Crypto Basics

What is XRP (Ripple) Crypto - A Comprehensive Guide

Learn everything about XRP (Ripple) crypto and how it works in this descriptive guide.
Token Metrics Team
7 minutes
MIN

‍Cryptocurrencies have quickly become an important part of the global financial system, allowing users to make secure, low-cost transactions without needing a bank or other financial institution. One of the most popular and well-known cryptocurrencies is XRP (Ripple), a digital asset designed specifically for payments, remittances, and other forms of financial transactions. 

In this beginner’s guide to XRP, we'll look at how this cryptocurrency works, its benefits, and how it differs from other digital assets. We'll also discuss the process for buying and selling XRP and some potential issues that users need to be aware of. Whether you're new to cryptocurrency or just looking to learn more about XRP, this guide should provide a comprehensive overview of this digital asset and its potential uses.

What Is XRP (Ripple)?

XRP/Ripple is a blockchain network and digital token created to facilitate low-cost, secure, and fast international payments. Unlike other cryptocurrencies, XRP was designed from the beginning to be used for these financial transactions instead of a more general purpose like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. 

XRP can transfer money across borders quickly and with extremely low fees, making it ideal for banks, payment providers, and other financial institutions. XRP can complete these transfers quickly due to its use of a consensus protocol that allows it to confirm transactions within just 4 seconds. 

The XRP token is used to pay network fees for these transfers and is also used by financial service providers as a source of liquidity for cross-border payments. However, the XRP token is not required to use the Ripple network.

Benefits of Using XRP

There are many benefits to using XRP, including:

  • Low fees
  • Fast transaction times
  • High scalability
  • A large network of liquidity providers. 

These benefits make it an ideal choice for banks and other financial institutions that need to process international payments quickly and cheaply. Individuals can also use XRP to make international transfers, but they'll need to purchase the asset before doing so. XRP has advantages over other cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, as it was designed specifically for financial transactions. ‍

"Ripple can process almost 1500 transactions per second, compared to Ethereum's 21 and Bitcoin's 7."

How does an XRP Transaction Work?

To send money from one person to another, the sender must create a transaction sent to the network and verify. This process also involves creating an "offer" where the sender specifies the amount of XRP and the network fee. Once completed, the sender's wallet submits the transaction to the network and the fee. 

The network then forwards the transaction to one of the XRP "liquidity providers," who will purchase the amount of XRP specified by the sender and release it to the receiver of the transaction. These liquidity providers hold large amounts of XRP and sell it to other users. After the transaction has been verified by the network and the fee paid, the receiver will receive the money in his or her account.

How to Buy and Sell XRP?

Anyone with access to internet can purchase XRP and store it in a digital wallet. However, some exchanges require users to undergo a verification process before they can begin trading. In addition, most exchanges charge a small trading fee for each transaction, which can add up if you buy and sell frequently. 

Once you've obtained XRP, you can store it in a digital wallet, allowing you to access it from anywhere and providing you with control over the private keys.

Various wallets are available for storing digital assets, including hardware and paper wallets.

Potential Issues with XRP

Like all cryptocurrencies, XRP has potential network risk and governance issues. The community has debated these issues since XRP was first created, but they still need to be resolved.

XRP has a large network of validators that are responsible for verifying transactions. However, the network is centralized, which means it is vulnerable to a single point of failure. If the validators decide to act maliciously, they may be able to prevent other transactions from being verified or even reverse transactions that have already been approved.

XRP vs. Other Cryptocurrencies

XRP is different from most other cryptocurrencies because it was created specifically for financial transactions. This means that Ripple can process almost 1500 transactions per second, compared to Ethereum's 21 and Bitcoin's 7. XRP differs from other digital assets because it is not mined like other cryptocurrencies.

XRP Price History Over The Years

Ripple's token, XRP, became available in 2013 when the company conducted its first fundraising round. Following this initial coin offering (ICO), the price of XRP remained relatively low for several years, with the coin's price dropping below $0.01 in 2016.

However, XRP saw a significant spike in value in 2017, increasing by more than 36,000%. Since then, the price has fluctuated, but it has remained relatively high, and at the time of writing, the price of XRP stands at just under $0.50.

