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Top Crypto Indices in 2025: The Best Ways to Invest in Crypto Without Picking Tokens

Explore the top crypto indices in 2025, including AI-powered strategies, passive HODL indices, and sector-based baskets. Learn how to simplify crypto investing with smart, diversified index portfolios.
Token Metrics Team
Top Crypto Indices in 2025: The Best Ways to Invest in Crypto Without Picking Tokens
MIN

Crypto investors in 2025 face an overwhelming number of choices. With thousands of tokens, rapidly shifting narratives, and constant market volatility, building and managing a profitable portfolio isn’t easy. But one solution is gaining traction among both beginner and seasoned investors alike: crypto indices.

A crypto index is a curated basket of tokens that provides diversified exposure to a specific segment of the crypto market. Instead of researching and buying individual tokens, you invest in a single index that tracks a group of assets—similar to how the S&P 500 or NASDAQ works in traditional finance.

In this article, we’ll cover the top crypto indices in 2025, explain what makes each one stand out, and explore how AI is revolutionizing index investing in the crypto space.

What Is a Crypto Index?

A crypto index is a portfolio of cryptocurrencies selected and weighted using a specific methodology. It can be passive—holding the top 10 tokens by market cap—or active, where an algorithm or AI rebalances the index based on market conditions.

Investing in a crypto index means you’re buying into an entire theme or strategy, not just a single token. This helps reduce risk, smooth out returns, and simplify the investing process.

Why Use Crypto Indices in 2025?

Here’s why crypto indices are more relevant than ever in 2025:

  • Diversification: Spread your capital across multiple tokens, reducing the impact of any single asset's volatility.
  • Automation: Many indices rebalance automatically, saving you time and effort.
  • Trend Exposure: Sector-based indices let you ride major trends like AI, DeFi, or Real World Assets (RWA).
  • Risk Management: AI-powered indices can reduce exposure or shift to stablecoins in bearish conditions.

Top Crypto Indices in 2025

1. Token Metrics AI Indices

  • Type: Actively Managed
  • Technology: AI-driven with over 80 data points per token
  • Themes: Memecoins, RWA, AI Agents, DeFi, Layer 1s
  • Frequency: Rebalanced weekly based on bullish/bearish market signals

Why It’s a Top Pick:
Token Metrics has pioneered a new generation of crypto indices that actively trade based on AI insights. Instead of static rebalancing, the AI identifies when to enter or exit tokens based on current momentum, volatility, sentiment, and technical indicators. These indices offer a smarter, automated approach to outperforming the market—especially in fast-moving sectors like AI tokens or memecoins.

2. Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund (BITW)

  • Type: Passive
  • Structure: Traditional investment vehicle (available via brokerage)
  • Assets: Top 10 cryptocurrencies by market cap

Why It’s a Top Pick:
BITW is ideal for investors looking for simple, long-term exposure to the largest and most established cryptos. It tracks the performance of the top 10 digital assets, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL). It's fully regulated and targets institutions or traditional investors entering crypto.

3. Phuture DeFi Index (PDI)

  • Type: On-chain, Passive
  • Focus: Decentralized Finance (DeFi) tokens
  • Access: Non-custodial, DeFi-native

Why It’s a Top Pick:
Phuture makes index investing seamless within DeFi ecosystems. Its DeFi Index provides exposure to high-utility tokens like AAVE, UNI, and CRV. Ideal for crypto-native users, it’s completely on-chain, composable, and doesn’t require intermediaries.

4. Index Coop – GMI (Bankless DeFi Innovation Index)

  • Type: Community-Governed, Thematic
  • Focus: Experimental and innovative DeFi projects
  • Governance: Managed by Index Coop and Bankless DAO

Why It’s a Top Pick:
GMI stands for “Going Mainstream Index” and aims to capture cutting-edge projects at the bleeding edge of DeFi innovation. It’s great for those bullish on next-gen financial infrastructure and looking for exposure to governance tokens, staking protocols, and experimental finance.

5. Crypto20 (C20)

  • Type: Tokenized Index Fund
  • Composition: Top 20 cryptocurrencies
  • Access: ERC-20 token (C20) represents index share

Why It’s a Top Pick:
Crypto20 was one of the first tokenized crypto index funds. It lets you invest in the top 20 cryptocurrencies through a single token, with auto-rebalancing and transparent weighting. It’s an easy on-ramp for beginners who want broad crypto exposure.

