Best 10 meme coins of 2024: Looking back

As someone who has been deeply immersed in the world of cryptocurrency for years now, I can confidently say that the meme coin market in 2024 was nothing short of intriguing. Coming from a background where I’ve seen my fair share of crypto projects take off and crash, I found myself drawn to these meme coins due to their unique blend of humor and speculative potential.

The year 2024 saw the rise of some truly remarkable tokens that captured both the attention and the hearts of investors worldwide. From Book of Meme’s innovative decentralized platform for new meme coin projects, to Fartcoin’s comical strategy, these coins showcased the sheer creativity and ingenuity that the crypto space is capable of producing.

However, as someone who’s been around the block a few times, I can tell you that success in this industry requires more than just a good idea or a funny name. The survival of these meme coins will depend on their ability to adapt, innovate, and find practical uses within the wider blockchain ecosystem.

As we move towards 2025, I’ll be keeping a close eye on the likes of Book of Meme, Fartcoin, and others, hoping that they can turn their initial success into long-term growth and relevance. After all, who would have thought that a token based on farts could become a billion-dollar project?

In closing, let me leave you with this little joke: Why did the meme coin cross the road? To get to the other side of volatility!

2024 saw significant ups and downs for meme coin initiatives, marked by steep drops, rapid growth, and numerous high-profile controversies that made headlines.

Table of Contents

Top meme coins in 2024

2021 saw a rollercoaster ride of triumphs and challenges for those invested in or fond of meme coins. There were unexpected rug pulls as well as the advent of meme currencies powered by artificial intelligence. These digital tokens truly embodied the volatile, risky-but-potentially-rewarding essence of the cryptocurrency market.

Over time, the total value of meme coins consistently grew, gaining momentum particularly from March onwards. Notably, there was a sharp rise in worth during November, coinciding with important events such as the U.S. presidential election and renewed curiosity about risky investments.

By January 2025, the market capitalization shrank to $101.32 billion from its high of nearly $160 billion in December. This suggests a surge in activity and investor interest within the sector, as trade volume experienced a remarkable year-on-year increase of 865.15%.

In this piece, let’s delve into the standout meme tokens expected to shine in 2024, potentially securing a spot on the prestigious meme coin rankings for 2025, should the bull market maintain its strength throughout the year.

1. Dogecoin

For quite some time, Dogecoin (DOGE) has been the leading meme currency. This dominance persisted into 2024. Following Elon Musk’s entertaining endorsement of a fictitious “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), during the excitement surrounding the November U.S. election, the coin experienced a remarkable rise. After this event, DOGE saw a significant increase of approximately 160% within just a few weeks, climbing from $0.15 to an annual peak of $0.39.

By the close of 2024, Dogecoin (DOGE) had firmly established itself as the leading meme coin, boasting a market valuation of $48.6 billion. This impressive growth was fueled by an expanding network of partnerships and integrations with payment platforms, such as Tesla’s online store and various charitable initiatives that accept DOGE payments.

Currently, as of January 2nd, 2025, DOGE is being traded at a price of $0.33. With aspirations for increased functionality in microtransactions and broader acceptance among merchants, analysts are optimistic about its prospects for the year. DOGE continues to dominate the meme coin trend due to its active user base and celebrity backing.

2. Shiba Inu

In 2024, one of the leading meme coins, Shiba Inu (SHIB), often referred to as the “Dogecoin competitor,” secured its place in the second position among the best meme coins. Throughout the year, Shiba Inu showed resilience and climbed to the top tier of meme coins. A significant spike was seen in the coin’s value during the second quarter, reaching $0.000013 – a 120% increase from its initial price in January 2024 at $0.000006. The growth can be attributed to advancements within the Shiba Inu ecosystem, including the launch of Shibarium, their scaling solution, and the rising adoption of SHIB as a payment token.

Currently, SHIB ranks among the top 15 digital currencies in terms of market value, boasting a total market capitalization of approximately $12.9 billion. Even amidst market volatility, it has managed to stay significant due to its robust community backing and continuous rollout of ecosystem enhancements.

On January 2nd, 2025, SHIB is trading at $0.00002201, marking a 4.3% rise compared to its price the previous day. This growth could indicate a stronger role for SHIB within the cryptocurrency market, as upcoming projects such as ShibaSwap and integrations with the Shiba Inu metaverse are expected to boost its utility. If these initiatives lead to significant adoption milestones, experts predict that SHIB might experience another price surge.

