Crypto Basics

How to Store Cryptocurrency Safely in 2025 | Hot vs Cold Wallets

Learn how to store cryptocurrency securely using hot and cold wallets. Discover best practices and how Token Metrics helps you manage and protect your crypto investments.
Token Metrics Team
6 min
MIN

Cryptocurrency offers unmatched freedom, but with that freedom comes responsibility—especially when it comes to how to store cryptocurrency securely. Unlike traditional banking, crypto is self-custodied. If you lose access to your wallet, your funds are gone forever.

This guide explains everything you need to know about storing crypto in 2025, including:

  • Why crypto storage matters
  • Types of crypto wallets
  • Hot wallets vs. cold wallets
  • Tips for securing your assets
  • How platforms like Token Metrics can help protect your investment

🪙 Why Is Storing Cryptocurrency Important?

When you buy crypto—whether it’s Bitcoin, Ethereum, or a promising moonshot altcoin—you receive private keys that give you access to your funds. Anyone with that key can spend your coins.

That’s why safe storage is critical. Without it, your assets are vulnerable to:

  • Hacks and phishing scams
  • Lost devices or forgotten passwords
  • Exchange collapses or rug pulls

You are your own bank, and your security strategy is your vault.

🔐 What Is a Crypto Wallet?

A crypto wallet is a digital tool that stores your private and public keys. It lets you send, receive, and manage your crypto.

There are two main types:

  1. Hot wallets – connected to the internet
  2. Cold wallets – offline and physically secured

Let’s explore both.

🌐 Hot Wallets: Convenience Meets Risk

Hot wallets are always online, making them easy to use for trading, DeFi, or daily transactions.

Types of Hot Wallets:

  • Web wallets (e.g., MetaMask, Trust Wallet)
  • Mobile apps (e.g., Coinbase Wallet, Phantom)
  • Desktop wallets (e.g., Exodus, Electrum)

Pros:

  • Quick access to funds
  • Easy integration with DApps and exchanges
  • Great for beginners and active traders

Cons:

  • Higher risk of hacks, malware, and phishing
  • Device or browser compromise can expose keys

Best Practices for Hot Wallets:

  • Use 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)
  • Never store large amounts
  • Double-check URLs to avoid fake websites
  • Avoid public Wi-Fi while transacting

🧊 Cold Wallets: Ultimate Security

Cold wallets are offline storage solutions, ideal for long-term investors or large holdings.

Types of Cold Wallets:

  • Hardware wallets (e.g., Ledger Nano X, Trezor)
  • Paper wallets (QR code + private key printed on paper)
  • Air-gapped devices (old smartphones with no internet access)

Pros:

  • Immune to online hacks
  • Best for HODLing and large sums
  • You own full control

Cons:

  • Less convenient for daily use
  • Loss or damage without backups = permanent loss

Best Practices for Cold Wallets:

  • Buy hardware wallets directly from the manufacturer
  • Backup your seed phrase on metal plates or offline storage
  • Keep backups in secure, separate locations

🔄 Custodial vs. Non-Custodial Wallets

🏦 Custodial Wallets

Managed by exchanges (e.g., Binance, Coinbase). You don’t own the private keys.

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Ideal for beginners

Cons:

  • Not your keys, not your crypto
  • Vulnerable to hacks or platform failures

🔓 Non-Custodial Wallets

You own the keys. Wallets like MetaMask, Trust Wallet, or hardware devices.

Pros:

  • Full control and ownership
  • Safer long-term storage

Cons:

  • Losing your seed phrase = permanent loss
  • Requires more responsibility

Tip: Token Metrics recommends non-custodial wallets for storing long-term holdings and moonshot tokens.

🔐 How Token Metrics Enhances Crypto Security

Token Metrics is an AI-powered crypto research and trading platform trusted by thousands of investors. While it doesn’t store your crypto directly, it helps you manage risk and store assets wisely by:

1. Identifying Safe Assets

Token Metrics gives you AI-generated grades for tokens—helping you avoid scams and invest in credible projects worth storing long-term.

2. Trading Tools with Wallet Integration

You can explore tokens, assess moonshots, and initiate trades directly from your connected Web3 wallet without leaving the platform.

3. Portfolio Tracking with Security

Token Metrics allows you to track wallets and portfolio performance without requiring access to your private keys.

