NFTs

NFT Market Crash - Insights for Investors and Artists

Gain strategic insights for investors and artists in the aftermath of the NFT market crash. Stay informed to make wise decisions in the evolving NFT space.
Marcus K
6 Minutes
MIN

The NFT market, once hailed as the next big thing in the crypto world, has experienced a dramatic rise and fall in a relatively short period. NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are digital assets that represent ownership of unique items, such as art, music, or collectibles, on a blockchain. 

They gained significant attention in 2021 and 2022, with high-profile sales and celebrities jumping on the bandwagon. However, recent studies and reports indicate that the NFT market has crashed, leaving many wondering what went wrong.

The Initial Hype and NFT Bull Run

The story of the NFT market begins with a wave of excitement and hype. In 2021, NFTs captured the attention of artists, collectors, and investors alike. The promise of owning unique digital assets authenticated by blockchain technology sparked a frenzy of buying and selling. 

Projects like Bored Apes and CryptoPunks gained popularity, with some NFTs selling for millions of dollars. The market peaked in monthly trading volume, hitting approximately $2.8 billion.

During this period, celebrities and athletes joined the NFT craze, further fueling the hype. NBA Top Shot, a platform that offers NFTs representing moments from basketball games, garnered significant attention and attracted high-profile investors. The NFT market seemed unstoppable, with prices skyrocketing and headlines dominated by record-breaking sales.

The NFT Market Crash: A Harsh Reality

However, the euphoria surrounding NFTs was short-lived. Recent studies and data analysis have revealed a grim reality for the NFT market. 

According to a report by dappGambl, a significant majority of NFT collections, approximately 95%, now have a market cap of zero ETH. Most NFTs are essentially worthless, leaving millions of people holding assets with no value.

NFT Market Crash Report

The study also found that 79% of all NFT collections must still be sold. The surplus of supply over demand has created a buyer's market, further dampening enthusiasm for NFTs. 

Even among the top collections, a significant portion is now considered worthless, and most NFTs are priced at a modest range of $5 to $100. Deals worth millions of dollars, which were once common, have become few and far between.

The Pitfalls and Challenges of the NFT Market

The NFT market crash can be attributed to several factors and challenges that have plagued the industry. One of the primary challenges is the need for more quality and originality in many NFT collections. 

As the market became saturated with a flood of new projects, the uniqueness and artistic value of NFTs diminished. Many NFTs were simply copies or variations of existing works, lacking the creativity and authenticity that collectors seek.

Furthermore, the speculative nature of the NFT market played a significant role in its downfall. The hype and FOMO (fear of missing out) drove prices to astronomical levels, detached from the assets' actual trading history and value. 

This disconnect between listed prices and actual sales has created a pricing bubble that has burst, leaving many investors and collectors disillusioned.

NFT Sales Report - Statista
Average number and value of completed NFT sales on the Ethereum blockchain up to September 27, 2023

Another challenge the NFT market faces is the need for precise regulations and standards. The legal and regulatory landscape surrounding NFTs is still evolving, with different countries and jurisdictions having varying rules and guidelines. 

This lack of clarity creates uncertainty for creators, consumers, and regulators, hindering the growth and stability of the market.

Lessons Learned and the Future of NFTs

The NFT market crash serves as a sobering lesson for investors and artists. It highlights the importance of critical thinking and due diligence when participating in emerging markets. 

Investors should be cautious and discerning, evaluating the quality, originality, and long-term potential of NFTs before making purchases. Conversely, artists should focus on creating unique and meaningful works that resonate with collectors rather than chasing trends and quick profits.

NFT Market Crash: Can It Recover?

Despite the crash, the concept of NFTs still holds potential for the future. The underlying technology and the ability to verify ownership and authenticity through blockchain remain valuable. 

However, several key steps must be taken for the NFT market to regain its footing.

1. Firstly, industry-wide standards and best practices should be established to ensure transparency, authenticity, and quality in creating and trading NFTs. It includes guidelines for verifying the provenance of digital assets and protecting against plagiarism and fraud.

2. Secondly, the NFT market needs to address the issue of oversaturation and low-quality offerings. Curators, platforms, and collectors should focus on nurturing and supporting artists who produce original and meaningful works. This approach will help restore the value and credibility of NFTs and attract genuine interest from collectors.

3. Collaboration and partnerships between artists, platforms, and traditional institutions, such as galleries and museums, can help bridge the gap between the digital and physical art world. Integrating NFTs into established art ecosystems can enhance accessibility and appeal to a broader audience.

4. Education and awareness initiatives are crucial to dispel misconceptions and demystify NFTs for the general public. Providing resources and information about NFTs, their benefits, risks, and legal implications can help build trust and understanding.

5. Finally, the NFT market should strive for sustainability and environmental responsibility. Exploring alternative blockchains and energy-efficient solutions can mitigate the environmental impact associated with NFTs, addressing concerns over excessive energy consumption.

