Crypto Basics

Are NFTs Dead? - Complete Analysis for NFT Investors

Learn everything about NFTs with our comprehensive analysis and uncover if NFTs are truly dead.
S. Vishwa
7 Minutes
MIN

The world of digital art and collectibles has been revolutionized by the emergence of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). These unique digital assets have captured the attention of artists, collectors, and investors alike.

However, as with any emerging trend, questions arise about its longevity and sustainability. In this article, we delve into the current state of NFTs, answering the burning question: Are NFTs dead?

The Rise and Fall of NFTs

The rise and fall of NFTs can be attributed to several key factors. Let us delve into a few significant factors that have had a considerable impact on the NFT industry.

The Rise of NFTs

The emergence of NFTs created a buzz in the art world and beyond. Artists saw an opportunity to showcase and sell their work in a new and exciting way. Digital creators and influencers started exploring the possibilities of monetizing their online presence through the creation and sale of NFTs.

Marketplaces dedicated to NFT trading, such as OpenSea and Rarible, experienced a surge in user activity, with transactions reaching significant values. The NFT frenzy became a hot topic in mainstream media, attracting both enthusiasts and skeptics.

NFTs in the Gaming Industry

NFTs have also made their way into the gaming industry, offering unique benefits to players and developers. In the realm of blockchain-based games, players can truly own and trade in-game assets, blurring the line between virtual and real-world ownership.

NFTs provide a solution to the issue of scarcity in digital gaming. Players can acquire rare items, skins, or characters as NFTs, giving them exclusive and tradable virtual possessions. This has led to the emergence of decentralized gaming economies and the potential for players to earn real-world value from their gaming activities.

Artistic Expression and NFTs

NFTs have opened up new avenues for artistic expression and creativity. Digital artists who previously struggled to monetize their work found an opportunity to showcase and sell their creations directly to collectors. This democratization of the art world challenged traditional gatekeepers and offered a more inclusive platform for artists.

Additionally, NFTs introduced the concept of "programmable art." Artists can embed dynamic features into their digital assets, allowing them to evolve and respond to external factors. This fusion of art and technology presents exciting possibilities for artistic exploration.

The Fall of NFTs

The decline of NFTs can be attributed to various crucial factors. Let's examine a few significant elements that have had a considerable impact on it.

Market Volatility

One of the key challenges for NFTs is market volatility. Prices of digital assets can fluctuate wildly, making it a risky investment for some. 

Critics argue that the NFT market resembles a speculative bubble, and caution against blindly jumping into the trend without thorough research and consideration.

Despite the volatility, there are success stories of NFT investments yielding substantial returns. As with any investment, understanding the market dynamics and carefully evaluating potential risks is crucial.

The Hype and Its Consequences

With the rise of NFTs came an undeniable wave of hype. Investors rushed to buy and trade digital assets, often resulting in exorbitant prices. Some high-profile sales, like Beeple's artwork selling for millions, contributed to the frenzy and inflated market valuations.

However, as with any hype-driven market, there were consequences. Speculators entered the scene, hoping to make quick profits, sometimes at the expense of genuine artists and collectors. This led to concerns about the long-term sustainability and intrinsic value of NFTs.

Environmental Concerns

As the popularity of NFTs soared, environmental concerns came into focus. The majority of NFT transactions occur on blockchain networks like Ethereum, which rely on a proof-of-work (Switched to Proof of Stake) consensus mechanism. This energy-intensive process requires significant computing power and contributes to carbon emissions.

Critics argue that the carbon footprint associated with NFTs is disproportionate to the value they provide. The debate over the environmental impact of NFTs has prompted discussions within the blockchain community about transitioning to more sustainable alternatives, such as proof-of-stake protocols.

The Role of Established Institutions

Established institutions, such as museums and galleries, have taken notice of the NFT phenomenon. Some have embraced it as a new way to engage with audiences and expand their digital presence. Others remain skeptical, questioning the value and longevity of digital art.

However, the involvement of established institutions brings credibility to the NFT space. Collaborations between renowned artists and museums have generated renewed interest and validated the potential of NFTs as a legitimate art form.

Challenges and Criticisms

Alongside the hype, NFTs face several challenges and criticisms. One concern is the lack of regulation and potential for fraudulent activities. The decentralized nature of blockchain technology makes it difficult to enforce copyright protection and prevent unauthorized reproductions.