4. Educational Guidance

Through webinars, blog content, and investor resources, Token Metrics educates users on how to safely store their crypto in hot and cold wallets.

🧠 Tips to Keep Your Crypto Safe in 2025

✅ Use Hardware Wallets for Large Amounts

Your long-term Bitcoin, Ethereum, and moonshot tokens should live on a hardware wallet, not on an exchange.

✅ Store Your Seed Phrase Offline

Do NOT keep your recovery phrase in Google Docs or your phone. Use metal seed phrase storage or write it down and lock it in a safe.

✅ Use Multiple Wallets

Diversify storage:

  • Hot wallet for daily use
  • Cold wallet for savings
  • Separate wallet for DeFi

✅ Avoid Suspicious Links and Apps

Phishing is the #1 crypto threat. Double-check URLs, don’t sign unknown transactions, and avoid shady browser extensions.

✅ Monitor Wallet Activity

Use platforms like Token Metrics Alerts or Etherscan to track your wallet and get notified of suspicious activity.

🪙 How to Store Different Types of Crypto

🧭 Final Thoughts

Storing cryptocurrency securely is just as important as choosing the right tokens to invest in. Whether you’re a day trader, long-term investor, or moonshot hunter, knowing when and where to store your crypto is key to protecting your wealth.

In 2025, the best strategy combines:

  • Cold wallets for large, long-term holdings
  • Hot wallets for convenience and trading
  • Non-custodial options to retain full control
  • AI tools like Token Metrics to identify trustworthy assets and avoid scams

When you store your crypto properly, you don’t just protect your assets—you gain peace of mind.

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Token Metrics Team
Token Metrics Team

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Crypto Basics

How Do AI Crypto Indices Work? Inside the Future of Smart Investing

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

In the ever-evolving world of crypto, one thing is clear: automation and intelligence are the future. In 2025, AI-powered crypto indices are gaining traction as the most efficient, adaptive, and data-driven way to invest in digital assets. But how exactly do they work?

Unlike traditional crypto indices that follow fixed rules and rebalance on a schedule, AI indices adjust dynamically using real-time market signals, machine learning models, and smart risk management. They take the guesswork—and the emotion—out of investing.

In this article, we’ll break down what AI crypto indices are, how they function, and why they’re outperforming passive strategies in today’s market.

What Is an AI-Powered Crypto Index?

An AI-powered crypto index is a cryptocurrency investment portfolio managed by artificial intelligence. Rather than following rigid rebalancing schedules or fixed token lists, the AI actively decides:

  • Which tokens to include
  • How much weight to assign to each
  • When to buy, hold, or sell
  • Whether to move into stablecoins during market downturns

These decisions are made using a wide range of data inputs, processed through advanced algorithms and predictive models.

The Core Components of AI Crypto Indices

Let’s look under the hood. Here’s how AI-powered indices operate behind the scenes:

1. Data Collection

AI indices analyze vast amounts of crypto market data from multiple sources, including:

  • Price Action: Trends, volatility, momentum
  • Volume & Liquidity: How much is being traded and where
  • Social Sentiment: Mentions on Twitter, Reddit, Telegram, and news
  • Technical Indicators: RSI, MACD, moving averages, Bollinger Bands
  • On-Chain Metrics: Wallet activity, inflows/outflows, network usage
  • Macro Signals: Fed policy, global economic news, BTC dominance

This multi-dimensional data stack forms the foundation of the AI’s decision-making process.

2. Signal Generation

Using the data, the AI identifies bullish, neutral, or bearish conditions for each token under consideration.

It may use:

  • Machine learning classifiers
  • Neural networks trained on historical data
  • Natural language processing (NLP) to assess sentiment

The goal is to forecast short- to mid-term performance potential of each asset in the index.

3. Portfolio Allocation Logic

Once signals are generated, the AI engine builds the portfolio:

  • Include bullish tokens
  • Exclude bearish or sideways tokens
  • Adjust weights based on conviction
  • Cap exposure to volatile or illiquid assets
  • Shift into stablecoins if overall risk is high

This process replaces traditional “Top 10 Market Cap” logic with data-informed positioning.

4. Rebalancing & Execution

AI indices typically rebalance on a weekly or as-needed basis—far more responsive than quarterly rebalancing in passive indices.