XRP Mining

Unlike other cryptocurrencies, Ripple was not designed to be mined like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Ripple's creators created 100 billion XRP tokens at the start of the project and distributed them to investors.

However, new XRP tokens are added to the network every few months through a process known as "escrow," where the network creates enough tokens to provide liquidity to the global financial system.

XRP Wallets

Some of the best XRP wallets you can use to store your coins in include:

  • Ledger
  • Trezor
  • Coinbase
  • Binance
  • Kraken

Top Exchanges To Buy XRP

Now that you know what XRP is, you can simply create your account in any of the exchange platforms below, complete your KYC and instantly buy your XRP tokens.

  • Binance
  • Kraken
  • Huobi
  • Bitfinex
  • eToro

Is XRP a Good Investment?

Owing to the technical analysis of the XRP, it is expected to reach a minimum price of $0.54 and a maximum of $0.64. Hence, the average trading price at $0.56. Experts believe that this crypto asset has great potential in terms of growing in value.

Having said that, it is always suggested for you to do your own research before arriving at a decision.

The Future of XRP

Ripple aims to create a global network of financial institutions and payment providers that use XRP for cross-border payments. If this vision is achieved, Ripple's cryptocurrency could become one of the world's most widely used digital assets, with billons of dollars flowing through the network daily.

There are some challenges that Ripple will have to overcome to achieve this goal. For example, Ripple needs to expand its network to include more financial institutions while convincing them to use XRP instead of their existing payment networks. 

The Bottom Line

Ripple has streamlined the process of global payment network while providing a useful service for existing financial institutions. Although there is also uncertainty about whether the XRP token should remain centralized or if it should be decentralized, it is one of the coins to keep an eye on. 

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website does not constitute investment/trading/financial 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.

Do conduct your own due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions. We only offer comprehensive information which may change over time.

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Crypto Basics

Crypto HODL: The Long-Term Investment Strategy for Building Wealth in 2025

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Introduction to HODL

If you’ve spent any time in cryptocurrency communities, you’ve likely seen the term HODL. Originally a misspelling of “hold” on an online Bitcoin forum in 2013, HODL has become much more than a typo—it’s now a core investment philosophy for crypto enthusiasts worldwide.

In 2025, HODLing remains one of the most effective long-term strategies for building wealth in cryptocurrency. By holding onto fundamentally strong assets through market volatility, investors can capture long-term gains while avoiding emotional, short-term trading mistakes. This article explores what HODLing means, why it works, the best assets to HODL, and how platforms like Token Metrics can help optimize your strategy.

What Does HODL Mean?

HODL means buying and holding cryptocurrency for an extended period, regardless of short-term price fluctuations. Unlike traders who attempt to time the market, HODLers adopt a long-term mindset, trusting that the value of quality assets will increase over time.

This strategy is rooted in the belief that blockchain technology and digital assets are here to stay, and that short-term market noise shouldn’t derail long-term conviction.

The Psychology Behind HODLing

Crypto markets are notoriously volatile, with sudden price swings that can lead to emotional decision-making. HODLing combats this by:

  • Avoiding Panic Selling: Reducing the risk of selling at a loss during downturns.
  • Maintaining Discipline: Encouraging investors to stick to their long-term plans.
  • Embracing Market Cycles: Understanding that crypto goes through bull and bear phases, but strong assets tend to recover and grow over time.

By committing to HODLing, investors can overcome emotional biases and stay focused on their long-term goals.

Why HODL Works in 2025

  1. Capturing Long-Term Gains:
    Historically, assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum have rewarded long-term holders with substantial returns, despite short-term volatility.

  2. Lower Trading Costs:
    By minimizing active trading, HODLers save on transaction fees and reduce tax implications from frequent trades.

  3. Compounding Growth:
    Holding allows you to benefit from price appreciation and participate in opportunities like staking or earning yield on your crypto.

