Research

How Does Cryptocurrency Work? Guide to the Future of Money - Why Token Metrics Is the Best AI Crypto Trading and Research Platform to Master It

Learn how cryptocurrency works, from blockchain to wallets to mining. Discover how Token Metrics helps you trade smarter with AI crypto price predictions and moonshot alerts.
Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

What Is Cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency is a digital form of money that exists on a decentralized network. Unlike traditional currencies like the dollar or euro, it isn’t controlled by a central bank or government. Instead, it uses cryptography to secure transactions, validate ownership, and prevent double-spending.

The most popular cryptocurrencies today include:

  • Bitcoin (BTC) – The original and most valuable cryptocurrency
  • Ethereum (ETH) – A programmable blockchain for apps and smart contracts
  • TMAI – The native token of Token Metrics used for AI-powered crypto research and trading

🧠 How Cryptocurrency Works: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

At the heart of all cryptocurrencies is blockchain technology — a distributed ledger that records transactions in a transparent, immutable, and secure manner.

Step 1: Blockchain Basics

A blockchain is a chain of blocks — each block containing a list of transactions. Every time a transaction occurs (like sending Bitcoin from Alice to Bob), it’s broadcast to a decentralized network of nodes. These nodes validate the transaction and add it to the blockchain.

Once added, it’s permanent and tamper-proof.

Step 2: Decentralized Consensus

To ensure security, cryptocurrencies use consensus mechanisms like:

  • Proof of Work (PoW) – Used by Bitcoin. Miners solve cryptographic puzzles to validate transactions and earn new coins.
  • Proof of Stake (PoS) – Used by Ethereum 2.0. Validators are chosen based on how much crypto they stake in the network.

These systems remove the need for centralized authorities like banks.

Step 3: Wallets and Addresses

To send and receive crypto, users need a wallet — a digital app or hardware device that stores private and public keys.

  • Public Key = Like your bank account number (shareable)
  • Private Key = Like your password (keep it secret)

Step 4: Making Transactions

  1. You enter the recipient’s address and amount.
  2. The transaction is signed with your private key.
  3. It’s broadcast to the blockchain.
  4. Miners or validators confirm it.
  5. It’s added to the blockchain and becomes irreversible.

Step 5: Supply and Demand

Most cryptocurrencies have limited supply. For example, Bitcoin has a max cap of 21 million coins. As supply decreases and demand increases, the price tends to go up — making crypto attractive to investors.

📊 Why Cryptocurrency Matters

  • Decentralization: Removes intermediaries like banks
  • Security: Powered by cryptographic encryption and public verification
  • Transparency: All transactions are publicly recorded
  • Borderless: Send and receive globally in minutes
  • Ownership: No one can seize your funds without your private key

🤖 How Token Metrics Helps You Understand and Trade Crypto Better

Now that you know how cryptocurrency works, the next question is: How do you invest smartly?

That’s where Token Metrics comes in — the best AI-powered crypto research platform for beginners, traders, and institutions.

🔹 1. AI-Powered Price Predictions

Token Metrics uses machine learning models trained on 80+ metrics (technical, on-chain, fundamental, sentiment) to forecast prices for thousands of coins — helping you make data-driven decisions instead of guessing.

🔹 2. Trader and Investor Grades

Each token is assigned two AI-generated grades:

  • Trader Grade – For short-term price action
  • Investor Grade – For long-term potential

These grades update daily and help filter thousands of tokens instantly.

🔹 3. Moonshot Finder

Want to find the next 100x altcoin? Token Metrics features a Moonshots tab, showcasing small-cap tokens with breakout potential based on AI momentum detection.

You can review:

  • Entry date
  • Live ROI
  • Market cap
  • Grade changes
  • Volume trends

🔹 4. Buy/Sell Alerts in Real-Time

Never miss a trade. Token Metrics sends instant alerts when tokens:

  • Hit your target price
  • Trigger bullish/bearish signals
  • Experience grade increases

Alerts are available via:

  • Telegram
  • Slack
  • Discord
  • Email
  • SMS

🔹 5. One-Click Trading

Once you find a great coin, you can trade directly on Token Metrics using the built-in Swap Widget — no need to switch to another platform.

