowhere — but all of them carry that mix of humor, chaos, and speculation that defines the meme economy.

Dogecoin (DOGE)

The OG of them all. Born in 2013 as a parody, Dogecoin has grown into a surprisingly resilient crypto asset. Built on Litecoin’s code, it runs on the Proof-of-Work algorithm, just like Bitcoin.

Its community is famously loyal, media attention never really fades, and Elon Musk still occasionally stirs the pot. Dogecoin is often used for small payments, tipping, and charity campaigns. Since 2022, Tesla has even accepted DOGE for certain merchandise — clothes, accessories, and a few exclusive online items.

A joke that outlived most serious projects — that’s DOGE in a nutshell.

Shiba Inu (SHIB)

Launched on Ethereum as an ERC-20 token, SHIB quickly became the “Dogecoin killer.” But instead of fading after the hype, it evolved. By 2025, the Shiba Inu ecosystem includes a decentralized exchange (ShibaSwap), several NFT projects, and its own test blockchain network Shibarium.

It’s less of a meme and more of a self-contained mini-DeFi world. And the community still calls the shots.

Pepe (PEPE)

You’ve definitely seen the frog. Based on the legendary internet meme, PEPE launched on Ethereum in 2023 and instantly exploded across social media.

It doesn’t promise fancy tech or utility — and that’s the point. PEPE thrives purely on hype and liquidity. It’s one of the most traded meme tokens of 2025, a favorite for short-term speculators chasing volatility.

Floki Inu (FLOKI)

Named after Elon Musk’s pet dog, FLOKI markets itself as “the meme coin with utility.” Beyond memes, it pushes NFT projects, runs an educational initiative called Crypto Education, and develops a metaverse game Valhalla.

Running on both Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain, FLOKI has built a global presence with heavy marketing campaigns and a large, active fanbase.

Bonk (BONK)

The first major memecoin on Solana, BONK arrived in 2022 and immediately clicked with the community. Its fair airdrop helped it spread fast, and it’s now integrated into many Solana-based apps and NFT projects.

People often use BONK for community rewards or just to stir activity across Solana’s ecosystem. Airdrop culture at its finest.

Dogwifhat (WIF)

Meet the dog in a hat — WIF, another Solana phenomenon. It started as a small social experiment but caught fire thanks to meme-savvy marketing and die-hard fans.

By 2025, it’s listed on all major CEX and DEX platforms and has become one of the faces of meme culture on Solana. The creativity around WIF memes deserves its own documentary.

Turbo

Here’s something new: a memecoin literally created by AI. Turbo was developed using ChatGPT and managed entirely by its community through a DAO.

It’s positioned as a fully decentralized, AI-generated experiment — more of a social project than a traditional crypto. But it works: traders love the story, and the coin has become a poster child for the “AI + meme” trend.

Pitbull (PIT)

Built on Binance Smart Chain, Pitbull is all about community ownership. No presales, no marketing funds, no central team — everything runs on volunteer power.

That full decentralization gives it a kind of purity the meme crowd respects. PIT still attracts steady engagement from die-hard holders who like the grassroots feel.

Dogelon Mars (ELON)

Space dogs and Elon Musk — a match made in meme heaven. Dogelon Mars combines both ideas and runs on Ethereum and Polygon.

It’s not groundbreaking tech-wise, but it’s liquid, widely traded, and often pops up in meme trading circles. Listed on major exchanges like OKX and KuCoin, ELON remains one of the most recognizable “dog-coins” around.

Baby DogeCoin (BabyDoge)

Think of it as Dogecoin’s cute little brother. Built on Binance Smart Chain, BabyDoge focuses on auto-rewards for holders and charitable donations.

By 2025, the project has launched its BabyDoge Pay system, NFT platform, and several charity partnerships. It’s playful, but it’s got structure — a rare combo in meme land.

Where to Buy and How to Store Memecoins

If you’ve decided to test the meme waters, the first step is knowing where to get them and how to keep them safe. Buying memecoins isn’t rocket science — but it’s not as simple as clicking “Buy” on a random app either. Here’s what you need to know.