  4. Simplicity:
    HODLing is straightforward—buy quality assets, store them securely, and wait.

Best Cryptocurrencies to HODL in 2025

While any coin can be HODLed, the best long-term candidates are projects with strong fundamentals, proven track records, and growing ecosystems:

  • Bitcoin (BTC):
    Known as digital gold, Bitcoin remains the most secure and widely adopted cryptocurrency, making it a cornerstone of any HODL portfolio.

‍

  • Ethereum (ETH):
    As the leading smart contract platform, Ethereum powers thousands of decentralized applications and remains a dominant force in DeFi and NFTs.

‍

  • Token Metrics AI (TMAI):
    An innovative AI-driven analytics token that combines blockchain and artificial intelligence, helping investors make smarter decisions.

‍

These coins offer long-term growth potential, making them excellent candidates for a HODL strategy.

How to Build a Successful HODL Strategy

  1. Do Your Research:
    Focus on coins with real-world utility, active development teams, and strong communities.

  2. Diversify Your Holdings:
    Don’t put all your funds into one asset. Balance between large-cap (BTC, ETH) and emerging tokens (AI coins, Layer 2 solutions).

  3. Use Token Metrics for Insights:
    Leverage AI-powered analytics to evaluate assets, get coin ratings, and track portfolio performance. Token Metrics provides data on over 80 key metrics per token, helping you choose the right assets to HODL.

  4. Secure Your Assets:
    Use hardware wallets for long-term storage and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on exchange accounts.

  5. Rebalance Periodically:
    While HODLing implies holding for the long term, periodic rebalancing ensures your portfolio remains aligned with your investment goals.

HODLing vs. Active Trading

While active trading can generate quick profits, it also comes with higher risks and costs. Here’s how HODLing compares:

  • Less Stressful: You’re not glued to charts or reacting to every market dip.
  • Lower Fees: Fewer transactions mean reduced trading costs.
  • Higher Long-Term Success: Most active traders underperform long-term HODLers over extended periods.

Platforms like Token Metrics can complement both approaches by providing trading signals and long-term portfolio analytics, helping you decide when (and if) you should adjust your positions.

Risks of HODLing

While HODLing is effective, it’s not without challenges:

  • Extended Bear Markets: Prices may stay low for months or years.
  • Project Failures: Some tokens may not survive long term, making research critical.
  • Opportunity Cost: Holding may cause you to miss out on short-term trading opportunities.

To mitigate these risks, rely on data-driven tools like Token Metrics to ensure you’re holding the right mix of assets.

The Role of Token Metrics in HODLing

Token Metrics is a powerful platform for long-term crypto investors, providing:

  • AI-Driven Coin Ratings: Helping you identify which assets are worth holding.
  • Trend Analysis: Detecting when market conditions shift.
  • Portfolio Optimization: Offering insights to keep your HODL strategy on track.

By leveraging AI analytics, Token Metrics makes HODLing smarter, ensuring you’re invested in assets with strong fundamentals and growth potential.

Practical Tips for HODLers

  • Start with Blue Chips: Build a foundation with Bitcoin and Ethereum.
  • Add Growth Assets: Include promising altcoins like TMAI and Layer 2 scaling tokens.
  • Ignore Market Noise: Stay focused on the big picture.
  • Set Clear Goals: Define your time horizon and risk tolerance.
  • Stay Informed: Use platforms like Token Metrics to monitor your portfolio and adjust as needed.

Conclusion

HODLing isn’t just a meme—it’s a time-tested strategy for building wealth in crypto. By holding onto fundamentally strong assets, you can capture long-term growth while avoiding the emotional traps of active trading.

In 2025, pairing HODLing with AI-powered insights from Token Metrics gives you an edge—helping you select the right assets, manage risk, and stay committed to your investment plan. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned investor, HODLing remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to build wealth in the dynamic world of cryptocurrency.

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AI Crypto Coins: Unlocking the Future of Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence in 2025

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Introduction to AI Crypto Coins

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become one of the most transformative technologies of our time, reshaping industries from healthcare to finance. In the cryptocurrency space, AI crypto coins are merging blockchain with artificial intelligence, creating powerful ecosystems for data analytics, automated decision-making, decentralized AI marketplaces, and predictive trading.