Potential Use Cases of NFTs

Authentication of Digital Property - Non-fungible tokens serve as a verifiable proof of possession for various digital items, ranging from art and musical compositions to multimedia content. 

By leveraging blockchain technology, NFTs can significantly diminish the incidence of unauthorized copying and distribution, thereby fortifying the intellectual property rights of content creators.

Interactive Gaming Experiences - In gaming, NFTs introduce an element of actual ownership over in-game assets, such as unique equipment, avatars, or exclusive content. 

This ownership can enhance the gaming experience by adding layers of customization and investment in the game world, potentially increasing player retention and satisfaction.

Asset Ownership in the Metaverse - Within the burgeoning metaverse, NFTs play a pivotal role in acquiring and establishing property rights over virtual real estate and items.

Users can purchase, develop, and exchange these assets, fostering a dynamic economy and community within virtual environments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the NFT market crash has revealed the pitfalls and challenges of the industry. While many NFTs may currently be worthless, there is still potential for the market to recover and thrive. 

By addressing issues like quality, regulation, and sustainability, the NFT market can rebuild itself and offer artists, collectors, and investors a platform to participate in the digital economy. The lessons learned from the crash should serve as a guide for a more sustainable and responsible future for NFTs.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other 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. Conduct your due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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Crypto Basics

How to Find 100x Altcoins Before They Explode | Token Metrics Moonshot Guide

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

In the world of cryptocurrency, the term “moonshot” isn’t just slang—it’s the dream. A moonshot is that rare token that delivers 100x or even 1000x returns, turning small investments into massive profits. But the real question is: how do you find these altcoins before they explode?

In this guide, we’ll break down what moonshots are, how they work, and most importantly, how to use Token Metrics—the leading AI-powered crypto analytics platform—to discover hidden gems before the crowd catches on.

What Are Moonshot Altcoins?

Moonshots are low market cap altcoins with high growth potential. These tokens often start under the radar, trading at fractions of a cent, and then experience explosive price action fueled by community hype, technical breakthroughs, or big news.

Common Traits of Moonshot Altcoins:

  • Market Cap < $50M – Small enough to grow exponentially
  • High Volatility – Swings of 20–100% daily are not unusual
  • Speculative Narrative – Often driven by trend cycles like AI, DePIN, or meme coin mania
  • Community Driven – Strong social momentum via X (Twitter), Telegram, or Discord
  • Limited Listings – Usually launched on decentralized exchanges (DEXs) before hitting major CEXs

These tokens carry high risk but also high reward. Timing and information are everything—and that’s where Token Metrics comes in.

How Moonshot Altcoins Work

The mechanics behind a moonshot typically follow a cycle of accumulation, hype, breakout, and profit-taking:

  1. Early Accumulation – Smart money (including whales and insiders) buys in at low prices.
  2. Volume Spike – Trading activity picks up as new investors notice price movements.
  3. Parabolic Move – Price jumps rapidly due to FOMO and social media hype.
  4. Peak & Correction – Early buyers take profits, causing volatility or sharp retracement.

Catching the token in Phase 1 or 2 is crucial. If you're entering during the parabolic move, the risk/reward ratio is much worse.

That’s why traders and investors rely on data and AI-powered tools like Token Metrics to identify moonshots before they explode.

How to Use Token Metrics to Find Moonshots

Token Metrics offers a dedicated Moonshots feature powered by machine learning models trained on thousands of historical signals. It helps you find high-potential altcoins before they go mainstream.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to finding moonshot tokens using Token Metrics:

✅ Step 1: Go to the Ratings Page

  • From your Token Metrics dashboard, navigate to the “Ratings” tab.
  • This is where tokens are scored using Trader Grade and Investor Grade, based on factors like:
    • Technical indicators
    • On-chain activity
    • Market momentum
    • Social sentiment

Trader Grade is especially important for identifying short-term opportunities and moonshot candidates.

✅ Step 2: Click on the “Moonshots” Tab

Inside the Ratings page:

  • Click the “Moonshots” tab at the top.
  • This filters tokens identified by the platform’s AI as having short-term explosive potential.

These are not random picks—they are selected based on:

  • Sharp trader grade increases
  • Unusual volume and price action
  • Sentiment spikes
  • Market cap vs. performance anomalies

The Moonshots page refreshes in real-time to capture fast-moving opportunities.

✅ Step 3: Review Key Metrics

Each token listed in the Moonshots section includes crucial data to guide your decisions:

  • Trader Grade (with % change over time)
  • 24-Hour Trading Volume – Helps gauge interest and momentum
  • Market Cap – Smaller cap = higher potential upside
  • Date of Entry – Know exactly when the token was flagged
  • Live ROI Since Moonshot – See how it’s performed since it was listed

Want to see past winners? Just switch to “Past Moonshots” to view previous AI picks and how they performed over 7–14 days. Many tokens in this category have delivered 5x–20x returns in a matter of days.