Rebalancing involves:

  • Selling underperforming assets
  • Increasing exposure to trending tokens
  • Reducing concentration risk
  • Locking in profits by trimming over-extended positions

Execution may be simulated (in research products) or actual (for tokenized index platforms or connected wallets).

Real-World Example: Token Metrics AI Indices

Token Metrics is a leader in AI index technology. Their indices:

  • Analyze over 80 data points per token
  • Issue weekly buy/sell signals
  • Rebalance portfolios based on market sentiment and momentum

Example: DeFi AI Index

  • Week 1: AAVE, LDO, RUNE get bullish signals → added to the index
  • Week 2: LDO signal turns bearish → replaced by GMX
  • Week 3: Broad DeFi market looks weak → 30% of portfolio shifted into USDC

This approach ensures the portfolio actively adapts to changing market conditions without user intervention.

Benefits of AI-Powered Indices

✅ Smarter Risk Management

Exit early during downturns, move into stablecoins, avoid overexposure.

✅ Better Timing

Capture gains earlier by entering tokens before trend exhaustion.

✅ Emotion-Free Investing

No panic selling or FOMO buying—just data-driven decisions.

✅ Automation at Scale

Ideal for passive investors who want active performance.

✅ Competitive Performance

Outperformed passive indices in 2024–2025 due to faster reaction times and smarter rebalancing.

AI vs. Passive Crypto Indices

Are AI Crypto Indices Safe?

While no crypto investment is “safe,” AI indices help reduce risk compared to manual investing or passive index strategies by:

  • Avoiding weak tokens
  • Reducing exposure in downturns
  • Allocating capital to strong-performing assets

This makes them a compelling choice for both beginners and advanced investors looking for automated performance optimization.

Common Misconceptions

❌ "AI indices are just hype."

Wrong. Real AI indices use trained models and live market data—not just price trends—to make decisions.

❌ "They’re only for pros."

Most platforms now offer user-friendly AI indices that are fully automated and beginner-friendly.

❌ "They’re too risky."

While aggressive AI indices exist (e.g., Memecoins), many offer conservative modes with stablecoin rotation and low-volatility token selection.

Who Should Use AI-Powered Indices?

  • Busy Professionals – Want hands-off performance
  • Trend Traders – Prefer smart auto-rebalancing
  • Beginners – Need risk-managed crypto exposure
  • Wealth Builders – Looking for alpha over time

Final Thoughts: AI Indices Are the Future of Crypto Investing

AI-powered crypto indices bring hedge-fund-level sophistication to individual investors. With intelligent signal generation, data-driven risk management, and weekly rebalancing, these indices outperform traditional strategies—especially in volatile markets.

Whether you want to follow the hottest trends, avoid losses during bear markets, or simply invest smarter, AI indices offer an automated and strategic approach to growing your crypto portfolio.

Platforms like Token Metrics lead this space with real-time AI signal engines, offering performance-optimized indices across Memecoins, DeFi, AI tokens, RWAs, and more.

Crypto Basics

Can AI or Data Tools Help Identify Moonshots?

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

From Hype to Science — The Role of AI in Finding Moonshots

In the past, finding a 100x moonshot often meant trolling crypto Twitter threads, scanning Discord servers, or jumping into Telegram groups filled with bots and hype. But times have changed. In 2025, the smartest investors use AI and data analytics tools to uncover hidden gems before they explode.

This blog explores how AI and crypto-specific data platforms like Token Metrics are transforming moonshot discovery into a science — removing the guesswork and helping investors spot massive opportunities early.

Why Human-Only Research Isn’t Enough Anymore

With over 2 million crypto tokens and hundreds launching weekly, it’s virtually impossible to manually research everything. Retail traders are often overwhelmed, relying on gut feelings or influencer tweets.

AI levels the playing field by:

  • Analyzing massive datasets at scale
  • Spotting hidden patterns in price, volume, and sentiment
  • Scoring tokens based on fundamentals, momentum, and risk
  • Filtering out noise, scams, and pump-and-dumps

Simply put, AI sees what the human eye misses.

How AI Tools Detect Moonshots

AI models trained on crypto data can identify early-stage projects by analyzing:

These insights allow you to rank tokens and prioritize research efforts.