In 2025, AI-powered tokens are one of the most promising sectors in crypto, attracting retail investors, institutional players, and developers seeking the next wave of technological breakthroughs. This article explores what AI crypto coins are, how they work, their benefits, key risks, and the role of Token Metrics in analyzing and investing in them.

What Are AI Crypto Coins?

AI crypto coins are digital tokens that fuel blockchain platforms integrated with artificial intelligence technologies. These coins serve multiple purposes, including:

  • Powering AI-Driven Platforms: Providing access to AI tools and algorithms.
  • Facilitating Machine Learning: Enabling decentralized model training and data processing.
  • Enabling Predictive Analytics: Supporting platforms that use AI to forecast market trends.
  • Fueling Autonomous Agents: Powering AI agents for decentralized applications (dApps).

By combining the transparency of blockchain with the intelligence of AI, these projects are creating self-sustaining ecosystems where users can buy, sell, and deploy AI services securely.

Top AI Crypto Coins in 2025

The AI crypto sector is diverse, with projects addressing various use cases. Here are some of the leading tokens:

1. Token Metrics AI (TMAI):‍

One of the most innovative AI-driven analytics platforms in crypto. TMAI leverages over 80 data points per token, offering AI-generated ratings, trend analysis, and portfolio insights to help traders and investors make data-driven decisions.

‍2. $KAITO Token Utility:

  1. Platform access and insights
  2. Governance voting
  3. Community curation rewards

3. Cookie.fun ($COOKIE): Gamified Trading Meets A

‍Cookie.fun is a Gen-Z-targeted platform that fuses AI-powered trading insights with gamified investing experiences.

‍

4. Arkham Intelligence (ARKM):
An AI-powered blockchain intelligence platform that analyzes on-chain data for compliance, forensics, and research.

These tokens are part of a fast-growing ecosystem of AI-focused projects poised to disrupt industries ranging from financial trading to decentralized computing.

How Do AI Crypto Coins Work?

AI crypto coins work by integrating machine learning and blockchain to create scalable, secure, and transparent AI ecosystems. Key mechanisms include:

  • Decentralized Data Sharing: AI models can be trained on distributed datasets without compromising user privacy.
  • Smart Contracts: Automated contracts execute AI-powered services securely and transparently.
  • Token Incentives: Users earn rewards for contributing data, computing power, or participating in AI ecosystems.
  • AI-Enhanced Trading: AI-driven trading algorithms generate signals and strategies, which platforms like Token Metrics deliver directly to investors.

This synergy between AI and blockchain creates systems that learn, adapt, and evolve over time, making them highly valuable in the crypto economy.

Benefits of Investing in AI Crypto Coins

1. Exposure to Two Revolutionary Technologies:
Investing in AI tokens means gaining exposure to both the blockchain and AI sectors, which are projected to experience massive growth over the next decade.

2. High Growth Potential:
AI crypto coins often see rapid adoption due to their real-world applications and strong narratives.

3. Diversification:
AI tokens provide a unique asset class within the crypto market, helping diversify a portfolio beyond standard altcoins.

4. Early Access to Innovation:
Investors can be part of groundbreaking projects building the infrastructure for decentralized AI networks.

Risks of AI Crypto Investments

Like all crypto assets, AI coins carry risks:

  • High Volatility: Price swings can be dramatic, especially for small-cap AI projects.
  • Regulatory Uncertainty: Governments are still figuring out how to regulate AI and blockchain integrations.
  • Unproven Technology: Many AI platforms are in early development stages, with uncertain timelines for adoption.
  • Security Concerns: The combination of AI and blockchain increases the attack surface for malicious actors.

Using data-driven platforms like Token Metrics can help mitigate these risks by offering detailed project analysis and ratings.

Investment Strategies for AI Crypto Coins

1. Long-Term Holding (HODL):
Invest in leading AI tokens like TMAI, FET, and AGIX for long-term exposure to this emerging sector.

2. Narrative Investing:
Capitalize on market narratives by entering early when AI projects gain traction or announce major updates.