✅ Step 4: Choose a Token to Explore

Click on any token from the list to open its Token Details Page.

Here, you can:

  • View a real-time price chart
  • Read a breakdown of fundamentals, including tokenomics, roadmap, and sector
  • See top holders (whales, insiders, or project wallets)
  • Review technical indicators, volume trends, and volatility

This deep-dive view gives you everything you need to make an informed decision—not just guesswork.

✅ Step 5: Buy in Seconds

Once you’ve done your due diligence:

  • Click the “Buy” button directly on the Moonshots page.
  • This opens a swap widget that connects to top DEXs.
  • Choose your wallet, confirm the swap, and you’re done—no need to leave the platform.

This seamless process saves time and allows you to act quickly in a fast-moving market.

Why Token Metrics Is the Best Tool for Moonshot Hunting

Finding 100x altcoins is about timing, data, and confidence. Token Metrics gives you all three:

🔍 Data-Backed Confidence

No more relying on anonymous influencers or Telegram groups. Token Metrics backs every moonshot with quantifiable metrics.

🧠 AI-Powered Predictions

The platform’s models constantly analyze price, volume, sentiment, and chain activity to spot anomalies and early breakouts.

📈 Transparent Track Record

You can review past Moonshots and their ROI—transparency that few platforms offer.

💡 Trade-Ready UI

With integrated swap functionality, you can go from discovery to execution in under a minute.

Final Thoughts

Finding the next 100x altcoin is never easy—but with the right tools, your odds improve dramatically.

Moonshots are real, and they happen frequently in crypto. But they’re only lucrative if you find them early, analyze them rationally, and manage your risk.

With Token Metrics, you don’t have to chase hype—you can rely on real-time analytics, AI-powered ratings, and actionable insights to guide your moonshot hunting.

If you're serious about catching the next 100x gem, start using Token Metrics today.

🚀 Start your free trial and unlock the Moonshots tab at TokenMetrics.com

Research

Andrena and the Rise of DePIN: Decentralized Internet in 2025

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

Introduction:
Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePINs) are rapidly emerging as one of the most transformative sectors in the blockchain space. In 2025, projects like Andrena are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible by bridging real-world hardware with decentralized protocols. This blog takes a closer look at the DePIN thesis, Andrena’s approach, and why this project is on the radar of top investors and analysts.

What Is DePIN?

DePIN stands for Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks. It refers to blockchain-powered networks that coordinate real-world infrastructure using token-based incentives. Use cases include:

  • Wireless internet (e.g., Helium)
  • Sensor networks (e.g., WeatherXM)
  • Storage and compute (e.g., Filecoin, Akash, Arweave)
  • Energy grids (e.g., PowerPod)

In short, DePINs decentralize infrastructure deployment and management using blockchain-based coordination tools.

Why DePIN Matters in 2025

  1. Infrastructure Gaps: Billions remain unconnected to the internet or lack access to basic digital services. DePINs offer a way to close these gaps without reliance on centralized telecoms.
  2. Token Incentives for Network Participation: Hardware operators are rewarded for contributing bandwidth, compute, or coverage—creating a new economic model.
  3. Real-World Utility: Unlike speculative tokens, DePIN projects often provide visible, tangible value from day one.

Introducing Andrena: The Helium of the Internet?

Andrena is a DePIN project building a decentralized internet backbone through a combination of physical devices and blockchain protocols. The project is developing a hardware device called Black Box, expected to launch in July.

Key features:

  • Distributed, peer-to-peer wireless coverage
  • Web3 native incentives for node operators
  • No reliance on centralized ISPs
  • Tentative deployments in New York City, Mexico City, and Accra
  • Deep integration with Helium Network and its infrastructure

Andrena aims to give individuals and communities the power to run their own internet access points and be compensated in a decentralized system.

Why It’s Generating Buzz

Token Metrics researchers flagged Andrena as a top pick for long-term infrastructure exposure. Here's why:

  • Backed by Top VCs: In its upcoming Series B, Andrena is reportedly raising funds from major firms including Polychain Capital, Archetype, Wintermute, and Coinbase Ventures.
  • Mass Market Vision: The goal is not just to serve crypto-native users, but also everyday consumers who simply want affordable, decentralized internet access.
  • Multi-layered Integration: Andrena will offer both physical routers and a browser extension, enabling different levels of participation.

Strategic Partnerships and Rollout

The project is currently in soft-launch mode with localized pilots and is pursuing exchange listings later this year. While details remain limited, the focus is on building a global decentralized ISP layer—a radical shift from the existing internet access model.

