The cryptocurrency market is no stranger to wild swings and speculative frenzies, but few phenomena capture the imagination like memecoins. These quirky, community-driven tokens have turned small investments into life-changing gains for some, while others have been left chasing fleeting pumps. As we stand on the cusp of another potential memecoin wave in 2025, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Regulatory changes, new platforms, and evolving market dynamics have rewritten the playbook for finding the next 100x memecoin. This article dives into what’s changed, where the next big memecoins are likely to emerge, and how you can position yourself to capitalize on this high-risk, high-reward market.
The Memecoin Revolution: What’s Driving the Hype?
Memecoins—tokens often inspired by internet memes, pop culture, or sheer absurdity—have become a cultural and financial force in crypto. From Dogecoin’s humble beginnings to the meteoric rises of tokens like Pepe and Dogwifhat, memecoins thrive on community enthusiasm, viral marketing, and speculative fervor. But why are we talking about another memecoin season now?
A New Regulatory Landscape
In early 2024, a seismic shift occurred in the memecoin space. U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) officials declared that most memecoins are not securities, placing them in a regulatory category similar to Bitcoin. Unlike stocks or bonds, which require issuers to register with the SEC, memecoins now face fewer upfront restrictions. This ruling has unleashed a wave of innovation and speculation, as developers can launch new tokens without fear of immediate regulatory crackdowns.
However, this freedom comes with a catch. While the SEC won’t preemptively halt memecoin launches, it has made it clear that it will investigate nefarious activities like pump-and-dump schemes after the fact. This balance—fewer barriers to entry but ongoing scrutiny—has created a fertile ground for memecoin mania, with the potential for even wilder rallies than in previous cycles.
The Rise of Launchpads
The memecoin market’s structure has evolved significantly. In 2024, the key to finding a 100x memecoin was identifying the right blockchain or ecosystem. For example, Solana’s explosive growth fueled massive pumps in tokens like Dogwifhat and Brett. Today, the focus has shifted to launchpads—platforms designed to streamline memecoin creation and distribution.
Launchpads like Pump.fun, Moonshot, and Believe App have become the epicenters of memecoin launches. These platforms allow developers to create tokens, conduct presales, and distribute them to early investors with ease. The SEC’s ruling has enabled launchpads to operate without the legal risks associated with securities, making them the go-to hubs for the next wave of memecoins.
Why Launchpads Matter
Launchpads are critical because they offer early access to tokens before they hit major exchanges. The earlier you invest in a memecoin, the higher your potential returns. However, not all launchpads are equal. Some, like Pump.fun, have faced criticism for controversial features, leading savvy investors to explore alternatives. Platforms like Moonshot and Believe App, with ties to influential crypto figures, are emerging as contenders for launching the next blue-chip memecoins.
| Launchpad | Blockchain | Key Features | Reputation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pump.fun | Solana | High volume, live stream feature | Mixed due to controversies |
| Moonshot | Solana | Mobile-first, viral adoption | Strong, tied to industry insiders |
| Believe App | Solana | Connections to key crypto players | Emerging, promising |
| Others (e.g., Dexscreener) | Varies | Aggregates launches across platforms | Neutral, data-focused |
The Blockchain Battleground
While launchpads are the new focal point, the underlying blockchains still play a crucial role. Solana remains the dominant chain for memecoins due to its speed, low fees, and user-friendly wallets like Phantom. However, other blockchains are gaining traction:
- Sui: Known for its high throughput and low latency, Sui is supported by Phantom and is becoming a memecoin hotspot.
- TON (The Open Network): With Telegram’s wallet integration, TON offers seamless access for retail investors.
- Hyperliquid and Aptos: Emerging chains with potential for memecoin growth.
- Base (Coinbase’s Layer 2): Accessible via Coinbase, Base is a retail-friendly option for memecoin launches.
These chains share common traits: fast transactions, low costs, and low latency, making them ideal for speculative trading. Chains that are slow, expensive, or lack user-friendly interfaces are unlikely to host the next 100x memecoin.
How to Find the Next 100x Memecoin
Spotting a memecoin with 100x potential requires a blend of research, timing, and intuition. The market has changed, and so must your strategy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigating this new landscape.
Step 1: Focus on Launchpads with Strong Connections
The best launchpads have ties to influential players in the crypto industry—founders, developers, or investors with a track record of success. For example, the Believe App’s founder reportedly invested early in Moonshot, a mobile app that went viral after launching a Trump-themed memecoin. These connections can amplify a token’s visibility and adoption.
Actionable Tip: Use platforms like Axiom, a Solana-based trading terminal, to track memecoin launches across multiple launchpads. Axiom’s Pulse page lets you filter tokens by launchpad, helping you identify promising projects early.