Another criticism revolves around the carbon footprint and energy consumption, as mentioned earlier. The environmental impact of NFTs has led to debates about sustainability and the need for greener alternatives.

Furthermore, critics argue that the NFT market is saturated with low-quality and derivative works. This oversaturation can make it difficult for artists to stand out and for collectors to discern valuable assets from mere cash grabs.

Are NFTs Dead?

After exploring various aspects of the NFT landscape, we can now answer the burning question: Are NFTs dead? The answer is No. While the initial hype may have subsided, NFTs continue to evolve and adapt.

The market has experienced a correction after the initial frenzy, which was necessary to establish a more sustainable foundation. Although some projects and assets may lose value or fade into obscurity, the underlying technology and concept of NFTs remain relevant.

NFTs have proven their potential in revolutionizing various industries, including art, gaming, and collectibles. As the market matures, we can expect greater emphasis on quality, innovation, and long-term value.

Also Read - Is Bitcoin Dead? - Complete Analysis

NFTs and the Future

Although NFTs have gained recognition primarily for their association with expensive profile pictures, their potential extends far beyond that. 

Here are several compelling reasons why NFTs have the potential to regain traction and become increasingly popular in the future:

Advancements in Infrastructure: As the technology supporting NFTs continues to evolve and become more accessible, it has the potential to attract a larger number of investors and buyers to the market.

Exclusivity: NFTs possess a unique quality—they cannot be replicated, resulting in inherent scarcity. As the demand for specific NFTs grows, their prices may rise due to limited supply.

Portfolio Diversification: NFTs offer a distinct opportunity to invest in digital assets, which remains a relatively new and unexplored territory. In their pursuit of diversifying investment portfolios, investors may consider including NFTs as a part of their overall strategy.

Increasing Adoption: Although NFTs have garnered significant attention in recent years due to the surge in interest for digital art and collectibles, their potential in the gaming sector and other applications remains largely untapped. This untapped potential could provide a substantial boost to the popularity of NFTs in the future.

Growing Acceptance: Mainstream artists and renowned brands are progressively entering the NFT space, creating and selling their own NFTs. 

This increasing acceptance and participation from established entities could lead to more individuals buying and trading NFTs, consequently driving up their value.

While there are no guarantees regarding the future recovery of NFTs, the aforementioned factors indicate a promising potential for growth in the NFT market. 

However, it is crucial to acknowledge the inherent risks associated with investments, especially with nascent assets like NFTs. As of now, all we can do is wait and observe how the situation unfolds.

Also Read - NFT Rarity - What it Means and How to Calculate it?

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, while the initial hype surrounding NFTs has subsided, they are far from dead. NFTs have transformed the art world, opened new possibilities for creativity, and introduced innovative concepts to various industries like gaming.

However, challenges such as market volatility, environmental concerns, and the need for quality control remain. As the market matures and stakeholders address these challenges, NFTs will likely find their place as a significant aspect of the digital economy. 

Artists will continue to explore the potential of NFTs as a means of expression, and collectors will seek unique and valuable digital assets. The future of NFTs lies in balancing innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other sort of advice and you should not treat any of the website's content as such.

Token Metrics does not recommend that any cryptocurrency should be bought, sold, or held by you. Do conduct your own due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

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Research

Moonshot Tokens in 2025: High-Risk, High-Reward Plays in the Crypto Market

Token Metrics Team
6 min
MIN

Introduction

The crypto market has always been fertile ground for high-risk, high-reward opportunities. While blue-chip assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum dominate headlines, the real thrill — and sometimes the highest returns — often comes from what the industry calls “moonshots.”

These are small-cap tokens, often under $50 million in market cap, with explosive potential and equally high volatility. In 2025, moonshots remain a core part of speculative trading strategies. But what exactly are they? How do you find them? And most importantly, how can you manage the outsized risks they carry?

Let’s dive into the world of moonshots, drawing insights from recent market trends and real-world data.

What Are Moonshot Tokens?

Moonshot tokens are early-stage, low-cap cryptocurrencies that carry massive upside potential. They often represent experimental ideas or emerging narratives — think AI integration, meme culture, or social tokens — that haven’t yet been fully recognized by the broader market.

Because they trade at relatively low valuations, even small inflows of capital can cause outsized price swings. It’s not uncommon for a moonshot to deliver 10x or even 50x gains within a short time. But the flip side is brutal: these same tokens can plummet to zero just as quickly.

