Research

What is Self-Sovereign Identity in Web3? The Complete Guide to Digital Freedom in 2025

Discover the essentials of Self Sovereign Identity in Web3. Understand its benefits and challenges in this clear, straightforward guide. Read more now!
Talha Ahmad
5 min
MIN

In today’s digital world, our identities define how we interact online—from accessing services to proving who we are. However, traditional identity management systems often place control of your personal information in the hands of centralized authorities, such as governments, corporations, or social media platforms. This centralized control exposes users to risks like data breaches, identity theft, and loss of privacy. Enter Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI), a revolutionary digital identity model aligned with the core principles of Web3: decentralization, user empowerment, and true digital ownership. Understanding what is self sovereign identity in Web3 is essential in 2025 for anyone who wants to take full control of their digital identity and navigate the decentralized future safely and securely.

Understanding Self-Sovereign Identity: The Foundation of Digital Freedom

At its core, self sovereign identity is a new digital identity model that enables individuals to own, manage, and control their identity data without relying on any central authority. Unlike traditional identity systems, where identity data is stored and controlled by centralized servers or platforms—such as social media companies or government databases—SSI empowers users to become the sole custodians of their digital identity.

The self sovereign identity model allows users to securely store their identity information, including identity documents like a driver’s license or bank account details, in a personal digital wallet app. This wallet acts as a self sovereign identity wallet, enabling users to selectively share parts of their identity information with others through verifiable credentials. These credentials are cryptographically signed by trusted issuers, making them tamper-proof and instantly verifiable by any verifier without needing to contact the issuer directly.

This approach means users have full control over their identity information, deciding exactly what data to share, with whom, and for how long. By allowing users to manage their digital identities independently, SSI eliminates the need for centralized authorities and reduces the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information.

The Web3 Context: Why SSI Matters Now

The emergence of Web3—a decentralized internet powered by blockchain and peer-to-peer networks—has brought new challenges and opportunities for digital identity management. Traditional login methods relying on centralized platforms like Google or Facebook often result in users surrendering control over their personal data, which is stored on centralized servers vulnerable to hacks and misuse.

In contrast, Web3 promotes decentralized identity, where users own and control their digital credentials without intermediaries. The question what is self sovereign identity in Web3 becomes especially relevant because SSI is the key to realizing this vision of a user-centric, privacy-respecting digital identity model.

By 2025, businesses and developers are urged to adopt self sovereign identity systems to thrive in the Web3 ecosystem. These systems leverage blockchain technology and decentralized networks to create a secure, transparent, and user-controlled identity infrastructure, fundamentally different from centralized identity systems and traditional identity management systems.

The Three Pillars of Self-Sovereign Identity

SSI’s robust framework is built on three essential components that work together to create a secure and decentralized identity ecosystem:

1. Blockchain Technology

Blockchain serves as a distributed database or ledger that records information in a peer-to-peer network without relying on a central database or centralized servers. This decentralized nature makes blockchain an ideal backbone for SSI, as it ensures data security, immutability, and transparency.

By storing digital identifiers and proofs on a blockchain, SSI systems can verify identity data without exposing the actual data or compromising user privacy. This eliminates the vulnerabilities associated with centralized platforms and frequent data breaches seen in traditional identity systems.

2. Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs)

A Decentralized Identifier (DID) is a new kind of globally unique digital identifier that users fully control. Unlike traditional identifiers such as usernames or email addresses, which depend on centralized authorities, DIDs are registered on decentralized networks like blockchains.

DIDs empower users with user control over their identity by enabling them to create and manage identifiers without relying on a central authority. This means users can establish secure connections and authenticate themselves directly, enhancing data privacy and reducing reliance on centralized identity providers.

3. Verifiable Credentials (VCs)

Verifiable Credentials are cryptographically secure digital documents that prove certain attributes about an individual, organization, or asset. Issued by trusted parties, these credentials can represent anything from a university diploma to a government-issued driver’s license.

VCs are designed to be tamper-proof and easily verifiable without contacting the issuer, thanks to blockchain and cryptographic signatures. This ensures enhanced security and trustworthiness in digital identity verification processes, while allowing users to share only the necessary information through selective disclosure.

How SSI Works: The Trust Triangle

The operation of SSI revolves around a trust triangle involving three key participants:

  • Holder: The individual who creates their decentralized identifier using a digital wallet and holds their digital credentials.
  • Issuer: A trusted entity authorized to issue verifiable credentials to the holder, such as a government, university, or bank.
  • Verifier: An organization or service that requests proof of identity or attributes from the holder to validate their claims.