Why Andrena Could Succeed Where Others Struggled

Previous attempts at decentralized internet often failed due to:

  • Poor hardware UX
  • Limited adoption outside of crypto users
  • Unclear monetization models

Andrena appears to be addressing these pain points with:

  • Consumer-grade devices
  • Partner integrations (e.g., Helium)
  • Clear token utility tied to network usage and coverage
  • A well-capitalized, experienced founding team

Risks and Unknowns

As with all early-stage infrastructure projects, there are risks:

  • Uncertain regulatory frameworks around ISPs
  • Capital intensity of hardware production and distribution
  • Network growth dependent on physical deployment
  • Limited token utility details at this stage

Investors and builders should stay informed as more information becomes public.

How Token Metrics Is Tracking DePIN Growth

The Token Metrics platform is actively monitoring the DePIN space through metrics such as:

  • TVL (Total Value Locked) in related ecosystems
  • Developer activity and GitHub velocity
  • On-chain signal strength and token accumulation
  • Fundamental and technical ratings

Projects like Andrena and its ecosystem partners are closely watched for early indicators of momentum.

Final Thoughts

DePIN is one of the most compelling frontiers in crypto. It offers real-world, real-time applications that go far beyond speculation. Andrena is at the center of this movement, blending telecom hardware, Web3 incentives, and global deployment.

While it's still early, the signs are promising. From reputable backers to ambitious global plans, Andrena is a project worth watching in 2025 and beyond.

Research

Meme Coins in 2025: Why They’re Still Outperforming the Crypto Market

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

Introduction:
Even in a sluggish crypto market, meme coins continue to outperform many other asset classes. In 2025, these highly speculative assets are not only surviving—some are thriving. This blog examines the current state of the meme coin market, what’s driving the activity, and how on-chain data and crypto analytics can help decode the chaos.

Meme Coins: Still Relevant in 2025?

Despite a broadly bearish macro environment, meme coins remain among the few bright spots in the crypto market. In the latest Token Metrics research webinar, several meme tokens showed outsized returns, including:

  • Gorbagana – up over 50% in a day
  • Useless Coin – jumped 40% in 24 hours
  • Startup Coin – nearly 9x returns over the past month

These tokens operate at low market caps and often launch with little or no formal whitepaper or utility. However, the power of narrative, social engagement, and rapid speculation continues to drive short-term gains.

Why Meme Coins Are Performing in a Bear Market

1. Low Liquidity, High Volatility:
Small-cap meme tokens can easily generate parabolic moves with modest capital inflows.

2. Community-Led Narratives:
Tokens like Useless Coin and Startup thrive on viral momentum from crypto-native communities, particularly on X (Twitter) and Telegram.

3. Whale Activity as a Signal:
Token Metrics analysts observed that whales have been accumulating select meme coins. This isn’t an endorsement—but it’s a data point. Monitoring on-chain whale behavior offers clues about where smart money is moving.

The Gobagana Case Study

Gobagana was cited as a high-risk Solana fork with minimal public information, yet it rapidly gained traction. On-chain analysis revealed:

  • Whale wallets accumulating in the early phase
  • Early VC insiders (e.g., those connected to Big Brain VC) engaging with the token
  • Rapid social engagement despite a small follower base

The takeaway? Even opaque meme coins can trigger major rallies—particularly if accumulation patterns align with social volume.

Risk Management and Red Flags

The meme coin market is not without risk. The Token Metrics team emphasized several cautions:

  • Illiquidity: Many meme tokens have low volume and limited exchange listings.
  • Exit scams or soft rugs: Teams can abandon the project after price pumps.
  • Price discovery volatility: Tokens may have no clear valuation baseline and can retrace sharply.

As such, these assets are often best approached with a high-risk tolerance and clear entry/exit rules.

How to Track Meme Coins Like a Quant

Using crypto analytics platforms like Token Metrics can help make sense of meme coin volatility. Tools that help include:

  • Real-time sentiment analysis
  • Whale wallet tracking
  • Price-to-volume anomaly detection
  • Bullish/bearish signal tracking

In 2025, data is more important than hype. While memes may dominate the narrative, only data reveals when the momentum shifts.

Meme Coins vs. Infrastructure Projects

Interestingly, while meme coins have been surging, many infrastructure or protocol tokens remain flat. This divergence suggests that retail attention is still focused on short-term speculation.

That said, once Bitcoin breaks key resistance levels, we could see capital rotate into AI, DeFi, and infrastructure themes. Meme coins may be the “canary in the coal mine” indicating renewed retail appetite.

Final Thoughts

Meme coins remain the wild west of crypto—but they aren’t going away. In fact, they’re becoming more sophisticated, with deeper liquidity pools, faster launches, and increased integration with social media bots and automated token creators.

As always, meme coin trading demands discipline, skepticism, and a robust toolkit. Watch the whales, follow the data, and never trade what you don’t understand.

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