6. Token Metrics Global Market Cap Indices (HODL Series)

  • Type: Passively Managed
  • Available Indices: Top 5, 10, 25, and 100 by market cap
  • Strategy: Buy-and-hold portfolios for long-term investors

Why It’s a Top Pick:
These indices are designed for investors who believe in the long-term growth of the crypto market but don’t want to chase narratives. The HODL series is great for passive wealth accumulation with minimal trading activity.

Thematic Crypto Indices to Watch

If you’re looking to ride specific crypto narratives in 2025, these thematic indices are worth considering:

🔹 AI Tokens Index

  • Tracks top AI-focused crypto projects like FET, AGIX, and GRT.
  • Surging interest due to the AI boom in both tech and crypto sectors.

🔹 Memecoin Index

  • Includes high-volatility meme tokens like DOGE, PEPE, BONK, and WIF.
  • Great for traders who want to play high-risk, high-reward cycles.

🔹 RWA Index (Real World Assets)

  • Exposure to tokens that represent off-chain value: MKR, ONDO, XDC, etc.
  • Benefiting from institutional crypto adoption and tokenized finance growth.

🔹 Layer 1 Index

  • Tracks the performance of top blockchain platforms: ETH, SOL, AVAX, NEAR, etc.
  • Best for investors bullish on infrastructure plays.

How to Start Investing in Crypto Indices

  1. Choose a Platform – Token Metrics, Bitwise, Index Coop, or Phuture.
  2. Select an Index – Based on your interest: AI, DeFi, Memecoins, or Market Cap.
  3. Connect Wallet or Sign Up – Depending on whether it's on-chain or centralized.
  4. Fund Your Account – Typically via USDC, ETH, or fiat.
  5. Monitor Performance – AI indices may require weekly check-ins; HODL indices can be set and forgotten.

Final Thoughts: Crypto Indices Are the Smartest Way to Invest in 2025

Whether you’re a new investor or an experienced trader, crypto indices in 2025 offer one of the most efficient, diversified, and intelligent ways to grow your crypto portfolio. Platforms like Token Metrics lead the way with cutting-edge AI-powered indices, while more traditional players like Bitwise provide reliable exposure for institutional strategies.

By investing in an index, you’re not just buying a few coins—you’re gaining access to a curated, balanced, and often smarter portfolio that evolves with the market. And as AI and automation take over more of the investing process, index strategies are becoming even more powerful.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start investing strategically, now is the time to explore the best crypto indices available.

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Token Metrics Team
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Token Metrics Revenue Sharing DAO: The Future of Crypto Investing

Token Metrics Team
5 mins
MIN

For years, Token Metrics has been the go-to platform for AI-powered crypto research, market insights, and advanced trading tools. These resources have helped thousands of investors navigate the complexities of the market. 

But access to insights is just one piece of the puzzle. True wealth-building in crypto takes it beyond just data and predictions—it’s about having a direct stake in the platforms shaping the future.

That’s why Token Metrics DAO is now live. This for-profit, community-driven ecosystem is designed to reward long-term TMAI stakers, provide real governance power, and offer exclusive investment access—all while keeping our industry-leading analytics and tools at the core of the experience.

Token Metrics: From Intelligence to Ownership

The expansion from a data-driven research platform to an integrated staking and governance ecosystem isn't an accident. We believe investors need more than just information. They need opportunities to actively participate in the upside.

But let’s be clear: Token Metrics isn’t abandoning its core mission. The platform’s cutting-edge analytics, AI-driven token ratings, and market insights remain at the heart of everything we do. 

What’s different is that now, the most committed members of our community can access even more benefits—without extra costs, and with a real financial stake in the platform’s success.

How the Token Metrics DAO Works

Token Metrics DAO takes the power of our research-driven investment tools and combines it with on-chain governance and rewards. This means that instead of just using Token Metrics insights, TMAI holders now can earn from and influence the platform itself.

By staking TMAI, users receive veTMAI, a token that unlocks:

  • A share in platform-generated revenue (subject to governance approval)
  • TMAI incentive rewards that increase based on lock-up duration
  • Access to premium Token Metrics tools—no more subscription fees
  • Governance rights to shape the platform’s future
  • Early access to high-potential launchpad projects

This system ensures that long-term participants benefit the most, creating an incentive for sustained engagement while keeping Token Metrics’ research tools accessible and valuable to all users.