When a verifier requests identity information, the holder uses their self sovereign identity wallet to decide which credentials to share, ensuring full control and privacy. This interaction eliminates the need for centralized intermediaries and reduces the risk of identity theft.

Token Metrics: Leading the Charge in Web3 Analytics and Security

As SSI platforms gain traction, understanding their underlying token economies and security is critical for investors and developers. Token Metrics is a leading analytics platform that provides deep insights into identity-focused projects within the Web3 ecosystem.

By analyzing identity tokens used for governance and utility in SSI systems, Token Metrics helps users evaluate project sustainability, security, and adoption potential. This is crucial given the rapid growth of the digital identity market, projected to reach over $30 billion by 2025.

Token Metrics offers comprehensive evaluations, risk assessments, and performance tracking, empowering stakeholders to make informed decisions in the evolving landscape of self sovereign identity blockchain projects.

Real-World Applications of SSI in 2025

Financial Services and DeFi

SSI streamlines Know Your Customer (KYC) processes by enabling users to reuse verifiable credentials issued by one institution across multiple services. This reduces redundancy and accelerates onboarding, while significantly lowering identity fraud, which currently costs billions annually.

Healthcare and Education

SSI enhances the authenticity and privacy of medical records, educational certificates, and professional licenses. Universities can issue digital diplomas as VCs, simplifying verification and reducing fraud.

Supply Chain and Trade

By assigning DIDs to products and issuing VCs, SSI improves product provenance and combats counterfeiting. Consumers gain verifiable assurance of ethical sourcing and authenticity.

Gaming and NFTs

SSI allows users to prove ownership of NFTs and other digital assets without exposing their entire wallet, adding a layer of privacy and security to digital asset management.

Advanced SSI Features: Privacy and Security

Selective Disclosure

SSI enables users to share only specific attributes of their credentials. For example, proving age without revealing a full birthdate helps protect sensitive personal information during verification.

Zero-Knowledge Proofs

Zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) allow users to prove statements about their identity without revealing the underlying data. For instance, a user can prove they are over 18 without sharing their exact birthdate, enhancing privacy and security in digital interactions.

Current SSI Implementations and Projects

Several initiatives showcase the practical adoption of SSI:

  • ID Union (Germany): A decentralized identity network involving banks and government bodies.
  • Sovrin Foundation: An open-source SSI infrastructure leveraging blockchain for verifiable credentials.
  • European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI): Supports cross-border digital diplomas and identity.
  • Finland’s MyData: Empowers citizens with control over personal data across sectors.

These projects highlight SSI’s potential to transform identity management globally.

Challenges and Considerations

Technical Challenges

Managing private keys is critical; losing a private key can mean losing access to one’s identity. Solutions like multi-signature wallets and biometric authentication are being developed to address this.

Regulatory Landscape

Global regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and emerging frameworks like Europe’s eIDAS 2.0, are shaping SSI adoption. Ensuring compliance while maintaining decentralization is a key challenge.

Adoption Barriers

Despite the promise, some critics argue the term "self-sovereign" is misleading because issuers and infrastructure still play roles. Improving user experience and educating the public are essential for widespread adoption.

The Future of SSI in Web3

By 2025, self sovereign identity systems will be vital for secure, private, and user-centric digital interactions. Key trends shaping SSI’s future include:

  • Enhanced Interoperability between blockchains and DID methods.
  • Improved User Experience through intuitive wallets and interfaces.
  • Regulatory Clarity supporting SSI frameworks.
  • Integration with AI for advanced cryptographic verification.

Implementation Guidelines for Businesses

Businesses aiming to adopt SSI should:

  • Utilize blockchain platforms like Ethereum or Hyperledger Indy that support SSI.
  • Prioritize user-friendly digital wallets to encourage adoption.
  • Ensure compliance with global data protection laws.
  • Collaborate across industries and governments to build a robust SSI ecosystem.

Conclusion: Embracing Digital Sovereignty

Self-Sovereign Identity is more than a technological innovation; it represents a fundamental shift towards digital sovereignty—where individuals truly own and control their online identities. As Web3 reshapes the internet, SSI offers a secure, private, and user-centric alternative to centralized identity systems that have long dominated the digital world.

For professionals, investors, and developers, understanding what is self sovereign identity in Web3 and leveraging platforms like Token Metrics is crucial to navigating this transformative landscape. The journey toward a decentralized, privacy-respecting digital identity model has begun, and those who embrace SSI today will lead the way in tomorrow’s equitable digital world.

‍

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

Recent Posts

Crypto Basics

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.

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