🔹 6. Developer Access via MCP Server

Want to integrate Token Metrics into AI agents or dev tools?

Use the MCP Server to connect real-time data with tools like:

  • Claude / ChatGPT agents
  • Cursor IDE
  • Windsurf GraphQL
  • Slide builders like Tome
  • CLI tools and more

With one Crypto API key, developers and data teams can query identical results across multiple tools — unlocking fast, consistent, and autonomous crypto infrastructure.

🧠 How to Get Started with Token Metrics

  1. Sign up for free at tokenmetrics.com
  2. Access daily updated grades, moonshots, and charts
  3. Set custom alerts and start building your portfolio
  4. Upgrade to Premium or use $TMAI for trading discounts and enhanced limits

🚨 Risks of Cryptocurrency

While crypto offers exciting opportunities, it’s important to be aware of potential risks:

  • Price Volatility – Prices can spike or crash quickly
  • Regulatory Risks – Laws vary across countries and change frequently
  • Security Threats – Always use trusted wallets and enable 2FA
  • Hype & FOMO – Don’t trade based on social media trends without research

Token Metrics helps you mitigate these risks by using AI to cut through the noise and focus on data that matters.

🔮 The Future of Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is evolving rapidly. Trends to watch include:

  • Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs
  • Layer-2 scaling (Arbitrum, Optimism)
  • AI agents for autonomous trading
  • Real-world asset tokenization
  • Decentralized Finance (DeFi) growth

As crypto matures, platforms like Token Metrics will play a key role in helping users capitalize on opportunities intelligently.

✅ Final Thoughts

Understanding how cryptocurrency works is essential for anyone looking to join the digital economy. From how blockchains secure transactions to how tokens gain value, crypto offers a radically transparent, decentralized financial system.

But success in crypto isn’t just about buying a coin and hoping it rises.

It’s about research. Timing. Strategy. And tools.

That’s why thousands of users trust Token Metrics — the all-in-one AI crypto platform that helps you:

  • Identify high-potential tokens
  • Get real-time price predictions
  • Trade with confidence

Build a smart, diversified portfolio.

Build Smarter Crypto Apps &
AI Agents in Minutes, Not Months
Real-time prices, trading signals, and on-chain insights all from one powerful API.
Grab a Free API Key
Token Metrics Team
Token Metrics Team

Recent Posts

Crypto Basics

What is Litecoin (LTC) - A Comprehensive Guide

Token Metrics Team
5 minutes
MIN

Litecoin (LTC)is a digital currency that has gained traction in the cryptocurrency space. Its primary purpose is to serve as an alternative to Bitcoin, and it has been gaining popularity due to its relative affordability and security.

This article will explain Litecoin, its benefits, uses, mining, and more.

What is Litecoin?

Developed in 2011, Litecoin is a decentralized, peer-to-peer, open-source cryptocurrency, meaning any government or financial institution does not manage it.

Litecoin is based on the same technology as Bitcoin but uses a different algorithm called 'scrypt,' which requires a larger amount of memory and is believed to be more secure. It is also easier to mine than Bitcoin, meaning users can create new Litecoins more quickly and easily.

Unlike traditional currency, Litecoin is not backed by any government or central bank but is managed and held in a digital wallet. Transactions are then recorded on a public ledger, meaning that all transactions are transparent and secure. Litecoin is an ideal digital currency for those looking for an alternative to traditional money, as it provides users with an easy, secure, and affordable way to transfer funds.

It is designed to function like "silver to Bitcoin's gold."

How is Litecoin Different from Bitcoin?

Like Bitcoin, Litecoin is a decentralized, open-source currency that uses blockchain technology to facilitate secure and anonymous digital transfers. However, there are some key differences between the two cryptocurrencies.

