Crypto Basics

What are the Types of Cryptocurrency and How Do They Work?

Explore the various types of cryptocurrencies and gain a deep understanding of their underlying technologies and functions.
S. Vishwa
8 Minutes
MIN

Cryptocurrencies have taken the financial world by storm, offering a decentralized and secure means of transacting in the digital economy. 

Since Bitcoin emerged in 2009, the crypto space has witnessed an explosion of new digital assets, each with unique features and use cases.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the various types of cryptocurrency, shedding light on the differences between coins and tokens, exploring the concept of altcoins, and providing insights into the top 10 cryptocurrencies in 2023. So, let's embark on this exciting journey through digital assets.

What is Cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that utilizes cryptographic technology to secure transactions and control the creation of new units. 

Unlike traditional fiat currencies issued by central banks, cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks called blockchains. These blockchains serve as public ledgers, recording every transaction and ensuring transparency and immutability.

How Many Cryptocurrencies are There?

The cryptocurrency market has experienced exponential growth since the introduction of Bitcoin in 2009. 

As of today, there are approximately 22,932 cryptocurrencies in existence, with a total market capitalization of around $1.3 trillion. This diverse range of digital assets offers investors a wide array of options.

Types of Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies can be broadly categorized into two main types: crypto coins and tokens. While both coins and tokens are digital assets, they differ in their underlying infrastructure and functionality.

Crypto Coins

Crypto coins, also known as cryptocurrencies, are digital currencies that operate on their independent blockchains. The most well-known example of a crypto coin is Bitcoin (BTC), the first cryptocurrency to be created.

Coins like Bitcoin are designed to function as a medium of exchange and store of value. They can be used for peer-to-peer transactions as well as for investment purposes.

Other popular coins include Litecoin (LTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Bitcoin Cash (BCH). Each of these coins has unique features and use cases, contributing to the diversity of the cryptocurrency landscape.

Crypto Tokens

Tokens, on the other hand, are digital assets that are built on existing blockchains, such as Ethereum. Unlike coins, tokens do not have their independent blockchain. Instead, they leverage the infrastructure of an existing blockchain to enable various functionalities.

Tokens can serve various purposes, including granting access to a specific application or platform, representing ownership of an asset, or facilitating transactions within a decentralized ecosystem. Examples of tokens include ERC-20 tokens on the Ethereum network, such as Tether (USDT) and Chainlink (LINK).

Crypto Coins vs Tokens

The distinction between crypto coins and tokens lies in their infrastructure and functionality. While both coins and tokens are digital assets, coins like Bitcoin operate on their independent blockchains, while tokens are built on existing blockchains.

Crypto coins, such as Bitcoin, are primarily used as a medium of exchange and store of value. They are designed to function as standalone currencies, allowing users to transact directly with one another without the need for intermediaries.

Tokens, on the other hand, have a broader range of use cases. They can represent ownership of assets, grant access to specific applications or services, or facilitate transactions within decentralized ecosystems. 

Tokens leverage the security and infrastructure provided by existing blockchains, enabling developers to build innovative decentralized applications.

What are Altcoins?

Altcoins, short for alternative coins, refer to any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin. Initially, altcoins emerged as alternatives to Bitcoin, seeking to address certain limitations or introduce new features. However, the term "altcoin" has evolved to encompass a wide range of digital assets, each with its own unique characteristics and use cases.

The world of altcoins is vast and diverse, with thousands of cryptocurrencies vying for attention. Some of the most prominent altcoins include Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), Cardano (ADA), and Binance Coin (BNB). These altcoins have gained popularity due to their unique features, such as smart contract functionality, fast transaction speeds, and enhanced privacy.

Top 10 Cryptocurrencies in 2023

The cryptocurrency market is highly dynamic, with the rankings of cryptocurrencies constantly changing. However, as of 2023, the top 10 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization include:

  • Bitcoin (BTC): The pioneer and most widely recognized cryptocurrency, Bitcoin continues to dominate the market with its large user base and robust infrastructure.
  • Ethereum (ETH): Known for its smart contract functionality, Ethereum has established itself as a leading platform for decentralized applications (DApps) with a vibrant ecosystem of developers and users.
  • Tether (USDT): Tether is a stablecoin designed to maintain a value pegged to the U.S. dollar. It provides stability in the volatile cryptocurrency market, enabling users to transact with a digital asset that closely mirrors the value of fiat currency.
  • Binance Coin (BNB): Binance Coin is the native cryptocurrency of the Binance exchange, offering utility within the platform and serving as a means of reducing transaction fees for users.
  • USD Coin (USDC): USD Coin is another stable coin that provides a digital representation of the U.S. dollar. It offers the benefits of digital assets while maintaining a stable value.
  • Ripple (XRP): Ripple aims to revolutionize cross-border payments by facilitating fast and low-cost transactions. It has partnered with numerous financial institutions, making it a prominent player in the remittance industry.
  • Cardano (ADA): Cardano is a blockchain platform that aims to provide a secure and scalable infrastructure for the development of decentralized applications and smart contracts.
  • Solana (SOL): Solana is a high-performance blockchain platform designed for decentralized applications and cryptocurrency trading. It boasts fast transaction speeds and low fees, making it attractive to developers and users.
  • Terra (LUNA): Terra is a blockchain platform focusing on stablecoins and decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. It aims to provide a stable and scalable infrastructure for global payments and financial services.
  • Avalanche (AVAX): Avalanche is a platform that enables the creation of decentralized applications and the issuance of digital assets. It focuses on scalability, security, and interoperability, making it a promising player in the blockchain ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are some popular tokens built on the Ethereum blockchain?

Some popular tokens built on the Ethereum blockchain include Tether (USDT), Chainlink (LINK), and Uniswap (UNI). These tokens leverage the infrastructure provided by Ethereum to enable various functionalities, such as facilitating transactions, granting access to applications, and representing ownership of assets.

Q2. What sets Bitcoin apart from other cryptocurrencies?

Bitcoin, as the first cryptocurrency, has established itself as the most widely recognized and valuable digital asset. It operates on its blockchain and has a large and active user base.

Bitcoin's decentralized and transparent nature, along with its limited supply and scarcity, contributes to its unique position in the cryptocurrency market.

Q3. How do cryptocurrencies work?

Cryptocurrencies utilize cryptographic technology to secure transactions and control the creation of new units. Transactions are recorded on a decentralized public ledger called a blockchain, ensuring transparency and immutability.

Users can transact directly with one another without the need for intermediaries, thanks to the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies.

Q4. Can cryptocurrencies be used for everyday transactions?

Yes, cryptocurrencies can be used for everyday transactions, although their adoption as a mainstream medium of exchange is still limited. Some merchants and online platforms accept cryptocurrencies as payment.

However, factors such as transaction fees, scalability, and regulatory considerations currently pose challenges to widespread cryptocurrency adoption for everyday transactions.

Q5. What is the future of cryptocurrencies?

The future of cryptocurrencies is highly speculative and subject to various factors, including regulatory developments, technological advancements, and market dynamics.

While cryptocurrencies have gained significant attention and adoption, their long-term viability and impact on the global financial system remain uncertain.

Continued innovation, regulatory clarity, and increased mainstream acceptance could shape the future of cryptocurrencies.

Q6. How are new cryptocurrencies created?

New cryptocurrencies can be created through a process called cryptocurrency mining or through initial coin offerings (ICOs) or token sales. Cryptocurrency mining involves using computational power to solve complex mathematical problems, validating transactions, and adding them to the blockchain.

ICOs and token sales, on the other hand, involve the issuance and sale of new digital tokens to raise funds for specific projects or platforms.

Q7. Are cryptocurrencies anonymous?

While cryptocurrencies offer pseudonymity, meaning that transactions are linked to cryptographic addresses rather than real-world identities, they are not entirely anonymous.

Blockchain analysis techniques can be used to track and analyze transactions, linking them to individuals or entities. Privacy-focused cryptocurrencies, such as Monero and Zcash, offer enhanced privacy features, but they are not entirely anonymous.

Q8. What is the role of blockchain technology in cryptocurrencies?

Blockchain technology forms the foundation of cryptocurrencies. It is a decentralized and distributed ledger that records all transactions in a transparent and immutable manner.

Blockchain technology enables trustless transactions, eliminates the need for intermediaries, and ensures the security and integrity of cryptocurrency networks.

Q9. How can I safely store cryptocurrencies?

Cryptocurrencies are stored in digital wallets, which can be software-based (online or offline) or hardware-based (physical devices). 

It is essential to choose a reputable wallet provider and follow best security practices, such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and keeping backups of your wallet's private keys. Hardware wallets, such as Ledger and Trezor, offer enhanced security by storing private keys offline.

Conclusion

The world of cryptocurrencies is vast and diverse, offering many options for investors and users alike. From coins to tokens and altcoins, each type of cryptocurrency brings its unique features and use cases to the table. 

As the market continues to evolve, it is essential to stay informed, conduct thorough research, and exercise caution when investing in cryptocurrencies. 

By understanding the different types of cryptocurrencies and their underlying technologies, you can navigate this exciting digital landscape with confidence.

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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Research

Can I Make Money by Investing in Crypto Indices? What You Need to Know in 2025

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

One of the most common questions in crypto investing today is: “Can I actually make money with a crypto index?” The short answer is yes—but like any investment, your success depends on the market, your strategy, and the type of index you choose.