Governance That Impacts Your Portfolio

Decentralized governance isn’t new in crypto, but few projects give users real influence over revenue and strategy. Token Metrics DAO changes that.

The first governance proposal is a vote on how platform revenue from on-chain swaps is distributed to veTMAI holders. This means that staking TMAI is not about earning yield—it’s about generating a real, platform-backed return.

Beyond revenue sharing, veTMAI holders will have a say in:

  • How to distribute or invest revenue earned by the DAO
  • What early-stage private sales to invest in
  • Upcoming projects for the public Launchpad

This is a long-term model that aligns platform growth with community incentives. The more successful Token Metrics becomes, the greater the potential benefits for TMAI holders.

Early Access to the Best Investment Opportunities

Access to high-quality research is valuable. But access to investments before the market catches on is game-changing.

Remember $LUCKY, the Token Metrics Launchpad project that soared 30x post-launch? A lot of investors only heard about it after it had mooned. 

With Token Metrics DAO, veTMAI holders gain early access to high-potential crypto projects before they go public—giving them the same first-mover advantage that has historically been reserved for VCs and insiders.

A Sustainable, Rewarding Model

While many crypto projects introduce staking without considering long-term sustainability. Token Metrics has designed a system that balances rewards with platform growth.

Instead of simply inflating token supply, Token Metrics DAO builds its rewards model on real economic activity—including subscription-free analytics access, early-stage investments, and community-governed revenue-sharing models.

This isn’t about replacing tools or research—it’s about expanding how crypto investors engage with their portfolios, platforms, and communities.

The Future of Crypto Investing Starts Today

Token Metrics DAO is not a new product feature—it’s an expansion of what we’ve always done best: empowering crypto investors with intelligence, opportunity, and now, ownership.

By staking TMAI today, users secure:

  • A long-term stake in the Token Metrics ecosystem
  • The ability to influence platform decisions
  • Early access to high-potential investments
  • Subscription-free analytics and research tools
  • A share of platform revenue (if governance approves it)

The tools remain. The insights remain. But for those who want to go beyond using Token Metrics—and start owning a piece of its future—the opportunity starts now.

Are you ready to take the next step?

Stake TMAI & Join Token Metrics DAO Today

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Crypto Basics

High-Profile Social Media Hacks and Cryptocurrency Scams: How Hackers Are Exploiting Influencers

Token Metrics Team
5 mins
MIN

The Rise of Social Media Hacks in Crypto Scams

The cryptocurrency industry has seen a troubling rise in high-profile social media hacks, where attackers compromise the accounts of influential figures to promote fraudulent memecoins. These incidents deceive unsuspecting investors, causing financial losses and damaging the reputations of those targeted. As hackers refine their techniques, it has become increasingly important for investors to stay informed and cautious.

Notable Crypto Scam Incidents

Nick Robinson’s Account Hacked for Fake Memecoin Promotion

In February 2025, BBC broadcaster Nick Robinson's X (formerly Twitter) account was hijacked to falsely announce the launch of a cryptocurrency called $TODAY on the Solana blockchain. The fraudulent promotion misled his followers into believing he was behind the project, sparking widespread concern about security vulnerabilities on social media. 

Kylian Mbappé’s Social Media Compromised for Scam Token

Football superstar Kylian Mbappé's X account was taken over by hackers who used it to promote $MBAPPE, a fraudulent memecoin. This scam token quickly gained traction, reaching a market capitalization of $460 million before being exposed as a pump-and-dump scheme. 

Drake’s X Account Used to Promote a Fraudulent Memecoin

In December 2024, rapper Drake’s X account was hijacked to push a Solana-based memecoin called $ANITA. The scam generated over $5 million in trading volume before it was identified and removed, demonstrating the power that celebrity endorsements—whether real or fabricated—can have on crypto markets. 

Zach Witkoff’s Account Used to Endorse Fake “BARRON” Token

Hackers also targeted World Liberty Financial co-founder Zach Witkoff, using his social media presence to promote a scam memecoin called BARRON. Even after the fraudulent posts were removed, the token’s price remained relatively stable, highlighting the continued risks posed by these types of schemes. 