Bitcoin Litecoin
Bitcoin is designed to be used as a store of value. Litecoin is designed to be used as a payment method.
Bitcoin's supply cap is 21 million. Litecoin can ever be mined is 84 million.
Bitcoin transactions can take 10 minutes. Litecoin transactions are confirmed in 2.5 minutes.
Bitcoin uses the more secure algorithm 'SHA-256' Litecoin uses an open-source algorithm called 'scrypt'
Bitcoin is portable to some extent. Litecoin is more portable than Bitcoin.
Bitcoin might be a little challenging to mine. Litecoin is easier to mine.
You might need a third party to inter-device fund transfer. You can transfer your funds from one device to another without relying on a third party.
Bitcoins are generated at a slower rate. Litecoins are generated at a faster rate.


What is Litecoin Mining?

Mining is a process by which new Litecoins are created and added to the blockchain.

Computers around the world 'mine' new blocks by solving complex algorithms.

This process helps them to earn new crypto coins and add them to the blockchain.

To mine, a computer must use special software and run it on high-end hardware. This can take up a lot of energy.

What is a Litecoin Wallet?

A Litecoin wallet is a physical or digital location where you store your LTC. The easiest way to think of a Litecoin wallet is as a place to store your LTC. Most wallets are online, but you can also download them to your phone or computer.

You can store LTC in a wallet like Coinbase or Exodus, or you can store it in a paper or hardware wallet.

It is advised that you should only store it in a wallet you control, such as your own.

Most wallets allow you to control multiple addresses, which can be useful when accepting payments from multiple people.

Benefits of Using Litecoin

Following are some of the benefits of using Litecoin LTC:

Instant transfers - There's no waiting for a bank or service to transfer funds like with PayPal. You can transfer funds instantly between two addresses.

Low transaction fees - Unlike Bitcoin transactions, which can cost hundreds of dollars, your Litecoin transactions cost less than 2 cents each. 

Mobile compatibility - You can access your Litecoin wallet on all your devices, which is helpful when completing transactions on the go. 

Privacy - Bitcoin and other digital currencies like Litecoin are designed to be private and secure. 

Easier to store - Like Bitcoin, Litecoin can be stored on various devices, including laptops, PCs, and smartphones. 

Escrow service - You can use a service like Escrow.com to hold LTC for you until both parties agree to the terms.

How to Buy Litecoin?

There are several exchanges where you can buy, sell, or trade LTC on, including

  • Coinbase
  • Kraken
  • Gemini
  • Binance
  • KuCoin

What is the Future of Litecoin?

Litecoin has been gaining a lot of popularity recently and is expected to continue growing in use. It can be a very profitable investment due to its relatively low price, which is expected to rise in the future.

Litecoin is easier to mine than Bitcoin, and mining costs less, making mining it more attractive. The block reward is also expected to reduce, further incentivizing mining. Litecoin is also more portable than Bitcoin because it can be stored on various devices, making it easier to use.

Bottom Line

Although Litecoin is still in a race for popularity in the crypto world, it's strictly advisable to do your own research and analysis before getting to business. As with any cryptocurrency, it is highly speculative and subject to high volatility, initially making it a high-risk investment.

Whether it is wise to invest in Litecoin depends on individual circumstances, risk tolerance, and investment goals. Before investing in any cryptocurrency, it is important to carefully consider factors such as the technology behind it, market adoption, regulatory environment, and competition. 

Crypto Basics

What are 3D NFTs and How Do They Work?

Token Metrics Team
6 minutes
MIN

3D NFTs, or Non-Fungible Tokens, are the latest trend in digital asset ownership. They are a form of digital asset that is unique, completely non-fungible, and immutable, allowing anyone to securely own and trade digital assets in a brand new way.

3D NFTs are created using 3D modeling tools such as Blender and 3D Studio Max, and stored on the blockchain, making them secure, transparent, and immutable. It’s now possible to own and trade digital assets in a new way. This article will take a closer look at what 3D NFTs are, how they work, and how you can use them to your advantage.

How Do 3D NFTs Work?

In order to own a 3D NFT, you will need a digital wallet that supports the creation and trade of 3D NFTs. These wallets will store your 3D NFTs, making them easy to trade with others and view your ownership rights in the blockchain. If you want to trade your 3D NFTs, you can easily do so by sending your 3D NFTs from your wallet to the wallet of the individual you want to trade with.