How Token Metrics AI Grades Work

Token Metrics, a pioneer in AI-driven crypto analytics, uses machine learning to generate Investor Grades, Trader Grades, and Bullish/Bearish Signals for thousands of tokens.

Here's how:

  • Investor Grade – Long-term potential based on fundamentals, community, tech
  • Trader Grade – Short-term potential based on price action, momentum, liquidity
  • Bullish Signal – Triggered when AI detects high-probability upside within 7–14 days
  • Bearish Signal – Warns of likely downturns or profit-taking zones

Moonshots that rank highly across these metrics are often early movers with breakout potential.

Top Tools to Find Moonshots with AI & Data

Use these tools together to spot patterns others miss.

Case Study: AI Spotting a Moonshot Early

Let’s say a low-cap AI token called NeuroLink AI launches. It’s not yet on CEXs but shows:

  • Spike in GitHub commits
  • Surge in Telegram growth
  • 24h price up 18%, volume 400%
  • Mentioned in 3 Token Metrics Bullish Signals in one week
  • AI Trader Grade: 91/100

That’s a prime moonshot candidate worth further analysis — and most retail traders wouldn’t catch it until it’s up 5x.

Human + AI = The Winning Formula

AI doesn't replace human judgment — it enhances it. The best approach is:

  1. Use AI to scan, sort, and filter top candidates
  2. Manually research the top 5–10 picks
  3. Evaluate community, product, team, and roadmap
  4. Use risk metrics and technicals for entry/exit planning

This hybrid approach minimizes FOMO and maximizes precision.

Moonshot AI Checklist

Before diving in, check:

✅ High AI Trader or Investor Grade (85+)
✅ Momentum score surging
✅ Early-stage narrative (AI, DePIN, RWA, etc.)
✅ Community growth across socials
✅ Smart money inflows on-chain
✅ No major unlocks in next 30 days

If all boxes are ticked, you may have found your next 10x.

Final Thoughts: AI is the Ultimate Edge in 2025

Crypto moonshots are no longer found in meme threads and TikTok videos alone. In 2025, the best investors use AI-powered research to systematically uncover explosive opportunities before they go viral.

By leveraging platforms like Token Metrics, you turn chaos into clarity — and emotion into execution.

Announcements

How to Build On-Chain Crypto Trading Bots Using Token Metrics Crypto API and Chainlink Functions

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

In the evolving world of Web3 development, the need for real-time, reliable, and institutional-grade crypto data has never been greater. Whether you’re building decentralized trading bots, DeFi apps, or smart contract platforms, accessing powerful off-chain data is key to creating intelligent and profitable on-chain systems.

That’s where the Token Metrics Crypto API comes in.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to integrate the Token Metrics API with Chainlink Functions, enabling you to deploy live smart contracts that interact with real-time crypto signals, token prices, and trader grades. You’ll learn how to use more than 20 API endpoints and smart contract adapters to power decentralized apps with actionable data.

If you’re searching for the best crypto API for smart contract development, or you need a free crypto API to start testing on testnets, this article is your ultimate resource.

What Is the Token Metrics Crypto API?

The Token Metrics API is an advanced data interface designed for traders, developers, and Web3 builders. It provides access to over 20 endpoints covering everything from:

  • Token prices
  • AI-powered trading signals (bullish/bearish)
  • Trader and Investor Grades (0–100 scoring system)
  • Quant metrics
  • Support and resistance levels
  • Sentiment analysis

Built by a team of quant analysts, machine learning engineers, and crypto-native researchers, the Token Metrics Crypto API brings hedge-fund-grade intelligence into the hands of everyday builders.

Why Use the Token Metrics API with Chainlink Functions?

Chainlink Functions enable smart contracts to securely retrieve off-chain data from any API. By integrating with the Token Metrics Crypto API, you can bridge institutional-grade analytics into fully decentralized apps—something not possible with basic or unreliable data sources.

Here’s why this combo is so powerful:

  • 🔗 Chainlink decentralizes your execution
  • 🧠 Token Metrics powers your logic with predictive analytics
  • ⚙️ Smart contracts can now act on real market intelligence

This integration enables the creation of intelligent trading bots, dynamic token allocations, and governance proposals backed by hard data—not speculation.