The Impact of Crypto Social Media Hacks

These incidents have far-reaching consequences for the cryptocurrency community:

  • Investor Losses – Many investors trust influencer endorsements and suffer financial losses when scam tokens collapse.
  • Erosion of Trust – These scams damage confidence in both social media platforms and the crypto industry as a whole.
  • Regulatory Scrutiny – Authorities are increasingly cracking down on fraudulent activities, leading to potential regulatory changes that could reshape the crypto landscape.

How to Protect Yourself from Crypto Scams

To avoid falling victim to social media-driven crypto scams, consider the following precautions:

Verify Announcements

Always cross-check cryptocurrency endorsements by influencers with official sources before making any investment decisions. If a project appears out of nowhere with an unexpected celebrity endorsement, it may be a scam.

Strengthen Social Media Security

Influencers and key figures in the crypto industry should implement two-factor authentication (2FA) and other security measures to prevent unauthorized access to their accounts.

Stay Informed

Keeping up with crypto security news is crucial. Subscribe to reputable news sources and platforms like Token Metrics to stay ahead of potential threats.

Stay Updated with Token Metrics

The rise of social media hacks promoting fraudulent memecoins serves as a stark reminder of the importance of due diligence in crypto investing. Follow Token Metrics and subscribe to our newsletter to receive expert insights, market updates, and security tips to help you navigate the evolving crypto landscape safely.

By staying informed and vigilant, investors can protect themselves from falling victim to these deceptive schemes and make smarter investment decisions in the ever-changing world of cryptocurrency.

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Crypto Basics

The SEC's Shift in Crypto Regulation: Implications for the Industry

Token Metrics Team
5 mins
MIN

A New Era for Crypto Regulation

The cryptocurrency industry is facing a pivotal moment as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) signals a shift in its approach to digital asset regulation. With increased scrutiny on crypto exchanges, stablecoins, and DeFi platforms, this regulatory evolution has sparked concerns and opportunities within the industry.

What’s Changing in SEC Crypto Regulations?

In recent years, the SEC has primarily focused on enforcement actions against projects it deems as unregistered securities. However, recent statements from SEC officials suggest a potential shift toward clearer guidelines and a more structured regulatory framework. Key developments include:

  • Potential Spot Crypto ETF Approvals: Following the approval of Bitcoin futures ETFs, market participants are optimistic that the SEC may soon greenlight spot-based ETFs, bringing more institutional investors into the space.
  • Stablecoin Oversight: Regulatory discussions around stablecoins have intensified, with the SEC working alongside other government agencies to establish clear compliance standards.
  • DeFi Under the Microscope: Decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms may soon face new regulations aimed at increasing transparency and consumer protection.
  • Crackdown on Unregistered Securities: The SEC has taken action against various cryptocurrency projects, alleging that many token sales constitute unregistered securities offerings. These enforcement measures have resulted in significant fines and legal challenges for some companies.
  • Tighter Exchange Regulations: Crypto exchanges operating in the U.S. are under increasing pressure to comply with securities laws, leading to new reporting and compliance requirements. Some platforms have responded by delisting certain assets or restricting services to U.S. customers.
  • Potential Changes to Custody Rules: The SEC is exploring new custody regulations that could impact how exchanges and institutions manage digital assets, potentially requiring greater transparency and safeguards for investors.

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Implications for the Crypto Industry

1. Greater Institutional Adoption

With more regulatory clarity, institutional investors who have been hesitant due to legal uncertainties may feel more confident entering the market, potentially driving demand and liquidity.

2. Increased Compliance Costs

Crypto projects and exchanges will need to allocate more resources to legal and compliance efforts, ensuring they meet the SEC’s evolving standards.

3. Potential Innovation Slowdown

Tighter regulations could hinder innovation, especially in the DeFi sector, where permissionless access and decentralization are key features. Some projects may shift operations to more crypto-friendly jurisdictions.

4. Improved Consumer Protection

A well-defined regulatory framework could help reduce scams and bad actors in the space, making crypto a safer investment environment for retail traders.

Stay Informed with Token Metrics

The crypto landscape is changing rapidly, and staying ahead of regulatory developments is crucial for investors and builders alike. Follow Token Metrics and subscribe to our newsletter to receive expert insights on market trends, regulatory shifts, and investment opportunities.

As the SEC refines its stance on crypto, understanding these changes can help you navigate the market with confidence. Stay informed, stay prepared, and take advantage of the opportunities this new era of regulation may bring.

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