3. Pepe

As a researcher delving into the realm of meme coins, I find myself frequently referring to Pepe (PEPE) as the third on our list. In 2024, this token experienced an unprecedented surge that sent shockwaves through the meme coin market. The allure of the “Pepe the Frog” meme served as a powerful magnet, captivating numerous investors, particularly during Q1 of 2024 when its value skyrocketed by over 1,122%, peaking at $0.00002614 in April. The primary catalysts for this growth were innovative viral marketing strategies and its integration into decentralized exchanges.

As an analyst, I find it intriguing to note that PEPE, initially without any inherent value or defined purpose, managed to garner a fervent fanbase and maintain substantial trading activity. This digital currency climbed its way into the top 5 meme coins by market capitalization, boasting a staggering valuation of nearly $8.5 billion. However, PEPE has since stabilized, with its current trading price at $0.00002024 as of January 2, 2025.

The future of this coin depends on its community’s ability to keep people engaged and potentially come up with fresh applications. Some investors see PEPE as symbolizing the meme coin movement, which could spark a resurgence in 2025 if similar viral trends repeat.

4. Bonk

As a long-time crypto enthusiast who has been closely following the Solana ecosystem since its early days, I must say that Bonk (BONK) was undoubtedly one of the most intriguing and impactful meme coins to make headlines in 2024. When Bonk first emerged as a token for the Solana community, it immediately caught my attention due to its unique goal of decentralizing Solana (SOL) ownership.

Having witnessed several projects come and go in the crypto space, I can confidently say that Bonk’s approach was refreshing and innovative. Its focus on empowering users and fostering a sense of community resonated deeply with me, as I believe that decentralization is one of the core principles that make blockchain technology truly revolutionary.

In my opinion, Bonk’s success in 2024 demonstrates the growing maturity of the meme coin sector and its ability to address real-world issues while still providing entertainment and engagement for its users. It serves as a reminder that even meme coins can have substantial impacts on the crypto landscape if they are grounded in solid principles and backed by a strong community.

By mid-2024, BONK experienced a significant jump exceeding 291%, peaking at $0.0000045 following the launch of its own decentralized trading platform, BonkSwap.

In simple terms, this project stands out among meme coins due to its emphasis on community management and decentralized creation. At the moment of writing, BONK had a market value of nearly $2.37 billion, making it one of the busiest meme-based cryptocurrencies on Solana. Despite a slight slowdown in Q3, it remained active in trading.

At the moment, Bonk is valued at $0.00003081. Whether BonkSwap thrives and fits seamlessly within the broader Solana network will shape its future prospects in 2025, according to analysts. If Solana continues to grow as a blockchain platform, they believe that BONK could regain momentum.

5. Floki

The eco-friendly approach adopted by Floki (FLOKI) has made it a formidable competitor within the meme currency sector. Inspired by Elon Musk’s Shiba Inu dog, FLOKI distinguished itself in 2024 by accomplishing key projects such as Valhalla, an engaging play-to-earn metaverse game, and FlokiFi, its decentralized finance (DeFi) platform. As a result of these developments, the price of FLOKI surged by 400% throughout the year, peaking at $0.00009 in September.

By the end of December, Floki’s total market value reached a staggering $1.6 billion, suggesting strong faith among investors. This growth can be attributed to its versatile nature, as it boasts dual compatibility with both Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain networks, enabling it to broaden its user base and establish connections within various ecosystems.

As a seasoned crypto investor who has been through several bull and bear markets, I believe that FLOKI, currently trading at $0.0001827, holds great potential for growth in the coming years, especially by 2025. My experience tells me that meme coins can be highly volatile but also incredibly profitable if invested wisely.

FLOKI could stand out in the crowded meme coin market through the implementation of innovative utility initiatives and the expansion of its metaverse products. I’ve seen firsthand how successful projects with a clear vision and strong execution can attract massive attention, which could drive up the value of FLOKI significantly.

However, it is essential to approach any investment in crypto cautiously, as market conditions and regulatory changes can impact even the most promising projects. Diversifying your portfolio and conducting thorough research before investing are crucial steps for minimizing risk and maximizing potential returns.

6. Popcat

2024 saw Popcat (POPCAT) emerge as one of the most successful new meme coins, inspired by the viral “Popcat clicking” meme. Its popularity soared due to its user-friendly design and ability to resonate with enthusiasts of internet culture, thus gaining momentum.