Centralized Exchanges (CEX)

The easiest way for beginners.
Most top-tier exchanges — like Binance, OKX, Bybit, Gate.io, and KuCoin — now list the leading memecoins: DOGE, SHIB, FLOKI, BONK, and even PEPE.

All you need is an account, a bit of KYC verification, and funds to trade with (usually USDT or ETH). You buy, hold, or sell directly from the exchange interface.

Pros: Fast, convenient, high liquidity, and user-friendly.
Cons: You don’t fully control your coins. If the platform freezes withdrawals, your tokens are stuck there.

Remember: “Not your keys — not your coins.”

Decentralized Exchanges (DEX)

For those who prefer true crypto freedom, DEX platforms are the way to go.
Here’s where memecoins thrive: Uniswap (Ethereum), PancakeSwap (BSC), and Jupiter (Solana) are the most active hotspots for meme trading.

To trade on a DEX, you’ll need a wallet (like MetaMask or Phantom), some native tokens to pay for gas, and the contract address of the coin you want.

Pros: Full control of your assets, early access to new tokens, no intermediaries.
Cons: Higher risk of scams, fake tokens, and no customer support.

Pro tip: Always double-check contract addresses from the official project pages or CoinMarketCap/CoinGecko.

Wallets for Memecoins

Once you’ve bought your tokens, you’ll need a safe spot to store them.
The choice depends on the blockchain your memecoin runs on:

• Ethereum-based tokens (like SHIB, PEPE, TURBO): use MetaMask, Trust Wallet, or Ledger.

• Solana-based tokens (like BONK, WIF): use Phantom, Solflare, or Ledger.

• Binance Smart Chain tokens (like BabyDoge, Pitbull): use Trust Wallet or MetaMask (BSC mode).

For large holdings, hardware wallets like Ledger or Trezor are strongly recommended.

Tips for Safe Storage

• Don’t store large amounts on exchanges.

• Avoid clicking unknown links in Telegram or X.

• Double-check token contract addresses before buying.

• Keep your seed phrase offline — never share it, even with “support.”

In meme markets, hype moves fast, but so do scams. Staying cautious means you’ll still be around for the next 100x rally instead of vanishing with the next rug pull.

How to Actually Make Money on Memecoins

Let’s get to the fun part — turning memes into money. Yes, it’s possible. But let’s be honest: this game isn’t for people chasing stability. Memecoins live on hype, emotion, and perfect timing.

Getting In Early — the Classic Play

If you’d tossed $100 into SHIB back in 2020, you’d have been a millionaire a year later. Sounds wild, right? Sadly, that’s more of a lucky outlier than a rule. Still, the point stands: most of the big wins happen right at the start, before the market gets too hot.

That’s why so many people hunt for fresh launches — through launchpads, DEX listings, or even Telegram bots. The risk? Massive. The potential payoff? Also massive. The golden rule: never throw in your last dollar on something that hasn’t even passed an audit yet.

Trading the Volatility

Memecoins swing like they’re on a circus rope — up 100% in a day, down 70% the next. Seasoned traders use those swings to profit. They don’t hold memecoins for months — they move fast, in and out.

If you want to play that game, you’ll need to learn chart analysis, follow market trends, and use stop-losses. One bad move can wipe everything out. And yes — strong nerves are part of the job description.

Community and Viral Promotion

Memecoins are crowd power in action. It’s not just about how many tokens you hold — your activity matters too.

Being active on X, Telegram, and Reddit can make you more than a holder; it can make you part of a movement. Join contests, meme challenges, spread the content. Some projects literally reward active members with token drops or bonuses.

Utility Memecoins: NFT, Staking, and Farming

Not every memecoin is a joke. Some are building real mini-economies with staking, farming, and NFT features. It’s not exactly DeFi 2.0, but you can still earn passive income for being active.

Shiba Inu, for instance, has ShibaSwap. FLOKI offers a Play-to-Earn platform. These can keep generating returns even when the market’s flat — though the yield usually depends on the token price, so don’t forget that.

The Pros and Cons of Memecoins

Memecoins are a double-edged sword: one side promises fast profit, the other hides serious risk. For some, they’ve become life-changing wins; for others, sudden wipeouts.