3. Portfolio Diversification:
Balance AI tokens with large-cap cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum to manage overall portfolio risk.

4. Active Monitoring with Token Metrics:
Use Token Metrics to receive real-time AI-generated ratings, alerts, and trend analyses for AI tokens, helping you optimize entry and exit points.

How Token Metrics Enhances AI Coin Investing

Token Metrics is uniquely positioned at the intersection of AI and crypto. It provides:

  • AI-Generated Coin Ratings: Evaluating tokens across fundamentals, technicals, and market sentiment.
  • Predictive Analytics: Forecasting token movements using advanced AI models.
  • Portfolio Management Tools: Helping investors track and optimize their AI coin allocations.
  • Narrative Detection: Identifying early trends in the AI crypto space before they go mainstream.

For investors seeking to navigate the fast-changing AI crypto sector, Token Metrics delivers data-driven confidence in decision-making.

Practical Tips for Investing in AI Crypto Coins

  1. Do Your Research:
    Focus on projects with clear use cases, strong teams, and growing ecosystems.

  2. Watch for Partnerships:
    AI tokens that collaborate with major blockchain platforms or enterprises often gain faster adoption.

  3. Start Small:
    Begin with a modest allocation to manage risk, especially with early-stage AI projects.

  4. Use Token Metrics Analytics:
    Leverage AI-driven insights to find undervalued tokens and avoid overhyped projects.

The Future of AI Crypto Coins

AI crypto coins are expected to play a transformative role in 2025 and beyond, powering innovations in:

  • Decentralized AI Marketplaces for global algorithm sharing.
  • Autonomous Agents capable of performing complex tasks without human input.
  • AI-Driven DeFi Strategies that optimize yield farming and liquidity provision.

As AI becomes more integrated with blockchain, these coins will likely lead the next technological and financial revolution.

Conclusion

AI crypto coins represent one of the most exciting frontiers in cryptocurrency. By merging the power of blockchain with the intelligence of AI, these tokens are reshaping how we interact with data, trade, and build decentralized systems.

For investors, platforms like Token Metrics provide the insights needed to navigate this dynamic sector—identifying promising projects, managing risk, and seizing opportunities before the market catches up.

In 2025, adding AI tokens to your portfolio isn’t just an investment—it’s a way to participate in the future of intelligent, decentralized finance.

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Moonshot Tokens in 2025: High-Risk, High-Reward Plays in the Crypto Market

Token Metrics Team
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Introduction

The crypto market has always been fertile ground for high-risk, high-reward opportunities. While blue-chip assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum dominate headlines, the real thrill — and sometimes the highest returns — often comes from what the industry calls “moonshots.”

These are small-cap tokens, often under $50 million in market cap, with explosive potential and equally high volatility. In 2025, moonshots remain a core part of speculative trading strategies. But what exactly are they? How do you find them? And most importantly, how can you manage the outsized risks they carry?

Let’s dive into the world of moonshots, drawing insights from recent market trends and real-world data.

What Are Moonshot Tokens?

Moonshot tokens are early-stage, low-cap cryptocurrencies that carry massive upside potential. They often represent experimental ideas or emerging narratives — think AI integration, meme culture, or social tokens — that haven’t yet been fully recognized by the broader market.

Because they trade at relatively low valuations, even small inflows of capital can cause outsized price swings. It’s not uncommon for a moonshot to deliver 10x or even 50x gains within a short time. But the flip side is brutal: these same tokens can plummet to zero just as quickly.

Key characteristics of moonshots:

  • Market cap: Typically under $50 million.
  • Narrative-driven: Often tied to strong trends like AI, gaming, or DeFi experiments.
  • Volatility: Sharp, frequent price swings.
  • Liquidity: Thin order books, making large trades difficult without impacting price.

Why Are Moonshots Gaining Traction in 2025?

The current market environment — with crypto market capitalization hovering around $4 trillion — has created room for risk-taking. Investors who missed early gains on Bitcoin or Ethereum are now searching for the next big thing, leading to renewed interest in small-cap tokens.