Step-by-Step: How to Integrate Token Metrics API with Chainlink Functions

Let’s walk through how to connect the best crypto API—Token Metrics—with Chainlink Functions to build and deploy a live smart contract.

1. Clone the GitHub Repo

Start by cloning the GitHub repository that contains the full codebase. This includes:

  • A set of ~20 pre-built smart contracts
  • API adapter logic
  • Sample scripts to interact with the contracts
  • A detailed README with setup instructions

Each smart contract is tailored to one Token Metrics API endpoint—meaning you can plug and play any dataset, from prices to sentiment scores.

2. Set Up Your Environment

The README provides a full list of recommended environment variables, including:

  • API_KEY for Token Metrics
  • LINK_TOKEN_ADDRESS
  • CHAINLINK_SUBSCRIPTION_ID
  • ORACLE_ADDRESS

Once your .env is ready, you can start compiling and deploying.

3. Build and Deploy a Sample Trading Bot Smart Contract

In this walkthrough, the developer built a Solidity smart contract that:

  • Pulls live data from Token Metrics (price, signal, grade)
  • Evaluates the signal (e.g., bullish)
  • Executes a buy trade if the signal is positive

The contract is compiled in Remix IDE, connected via MetaMask (on testnet), and deployed using testnet ETH and LINK tokens.

After deployment, you’ll receive a contract address that can be added to your Chainlink subscription.

4. Create a Chainlink Subscription

To fund your contract for data requests:

  1. Go to the Chainlink portal
  2. Create a new subscription (testnet or mainnet)
  3. Fund it with some LINK
  4. Add your deployed smart contract as a consumer

This allows your contract to make external data calls using Chainlink’s decentralized oracle network.

5. Run a Script to Invoke Real-Time Token Metrics Data

Using the provided JavaScript scripts, you can interact with the smart contract and test data flow:

  • Check the bot’s active status
  • Retrieve token price, trading signal, and grade
  • See how the smart contract responds to live market conditions

In the demo, the bot received a bullish signal, saw that the grade was high, and executed a buy trade accordingly. This logic can be expanded into full-scale trading strategies, rebalancing rules, or even on-chain governance triggers.

Why Token Metrics API Is the Best Crypto API for Smart Contracts

Here’s what makes the Token Metrics Crypto API the best crypto API for building advanced, data-driven dApps:

✅ Institutional-Grade Signals

Get access to proprietary AI trading signals, used by hedge funds and institutional desks.

✅ 20+ Endpoints for Every Use Case

Whether you need sentiment data, grades, price trends, or quant models, it’s all there.

✅ Real-Time and Back-Tested

The data is not just live—it’s tested. Token Metrics backtests every signal against market conditions.

✅ Easy to Integrate

Pre-built smart contract adapters make it easy to use the API in Chainlink, Remix, or any EVM-compatible environment.

✅ Free Crypto API Tier Available

Start testing on testnets with a free crypto API key. Upgrade later for full production access.

Real-World Use Cases for Token Metrics + Chainlink Functions

Here are some examples of what you can build using this integration:

  • On-Chain Trading Bots: React to bullish or bearish signals in real time
  • Decentralized Rebalancing Strategies: Adjust token allocations based on trader grades
  • Token Governance: Trigger proposal alerts when sentiment crosses a threshold
  • Risk Management Contracts: Move funds to stablecoins when volatility spikes
  • NFT Floor Price Triggers: Use sentiment and price data for automated mint/pass logic

Final Thoughts: The Future of Crypto Intelligence Is On-Chain

As Web3 matures, the ability to combine decentralized execution with centralized intelligence will define the next generation of dApps. The integration of Token Metrics Crypto API with Chainlink Functions is a major step in that direction.

Developers can now build on-chain applications that make smarter, faster, and more profitable decisions—powered by data that was once out of reach.

Whether you're a DeFi developer, a DAO engineer, or just exploring your first smart contract, this setup gives you a free crypto API to experiment with and the power of the best crypto API when you're ready to scale.

🚀 Ready to Get Started?

  • Get your free Token Metrics API key
  • ✅ Clone the GitHub repo and install the smart contracts
  • ✅ Join the Token Metrics Dev Telegram community
  • ✅ Start building intelligent, AI-powered crypto applications today

Your next-generation crypto trading bot starts here.

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