In the first quarter of 2024, the market value of the coin I was analyzing stood at a modest $50 million. However, come December, it experienced an extraordinary growth of approximately 2,300%, surging to over $1.2 billion. This remarkable surge coincided with the introduction of Popcat’s NFT collection, which significantly boosted its popularity and acceptance among retail investors.

Around mid-November, the coin experienced its most significant surge in value, fueled by a wave of enthusiasm on social media. As its price skyrocketed from 0.00001 USD to 0.00005 USD, early investors pocketed substantial earnings. By January 2, 2025, Popcat’s market capitalization stood at $788 million, and its current price was $0.8024.

Popcat is looking forward to enhancing its platform by introducing blockchain-linked mini-games, which could boost its token system. If these innovative moves manage to attract more users, Popcat might remain significant in the meme coin market and potentially experience another surge of growth in 2025.

7. Brett

In early 2024, Brett (BRETT) made its debut and quickly gained attention as a popular meme coin, thanks to strategic marketing on social media. Investors were drawn in, and just three months after launch, BRETT had a market valuation of $1.32 billion. By June, the token’s price skyrocketed by over 900%, peaking at an all-time high of $0.23 in July.

The entertaining approach and commitment to community involvement that characterizes BRETT make it an attractive choice. Investors focused on the coin’s future development and traders seeking quick profits found this strategy appealing. By the year 2024, BRETT remained among the top-performing meme currencies, boasting a market value of $1.18 billion and a price of $0.12.

As an analyst, I find myself reflecting on BRETT’s current standing at $0.13 as of January 2, 2025. The token continues to garner significant backing from the community. The success of BRETT in 2025 hinges largely on how effectively its planned staking and gaming interfaces are executed. If these features can be successfully implemented, BRETT may experience further growth in the coming year, provided it manages to preserve its existing community and expand its ecosystem.

8. Book of Meme

In Q2, the decentralized platform for new meme coin projects, called Book of Meme (BOME), took off and became very popular in 2024. Over a period of six months, BOME’s worth increased by an astounding 1,500% and peaked at $0.00025 in August. The belief that BOME could function as a “springboard” for the next wave of meme tokens was behind this rapid growth.

Currently valued at approximately $454 million, BOME ranked among the leading 10 meme coins in 2024, even with significant price swings. The coin managed to sustain investor interest due to its unique selling point and an energetic community.

As of January 2025, the price of BOME stands at $0.00659. The future prosperity of this token hinges on the performance of its fundraising platform and its ability to attract more meme coin launches. With strategic partnerships and technological advancements within its ecosystem, BOME could potentially continue to thrive.

9. Fartcoin

By 2024, Fartcoin garnered popularity due to its amusing approach, providing a light-hearted take on the meme coin sector. This coin caught people’s interest with its unique idea and image, yet it didn’t have any specific practical application beyond community engagement.

In Q3 of 2024, FARTCOIN experienced significant expansion, reaching a market capitalization of $1.25 billion. By the end of that year, it peaked at $1.29 per unit. As of January 2, 2025, its price stands at $1.26. The project’s ongoing community engagement and meme-based appeal are significant factors contributing to its potential for further growth in 2025.

10. Myro

2024 saw the emergence of the meme token Myro, built on the Solana platform, capturing the attention of the crypto community right away. To foster a community for Solana enthusiasts, this token is linked to a unique marketing strategy that includes Raj Gokal’s dog as its brand symbol.

In the course of 2024, MYRO demonstrated exceptional growth, ultimately reaching a market value of $68 million by year-end. As of January 2, 2025, its price stood at $0.06795. For MYRO’s future, it’s crucial that it continues to be utilized and potentially integrated into the Solana network.

Looking back at the best meme coins of 2024

Looking back at the meme coin landscape of 2024, it’s clear that success was marked by substantial growth, community-led initiatives, and a fair share of volatility. While many of these coins experienced impressive value spikes, their longevity hinges on continuous development, active community engagement, and forging connections within the broader blockchain ecosystem. As an investor, I’m keenly aware that staying ahead in this game requires keeping a pulse on these vital factors.

As we move towards 2025, the ability of these meme coins to maintain relevance and discover practical applications will significantly impact their success and open doors for future opportunities in meme currencies. Though it’s important to remain cautious, investors should be on the lookout for long-term potential in certain tokens.

2025-01-03 18:05