Key characteristics of moonshots:

  • Market cap: Typically under $50 million.
  • Narrative-driven: Often tied to strong trends like AI, gaming, or DeFi experiments.
  • Volatility: Sharp, frequent price swings.
  • Liquidity: Thin order books, making large trades difficult without impacting price.

Why Are Moonshots Gaining Traction in 2025?

The current market environment — with crypto market capitalization hovering around $4 trillion — has created room for risk-taking. Investors who missed early gains on Bitcoin or Ethereum are now searching for the next big thing, leading to renewed interest in small-cap tokens.

Emerging narratives also fuel the fire:

  • AI-Crypto Fusion: Projects like Sahara AI and Mobi AI are proving that the AI narrative isn’t slowing down.
  • Social Tokens & Web3 Platforms: Zora’s creator-focused token model demonstrates how social media and crypto can intersect.
  • Community-First DeFi: Protocols like Blackhole DEX show the power of grassroots tokenomics.

These narratives often spill over into the moonshot arena, as smaller projects attempt to replicate the success of these headline-grabbing platforms.

How to Identify Promising Moonshots

Identifying moonshots is part research, part intuition, and part risk tolerance. Here’s what to look for:

1. Strong Narrative Alignment

The most successful moonshots ride on current narratives. In this cycle, AI agents, decentralized social platforms, and community-owned DeFi projects are leading themes. Projects in these categories often experience rapid hype-driven adoption.

2. On-Chain Data

Tools like Dune Analytics and on-chain scanners can reveal whale accumulation, new liquidity pools, or spikes in active addresses — all early indicators of growing interest.

3. Tokenomics

Evaluate supply schedules:

  • How many tokens are in circulation?
  • Are there large unlocks coming soon?
  • Does the project have mechanisms like buybacks or burns to support price stability?

4. Developer & Investor Backing

While many moonshots are grassroots projects, strong teams or backing from reputable funds (e.g., Polychain, Binance Labs) can boost credibility.

Case Studies: Recent Moonshots to Watch

1. Vine (Meme Token):
A meme coin leveraging the Vine brand, this token has gained traction despite limited documentation. Its appeal lies largely in nostalgia and speculative hype.

2. Moby AI: What started as an AI-driven whale-tracking agent has evolved into Mobi Screener, a Dexscreener competitor with integrated social features. The token model ties platform usage to token value — a promising experiment in utility-driven moonshots.

3. Graphite Protocol:
Developers behind Bonk Fun (a leading meme token platform), Graphite has created a buyback and burn model linked to Bonk’s success, aligning token value directly with ecosystem growth.

4. CookieDAO:
Initially positioned as an AI agent platform, CookieDAO is now expanding into proof-of-belief systems, adding new utilities and campaign features for Web3 projects.

The Risk Side: Why Moonshots Can Go to Zero

Moonshots are inherently speculative. Common pitfalls include:

  • Team Abandonment or Rug Pulls: Some projects vanish overnight.
  • Unsustainable Hype: Many moonshots rely on short-term narratives that fade.
  • Low Liquidity: Thin markets make it difficult to enter or exit without significant slippage.

A recent example is SpaceMesh, once hyped as a “next Bitcoin.” Despite strong tech, internal disputes and poor execution led to a near-total collapse — a stark reminder that good code doesn’t always equal good investment.

Managing Risk: A Practical Approach

If you’re trading moonshots, risk management is everything.

1. Position Sizing:
Never allocate more than 1% of your portfolio to any single moonshot. Spreading capital across multiple small positions reduces the impact of one token collapsing.

2. Diversification:
Balance moonshots with higher-cap tokens to stabilize overall portfolio performance.

3. Predefined Exits:
Set clear take-profit and stop-loss levels before entering a trade. Emotional decisions often lead to losses.

4. Time Your Entries:
Consider entering after initial hype cools but before major announcements or roadmap milestones.

The Future of Moonshots: Are They Worth It?

While moonshots can be risky, they remain an integral part of crypto’s DNA. For many traders, they serve as lottery tickets in a market where early discovery can lead to life-changing gains.

In 2025, moonshots are evolving. They’re no longer just meme-driven gambles. Increasingly, they represent experimental innovation — blending DeFi models, AI integrations, and community governance in ways that push the boundaries of blockchain technology.