How are 3D NFTs Different from Other Digital Assets?

3D NFTs are different than other digital assets in that they are completely non-fungible. This means that each 3D NFT is completely one of a kind, making each one completely different from the next. Because each 3D NFT is one of a kind, each one will have its own value that can fluctuate depending on the demand for that 3D NFT.

Benefits of 3D NFTs

There are many benefits to using 3D NFTs over other digital assets. First and foremost, each 3D NFT is completely one of a kind, making them completely unique and interesting. This makes them much more exciting to collect, trade, and own. Since each 3D NFT is completely one of a kind and can be anything, they are much more interesting to own than other digital assets.

3D NFTs are also secure, transparent, and immutable, meaning that they can’t be hacked, all ownership rights can be seen by anyone, and they can’t be changed or manipulated in any way. Finally, they are also easy to create and trade, meaning anyone can start collecting and trading these digital assets.

How to Create 3D NFTs?

To create a 3D NFT, you need to follow these steps:

  1. Create or obtain a 3D model: You can create a 3D model from scratch using software like Blender or obtain one from an online marketplace.
  2. Convert the 3D model into a GLTF file format: This format is supported by most NFT marketplaces and makes it easier to display and view the 3D model in various environments.
  3. Mint the NFT: Minting is the process of creating a unique, one-of-a-kind token on the blockchain. You will need to use a blockchain platform like Ethereum and a tool like OpenSea to mint your 3D NFT.
  4. List the NFT for sale: Once you have minted your NFT, you can list it on various marketplaces such as SuperRare, Rarible, or OpenSea.

Where to Buy and Sell 3D NFTs?

There are various places where you can purchase and sell 3D NFTs, making them easy to trade with others. You can purchase 3D NFTs from online 3D asset marketplaces, such as Rarible, which allow you to purchase and sell unique 3D NFTs.

You can also use other known marketplaces, such as OpenSea or Magic Eden, to easily purchase and sell 3D NFTs.

How to Store 3D NFTs?

You will need to store your 3D NFTs in a digital wallet that supports 3D NFTs. Several different wallets support 3D NFTs; many even have mobile apps that make it easy to trade and collect your 3D NFTs.

How to Use 3D NFTs for Your Business?

If you want to use 3D NFTs in your business, they can be a great way to engage with your customers.

You can create your own 3D NFTs to give to customers, allowing them to trade and show off their digital assets.

You can also sell unique 3D NFTs, allowing customers to own rare, one-of-a-kind assets.

You can also use 3D NFTs as a loyalty reward, giving your customers a unique digital asset to show their loyalty to your brand.

The possibilities are endless. Reddit is a good example of this.

Types of 3D NFTs

There are various types of 3D NFTs you can collect and trade. You can collect unique video game characters, unique pieces of art, limited-edition sneakers, or even use 3D NFTs for marketing campaigns.

No matter what type of 3D NFT you collect, they will all be completely one of a kind, making them much more interesting to collect and trade than traditional digital assets. Also, 3D NFT projects are numerous and range from digital art to virtual real estate. 

Some of the most popular 3D NFT projects include:

  1. Decentraland: A virtual world where users can buy, sell, and build on virtual real estate using NFTs.
  2. Axie Infinity: A game where players can breed, battle, and trade creatures called Axies using NFTs.
  3. Bored Ape Yacht Club: A collectible game where players can own and trade unique, cartoon-style apes as NFTs.

Legal implications of 3D NFTs

There are very few legal implications to collecting and trading 3D NFTs. While you should always research to ensure you follow all applicable laws, most of these laws focus on trading and selling 3D NFTs rather than collecting and owning them.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, 3D NFTs are a new and exciting development in the world of digital assets, providing a way to prove ownership and authenticity of 3D models and monetize digital art, games, and virtual assets. With the potential for limitless applications, 3D NFTs are poised to revolutionize the way we think about and trade digital assets.