Emerging narratives also fuel the fire:

  • AI-Crypto Fusion: Projects like Sahara AI and Mobi AI are proving that the AI narrative isn’t slowing down.
  • Social Tokens & Web3 Platforms: Zora’s creator-focused token model demonstrates how social media and crypto can intersect.
  • Community-First DeFi: Protocols like Blackhole DEX show the power of grassroots tokenomics.

These narratives often spill over into the moonshot arena, as smaller projects attempt to replicate the success of these headline-grabbing platforms.

How to Identify Promising Moonshots

Identifying moonshots is part research, part intuition, and part risk tolerance. Here’s what to look for:

1. Strong Narrative Alignment

The most successful moonshots ride on current narratives. In this cycle, AI agents, decentralized social platforms, and community-owned DeFi projects are leading themes. Projects in these categories often experience rapid hype-driven adoption.

2. On-Chain Data

Tools like Dune Analytics and on-chain scanners can reveal whale accumulation, new liquidity pools, or spikes in active addresses — all early indicators of growing interest.

3. Tokenomics

Evaluate supply schedules:

  • How many tokens are in circulation?
  • Are there large unlocks coming soon?
  • Does the project have mechanisms like buybacks or burns to support price stability?

4. Developer & Investor Backing

While many moonshots are grassroots projects, strong teams or backing from reputable funds (e.g., Polychain, Binance Labs) can boost credibility.

Case Studies: Recent Moonshots to Watch

1. Vine (Meme Token):
A meme coin leveraging the Vine brand, this token has gained traction despite limited documentation. Its appeal lies largely in nostalgia and speculative hype.

2. Moby AI: What started as an AI-driven whale-tracking agent has evolved into Mobi Screener, a Dexscreener competitor with integrated social features. The token model ties platform usage to token value — a promising experiment in utility-driven moonshots.

3. Graphite Protocol:
Developers behind Bonk Fun (a leading meme token platform), Graphite has created a buyback and burn model linked to Bonk’s success, aligning token value directly with ecosystem growth.

4. CookieDAO:
Initially positioned as an AI agent platform, CookieDAO is now expanding into proof-of-belief systems, adding new utilities and campaign features for Web3 projects.

The Risk Side: Why Moonshots Can Go to Zero

Moonshots are inherently speculative. Common pitfalls include:

  • Team Abandonment or Rug Pulls: Some projects vanish overnight.
  • Unsustainable Hype: Many moonshots rely on short-term narratives that fade.
  • Low Liquidity: Thin markets make it difficult to enter or exit without significant slippage.

A recent example is SpaceMesh, once hyped as a “next Bitcoin.” Despite strong tech, internal disputes and poor execution led to a near-total collapse — a stark reminder that good code doesn’t always equal good investment.

Managing Risk: A Practical Approach

If you’re trading moonshots, risk management is everything.

1. Position Sizing:
Never allocate more than 1% of your portfolio to any single moonshot. Spreading capital across multiple small positions reduces the impact of one token collapsing.

2. Diversification:
Balance moonshots with higher-cap tokens to stabilize overall portfolio performance.

3. Predefined Exits:
Set clear take-profit and stop-loss levels before entering a trade. Emotional decisions often lead to losses.

4. Time Your Entries:
Consider entering after initial hype cools but before major announcements or roadmap milestones.

The Future of Moonshots: Are They Worth It?

While moonshots can be risky, they remain an integral part of crypto’s DNA. For many traders, they serve as lottery tickets in a market where early discovery can lead to life-changing gains.

In 2025, moonshots are evolving. They’re no longer just meme-driven gambles. Increasingly, they represent experimental innovation — blending DeFi models, AI integrations, and community governance in ways that push the boundaries of blockchain technology.

Conclusion

Moonshots are not for the faint-hearted. They require research, timing, and above all, discipline. In 2025, with themes like AI-driven platforms, decentralized social networks, and community-focused DeFi reshaping the market, the next breakout token could be hiding in plain sight.

Whether you’re a seasoned trader or a curious newcomer, understanding the dynamics of moonshots — and respecting their risks — is essential for navigating this volatile but potentially rewarding segment of crypto.

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