Step 2: Evaluate Memecoin Narratives
Memecoins thrive on narratives that capture the zeitgeist. In 2024, dog-themed tokens (e.g., Dogwifhat) and meme-based tokens (e.g., Pepe) dominated. Looking ahead, new narratives are emerging:
- Cat Memecoins: A natural progression from dog tokens, cat-themed memecoins are gaining traction due to their quirky appeal and connections to crypto insiders.
- Food Memecoins: Inspired by the DeFi summer of 2020, food-themed tokens like Maple Finance’s Syrup are sparking interest. This trend could spill over into memecoins.
- Cultural or Political Memes: Tokens tied to viral events or figures (e.g., Trump memecoins) often see explosive growth.
Pro Tip: Research the founders and communities behind these tokens. Strong narratives paired with influential backers increase a memecoin’s chances of success.
Step 3: Assess Older Memecoins for Revival Potential
While new memecoins offer high upside, older tokens in the “flatline” phase of their price cycle can yield even bigger returns. Many memecoins follow a predictable pattern:
- Initial Pump: Prices skyrocket post-launch.
- Sharp Crash: Insiders sell, causing a steep drop.
- Bounces and Flatline: The token either dies or lingers with a dedicated community.
To identify older memecoins with potential:
- Check Social Activity: Look for active communities on X, Telegram, and Discord. Regular posts and engagement signal a living project.
- Analyze Market Cap: Tokens with single-digit million market caps have more room to grow than those already in the tens of millions.
- Evaluate Narrative Fit: Older tokens tied to emerging narratives (e.g., cats, food) are more likely to rebound.
| Metric | New Memecoins | Older Memecoins |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Point | Early, high risk | Post-flatline, lower entry prices |
| Market Cap | Often tens of millions | Often single-digit millions |
| Upside Potential | 10x–100x if blue-chip potential | 5x–100x if narrative catches on |
| Risk | High (pump-and-dump risk) | Moderate (depends on community) |
| Time Horizon | Days to hours | Weeks to months |
Step 4: Leverage User-Friendly Wallets
The rise of wallets like Phantom has made memecoin trading more accessible than ever. In late 2024, Phantom surpassed Coinbase in app store rankings, signaling a shift toward wallet-based trading. Unlike centralized exchanges, which require complex onboarding, wallets allow seamless token swaps.
Actionable Tip: Use wallets like Phantom (for Solana and Sui) or Telegram’s wallet (for TON) to trade memecoins directly on-chain. This reduces reliance on exchange listings, which often come too late for maximum gains.
Step 5: Monitor Exchange Listings (But Don’t Rely on Them)
While exchange listings can boost a memecoin’s visibility, they’re less critical than before. By the time a token hits a major exchange, it may have already seen its biggest gains. Focus on on-chain trading via launchpads and wallets, but keep an eye on listings for additional liquidity and price pumps.
The Case for Another Memecoin Season
Skeptics argue that the memecoin craze is over, pointing to losses from the 2024 season. However, history suggests otherwise. Crypto markets are cyclical, with each bull run surpassing the last. The 2017 cycle dwarfed 2013, and 2021 outshone 2017. Data from Galaxy Digital shows a steady rise in crypto investors, with potential for a tripling in numbers as retail interest grows.
Retail investors chase momentum, whether it’s memecoins, altcoins, or meme stocks. In April 2025, JPMorgan reported record stock purchases by retail investors, while Goldman Sachs noted that 48% of stock market volume in June came from penny stocks—a proxy for speculative trading. This appetite for high-risk assets bodes well for memecoins, especially as Bitcoin’s price climb draws attention to crypto.
Memecoins vs. Altcoins: A False Dichotomy
Some claim memecoins are draining liquidity from altcoins, but this oversimplifies the market. Capital isn’t zero-sum in crypto. As prices rise, existing investors allocate more, and new investors enter. Both memecoins and altcoins can rally simultaneously, driven by different narratives and investor types.
Risks and Realities
Memecoins are a high-stakes game. Most fail, and even successful ones can crash spectacularly. To mitigate risks:
- Do Your Own Research: Verify launchpad connections, community activity, and narrative strength.
- Manage Risk: Allocate only what you can afford to lose.
- Time Your Exits: For new memecoins, consider selling within days or hours. For older tokens, wait for narrative-driven pumps but set clear profit-taking levels.
Conclusion: Positioning for the Next Wave
The memecoin market is poised for another explosive season, driven by regulatory clarity, innovative launchpads, and retail enthusiasm. By focusing on fast blockchains like Solana, Sui, and TON, tracking launchpads with strong industry ties, and evaluating both new and older memecoins, you can position yourself to catch the next 100x opportunity. Stay vigilant, research thoroughly, and embrace the chaos—this is the memecoin way.