Conclusion

Moonshots are not for the faint-hearted. They require research, timing, and above all, discipline. In 2025, with themes like AI-driven platforms, decentralized social networks, and community-focused DeFi reshaping the market, the next breakout token could be hiding in plain sight.

Whether you’re a seasoned trader or a curious newcomer, understanding the dynamics of moonshots — and respecting their risks — is essential for navigating this volatile but potentially rewarding segment of crypto.

Research

DeFi and AI Tokens Dominate as Crypto Market Nears $4 Trillion

Token Metrics Team
6 min
MIN

The cryptocurrency market continues to show resilience, with total market capitalization maintaining a strong foothold near $4 trillion. While Bitcoin remains the cornerstone of this cycle, the spotlight is shifting toward altcoins — especially those at the forefront of decentralized finance (DeFi) and artificial intelligence (AI) integration.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top narratives shaping today’s market, focusing on DeFi protocols like Blackhole DEX and PancakeSwap, alongside emerging AI projects such as Sahara AI and Moby AI.

Why DeFi Is Surging Again

DeFi has staged an impressive comeback in 2025. After a period of stagnation, several protocols have redefined their models to prioritize community engagement and sustainable growth.

Black Hole DEX:
Launched on Avalanche, Blackhole DEX has quickly become the network’s largest decentralized exchange, overtaking Trader Joe. The platform uses a community-first approach: no team allocation, weekly token emissions to liquidity providers, and a bribe-based voting mechanism for rewards distribution.

Impact:
This design has created a powerful flywheel effect. As token prices rise, APYs increase, attracting more liquidity, which in turn boosts trading volume and revenue. Within days, Blackhole DEX grew its TVL from $7 million to $193 million — a staggering feat.

PancakeSwap: A Sleeping Giant?

PancakeSwap, the dominant DEX on Binance Smart Chain (BSC), has been quietly outperforming its competitors in trading volumes and fee generation. Recent data shows PancakeSwap generating more than 4x the daily fees of Uniswap, yet its fully diluted valuation remains significantly lower.

Growth Catalysts:

  • Integration with the Binance Wallet ecosystem.
  • Expansion into other ecosystems like Solana.
  • All-time-high trading volumes despite broader market corrections.

For investors seeking a large-cap DeFi protocol with strong fundamentals and potential upside, PancakeSwap’s metrics warrant attention.

AI Meets Crypto: The Next Frontier

Artificial intelligence continues to transform multiple industries, and crypto is no exception.

Sahara AI:
Sahara AI is building a full-stack AI infrastructure for decentralized applications. Backed by heavyweights like Binance and Polychain, its mission is to bridge Web3 and AI — a theme that’s likely to dominate innovation cycles in the coming years.

Moby AI:
Initially launched as an AI trading agent, Moby AI has expanded into building tools like Moby Screener, a competitor to Dexscreener. Its unique tokenomics link user engagement directly to the platform’s utility, making it an experiment worth watching.

The Broader Altcoin Landscape

Beyond DeFi and AI, other notable projects are also gaining ground:

  • Graphite Protocol: The developer behind LetsBonk.Fun, sharing revenue with its ecosystem tokens through buyback strategies.

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  • Zora: A social media-meets-crypto platform allowing creators to monetize their content directly on-chain.

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  • Project X: A cross-chain DEX on Hyperliquid, amassing $28 million in TVL within 24 hours of launch.

These projects underscore the diversity of innovation happening outside Bitcoin’s shadow.

Risk Management in a Volatile Market

The excitement around DeFi and AI tokens comes with elevated risk. Here are some best practices:

  • Allocate wisely: Keep high-risk allocations (like low-cap “moonshots”) small — no more than 1% per trade.
  • Monitor narratives: Rapid shifts in market sentiment can create both opportunities and pitfalls.
  • Stay updated: Protocol changes, tokenomics adjustments, and ecosystem partnerships can significantly impact valuations.

Conclusion

As the crypto market edges closer to $4 trillion, the narratives driving growth are evolving. DeFi is proving its staying power with innovative models like Black Hole DEX, while AI-focused projects like Sahara AI are pushing the boundaries of what blockchain can achieve.

For market participants, the challenge lies in identifying which of these trends have lasting potential — and positioning themselves accordingly.