High Returns When Popularity Spikes

Fueled by virality, memecoins can explode overnight. One good tweet, a viral meme, or a big retweet — and the price can soar in hours. Some projects have shown growth by tens or even hundreds of times since launch. It’s the dream of every speculator — if they manage to sell on time.

No Fundamental Value

Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, most memecoins have no solid tech behind them. No unique smart contracts, no scarcity, no clear use case. Their price runs purely on hype, and once that fades, the crash can be instant.

Scams and Rug Pulls

The memecoin scene is full of traps. Devs launch a token, make noise, raise funds — and vanish. Victims are usually those who don’t check the token address, ignore liquidity locks, or fall for flashy marketing.

Use proper verification tools — they can save you from losing everything overnight. ASCN.AI, for example, spots risky launches before they rug. We’ll get back to that soon.

Dependent on Trends and Social Media

Memecoin success lives and dies by attention. Musk’s tweet, a Reddit thread, a TikTok challenge — and prices take off. But once the spotlight moves on, the volume disappears. Stability just doesn’t live here.

The Future of Memecoins: Worth Investing in 2025?

Let’s be honest — in 2025, memecoins aren’t just jokes anymore. They’ve become a distinct niche in the crypto market, with liquidity, infrastructure, and even use cases. Investors, funds, and big players are watching.

Utility and Real Use Cases

Not long ago, the phrase “utility memecoin” sounded absurd. Now, not so much.

Some projects are launching their own NFT marketplaces, decentralized exchanges, and staking tools that reward holders. It’s not Solana-level tech, sure — but it’s a long way from a simple joke.

The Role of New Memes and AI-Generated Content

Memecoins live in real time. A new meme drops — a new token appears. In 2025, that takes minutes. Telegram bots and AI tools make it effortless to launch something viral.

The real question: how long will it last?

The more viral the meme, the higher the odds the coin explodes. And now, it’s not just Reddit and 4chan fueling the fire — AI systems create memes, post them, and even trade automatically. In other words, you’re competing with bots too.

What Experts and Analysts Say

Opinions split. Some analysts call memecoins “digital bubbles” — empty hype with no real value. Others admit that even as jokes, they’ve built economies and drawn serious capital.

Analysts at Santiment and Messari note that SHIB and DOGE still rank in the top 20 by number of holders and engagement. Which basically means: for these tokens, the community is the foundation. Just not the usual kind.

Can You Find “the Next Dogecoin”?

That’s the eternal crypto question. Theoretically yes. Practically? Almost impossible.

DOGE and SHIB blew up thanks to perfect timing: early launch, social media craze, celebrity buzz, and luck. Finding the next one is like guessing tomorrow’s viral TikTok song before it trends. You have to live in the community, track launches, and act fast.

And remember — 9 out of 10 new coins will be garbage. But that tenth one… might just change your life.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

Are Memecoins Scams or Investments?

Good question. They’re not exactly scams — but they’re not traditional investments either. Think of them as high-risk assets driven by community and hype, not tech. Some turn out to be rug pulls; others, like DOGE or SHIB, earn their place in the top charts.

Is Stable Income Possible?

Sadly, stability and memecoins don’t mix. They’re not stablecoins or long-term plays. But short-term profits? Absolutely. Especially if you get in early or trade volatility. Just know when to step out — before the hype fades.

What to Choose: DOGE, SHIB, or Something New?

If you’re new and want less risk, stick with DOGE or SHIB. They’re more established, with high liquidity and a proven record. But if you’re chasing hype, explore the new launches — just don’t bet more than you can lose. Remember: nine out of ten will flop, and the tenth will only win if you’re lucky.

Final Thoughts

Now you know what a memecoin is, how to buy, store, and maybe even profit from it. Remember — crypto isn’t luck; it’s calculation.

And if you’d rather skip endless Telegram scrolls and sketchy projects, ASCN.AI can handle the heavy lifting. It monitors social media, spots trends, and flags potential scams. With its AI-driven insights, ASCN.AI can help you find promising tokens early, evaluate risks, and build your own profit strategy — without losing sleep over every market swing.