Crypto Basics

Ethereum Vs. Ethereum Classic: What's the Difference?

Token Metrics Team
4 minutes
MIN

Ethereum and Ethereum Classic are two of the most popular cryptocurrencies in the world today. Both of these digital currencies have exploded in value over the past few years and have become some of the most sought-after investments in the crypto market. 

But what is the key difference between ETH and ETC? 

Ethereum (ETH) and Ethereum Classic (ETC) are both blockchain networks, but they have a few key differences that make them unique. Ethereum is a newer platform that is designed to be more scalable and secure than Ethereum Classic. Ethereum Classic, on the other hand, is an open source blockchain network that has a focus on decentralization, immutability, and censorship resistance. In this article, we'll compare the two networks and explain why Ethereum is the better choice for most investors.

Overview of Ethereum and Ethereum Classic

Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized blockchain network that runs smart contracts and enables the development of decentralized applications (dApps). Ethereum was created by Vitalik Buterin and officially released in 2015. 

Ethereum Classic (ETC) is an extension (not a clone) of the original Ethereum, which was forked away by the Ethereum Foundation by launching a new protocol just an year later in 2016. 

To be precise, Ethereum Classic was created when the original Ethereum network and currency were split following the DAO hack in 2016. Ethereum and Ethereum Classic are both open source networks that are maintained by their respective development teams. Unlike Bitcoin, both Ethereum and Ethereum Classic use a Proof-of-Work consensus algorithm. Both these networks also use a native digital token to fuel their networks. 

As Ether is the native token of the Ethereum network, you can use it to pay for transaction or computational services on the Ethereum network. Similarly, ETC tokens are used by participants on the Ethereum Classic network.

But, the majority of the crypto crowd still needs a clean chit over the key differences that make them absolutely distinct. 

So, let’s get into it.

Differences between Ethereum and Ethereum Classic

Scalability - Ethereum (ETH) and Ethereum Classic (ETC) are both open-source blockchain networks that allow you to build decentralized applications. However, Ethereum has been designed to be more scalable. That means the network can handle more transactions at a higher speed, making it a better choice for everyday applications. 

Security - While both Ethereum and Ethereum Classic are secure blockchain networks, Ethereum is more scalable and has a better security track record. Ethereum Classic has been dealing with network security issues since its inception. 

Decentralization - Decentralization is one of the core values offered by blockchain networks like Ethereum and Ethereum Classic. Decentralization on the Ethereum network is slightly better than Ethereum Classic, but both networks have a long way to go before they can be considered decentralized. 

Immutability - Immutability is another core value offered by blockchain networks. However, the Ethereum and Ethereum Classic networks are still very far from achieving full immutability. Both networks have suffered from various instances of data manipulation. 

Censorship resistance - Censorship resistance is another core value offered by blockchain networks. However, both Ethereum and Ethereum Classic are far from achieving full censorship resistance. Both networks can be subjected to censorship by governments and other centralized entities. 

ETH vs ETC - Which is the Better Choice for Investors?

While both Ethereum and Ethereum Classic are great investments, we believe Ethereum is the better choice for most investors for a few reasons. First, Ethereum is more decentralized. Second, Ethereum has been around longer than Ethereum Classic. This means the network is more scalable, secure, and well-established than its competitor. Finally, Ethereum has a wider range of applications than Ethereum Classic.

Overall, Ethereum is the better blockchain network when compared to Ethereum Classic.

The Bottom Line

Ethereum and Ethereum Classic, both of these networks have exploded in value over the past few years and have become some of the most sought-after investments in the crypto market.

When the DAO got hacked and lost $50 million, Ethereum needed a solid technology to replace the old one. So, a hard fork was done. But many traditional supporters of Ethereum did not want to go with the hard fork, and they stayed with the old blockchain technology. As a result, Ethereum Classic was born.

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.

Choose from Platinum, Gold, and Silver packages
Reach with 25–30% open rates and 0.5–1% CTR
Craft your own custom ad—from banners to tailored copy
Perfect for Crypto Exchanges, SaaS Tools, DeFi, and AI Products