Research

Altcoins on the Rise: How Bitcoin’s Stability Is Fueling the Next Market Wave

Token Metrics Team
6 min
MIN

As Bitcoin stabilizes near its recent highs, the crypto market is witnessing a familiar pattern — altcoins are beginning to surge. While Bitcoin often leads during the early phases of a bullish cycle, history shows that capital tends to flow into altcoins as confidence builds. In the past two weeks, this transition has become increasingly evident, with several promising projects capturing significant market attention.

Bitcoin’s Stabilization and What It Means

Since early July, Bitcoin has managed to hold above key resistance levels, cementing its role as the market’s anchor. At the time of writing, total crypto market capitalization hovers near $4 trillion — a level that hasn’t been seen since the previous cycle’s peaks. Historically, when Bitcoin consolidates above its former highs, capital begins rotating into altcoins. This shift often marks the start of a broader rally across the market.

Key takeaway: The current market appears to be in the early stages of this altcoin rotation.

Altcoins Leading the Charge

Several altcoins have emerged as strong contenders in recent weeks.

1. Zora: The Social Token Platform
Zora, an on-chain social platform that allows creators to tokenize posts and earn from their content, has seen exponential growth following its integration into the Base App (Coinbase’s rebranded wallet). Creator activity and transaction volumes have surged, driving up demand for the Zora token. With each creator post paired to the Zora token, this integration has created a direct link between platform usage and token utility.

Why it matters: The combination of Web3 social media and creator monetization is a powerful narrative, and Zora appears well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.

2. Spark: A MakerDAO-Connected Lending Platform
Spark, a DeFi lending protocol linked to Sky Protocol, has also been a standout performer. It recently experienced a sharp increase in liquidity and price action, fueled by its integration with CookieDAO’s campaign and ongoing airdrop programs.

Why it matters: With DeFi gaining renewed interest, protocols offering sustainable yields through established ecosystems like Sky Protocol (formerly MakerDAO) are likely to remain attractive to both retail and institutional participants.

3. Sahara AI: Building the AI-Crypto Intersection
Sahara AI has positioned itself at the intersection of AI and blockchain. Backed by Binance, Polychain, and Foresight Ventures, this project offers a full-stack AI solution tailored for decentralized applications. Its long-term vision of creating AI-enabled Web3 services is attracting both developers and investors.

Why it matters: AI and crypto remain two of the most dominant narratives in tech, and projects combining these sectors could drive the next wave of innovation.

4. PancakeSwap: Undervalued Giant?
Despite being one of the largest DEXs by trading volume and daily fee generation, PancakeSwap appears significantly undervalued compared to peers like Uniswap. The platform recently expanded its operations to other chains, including Solana, and benefits from strong integration with the Binance Wallet ecosystem.

Why it matters: Fundamentals suggest PancakeSwap has room for growth if the market re-rates its value relative to competitors.

Market Themes to Watch

Bitcoin vs. Altcoin Season:
Our analysis shows we are still in a Bitcoin-dominant phase. Historically, altcoins outperform when Bitcoin consolidates or cools off. This implies that the current rotation into altcoins could continue as capital flows down the risk curve.

DeFi Revival:
Protocols like Blackhole DEX on Avalanche — which has grown its TVL from $7 million to $193 million in less than 2 weeks — highlight a renewed interest in decentralized finance. Unlike VC-backed models, Blackhole’s community-first tokenomics have resonated with users seeking fairer distribution.

Social Tokens & AI Integration:
Platforms like Zora and Sahara AI are tapping into major growth narratives: decentralized social media and artificial intelligence. Both sectors are likely to see continued experimentation and adoption.

Managing Risk in Altcoin Investing

While the upside potential in altcoins is high, so is the volatility. For high-risk trades, such as “moonshots” (low-cap tokens under $50 million market cap), we recommend:

  • Position sizing: Limit exposure to 1% per trade.
  • Diversification: Spread investments across multiple projects to reduce single-token risk.
  • Exit planning: Pre-define take-profit and stop-loss levels.

Conclusion

The crypto market is entering an exciting phase. Bitcoin’s consolidation above key levels suggests a healthy backdrop for risk assets, and altcoins are beginning to benefit. From creator monetization platforms like Zora to cross-chain DeFi protocols like Spark and Black Hole, this new wave of projects represents the diversity and innovation driving the next cycle.

As always, measured participation and disciplined risk management remain essential.

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