In 2025, crypto indices have become one of the most popular ways to invest, especially for people who want exposure to digital assets without actively trading. Whether you’re using a passive index to track the top 10 cryptocurrencies or an AI-powered index that rotates between bullish tokens, the potential for profit is real.

This article explores how crypto indices generate returns, how much money you can make, and what you need to know before diving in.

What Is a Crypto Index?

A crypto index is a bundle of cryptocurrencies grouped together into one investment product. The index can track:

  • Top coins by market cap (e.g., BTC, ETH, SOL)
  • A specific theme (e.g., DeFi, Memecoins, AI)
  • A strategy (e.g., trend-following, momentum)
  • Signals generated by AI (e.g., Token Metrics AI Indices)

Investors can gain exposure to multiple tokens through a single purchase—and benefit from automatic rebalancing, diversification, and sometimes even active risk management.

How Do You Make Money With Crypto Indices?

There are three primary ways to earn returns from crypto index investing:

✅ 1. Capital Appreciation

When the tokens in your index increase in value, the overall index value rises—and so does your investment.

Example:
If the AI sector pumps and your AI Tokens Index includes FET, AGIX, and TAO, you benefit from their combined price growth—even if you didn’t pick the best-performing token individually.

✅ 2. Rebalancing Gains

Rebalancing can lock in profits from over-performing assets and reallocate them into undervalued ones.

This helps “sell high and buy low” automatically, which can enhance long-term performance—especially in volatile markets.

Example:
If SHIB spikes and becomes 40% of a Memecoin Index, the index may sell SHIB and redistribute gains into PEPE or WIF—helping you capture profits before a correction.

✅ 3. AI Signal Performance (for AI Indices)

AI-powered indices don’t just hold and rebalance—they use real-time signals to actively manage exposure.

This can include:

  • Exiting underperforming or risky tokens
  • Increasing allocation to trending assets
  • Moving capital into stablecoins in bearish conditions

These dynamic strategies often outperform static indices, especially during market uncertainty.

How Much Can You Make?

This depends on several factors:

📊 1. Market Conditions

  • In bull markets, most indices generate strong returns
  • In sideways markets, AI indices typically outperform
  • In bear markets, passive indices may suffer unless they include stablecoin buffers

📈 2. Type of Index

  • AI indices tend to generate higher returns due to active management
  • Passive indices offer more stable, long-term gains

💼 3. Your Strategy

  • Compounding small gains over time leads to powerful results
  • Reinvesting or auto-DCA into indices amplifies returns

Pros of Making Money with Crypto Indices

  • ✅ Don’t need to time individual token pumps
  • ✅ Protection from single-token crashes
  • ✅ Hands-free portfolio management
  • ✅ Exposure to trends without speculation
  • ✅ Smart rebalancing = better trade entries/exits

Potential Pitfalls to Watch Out For

While you can make money with crypto indices, it’s not guaranteed. Be mindful of:

⚠️ 1. Market-Wide Downturns

If the entire crypto market crashes, even diversified indices may lose value—though AI indices can reduce losses better than passive ones.

⚠️ 2. Poor Index Construction

Some indices include illiquid or low-performing tokens. Always check the index methodology.

⚠️ 3. Over-Exposure to a Single Narrative

Putting all your money in a Memecoin or AI index during a hype cycle can be risky. Diversify across index types.

How to Maximize Profits With Crypto Indices

Here are proven tips to make the most of index investing:

  1. Start Early – Let compounding work over time
  2. Use AI Indices in Volatile Markets
  3. Diversify Across Themes – (e.g., 40% passive, 30% AI, 30% thematic)
  4. Reinvest Gains – Set up auto-DCA (dollar-cost averaging)
  5. Monitor Platform Updates – AI logic often improves over time
  6. Choose Indexes With Strong Methodology – Like those from Token Metrics

Beginner-Friendly Earning Strategy

If you’re new to crypto:

  • Start with a Token Metrics HODL Index (e.g., Top 10 or Top 25)
  • Add a low-risk AI-powered index (e.g., RWA or DeFi)
  • Avoid going all-in on trending narratives without a hedge

This gives you a balanced mix of growth and stability, with automated management.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Make Money With Crypto Indices

Crypto indices—especially AI-powered ones—are a smart, strategic way to grow wealth in crypto without having to trade constantly or chase pumps.

You can earn money by:

  • Capturing market-wide gains
  • Letting the index rebalance for you
  • Leveraging AI to rotate into outperforming assets

Platforms like Token Metrics offer some of the best-performing AI indices in 2025, designed to help you make money smarter—not harder.

So yes, you can absolutely make money by investing in crypto indices—if you choose the right ones and manage your exposure wisely.

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.

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