Log in

Home
Research
Analysis
Community
  1. Cryptonary
  2. Crypto School
  3. Guide: The Psychology Behind Meme Coins
Guide

Guide: The Psychology Behind Meme Coins

Updated: May 22, 2025
Published: Dec 15, 2021
0
Share:

Inspired by current events and online memes, and backed by influencers, online communities, and celebrities, meme coins have shot to fame. But why have they become so popular? Learn the psychology behind meme coins. 

Post Feature Image

Elon Musk & Dogecoin

Since Elon Musk promoted the original meme coin, Dogecoin, there has been a trend of imitators, promoted by social media influencers on platforms like TikTok. But what is a meme coin?

Usually, meme coins have no inherent value and typically no utility. As suggested by the name, they’re often also inspired by internet memes. Dogecoin, the first meme coin is based on a picture of a Shiba Inu dog. 

Since the launch of Dogecoin in 2013, it has become relatively easy to create a crypto token, and meme coins can be launched quickly. They often rapidly become popular thanks to their promotion by influencers. 

In May of this year, Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg posted a photo of his pet goals with the caption “My Goats: Max and Bitcoin.” Within a few hours, a meme coin named Aqua Goat emerged. Its value increased by almost 300%!

The psychology behind meme coins

When we look at these insane versions of crypto, we see huge price increases, then massive drawdowns. But, how do we evaluate what’s going on? What’s pulling people in? 

Is it purely driven by financial speculation and the desire for profit, or is there more to it? Some suggest it’s also an expression of identity- that people are willing to risk a lot to identify with these influencers and the particular set of ideals that they promote. It may be explained by an unconscious feeling or the desire to feel part of a team. 

Most see investing in meme coins as insane. But others look at it as a cheap bet with the potential to achieve huge profits. 

Our Top Picks:

DOGWIFHAT

DOGWIFHAT

120,650%

SPX6900

SPX6900

17,000%

POPCAT

POPCAT

66,567%

PENDLE

PENDLE

5,002%

SOLANA

SOLANA

2,500%

HYPE

HYPE

1,740%

Don’t miss our next 100X

Trusted by 230K+ investors

The rise of meme coins

Insane or not, meme coins have risen to impressive heights this year. In October this year, Shiba Inu (SHIB) overtook Dogecoin, its original inspiration, by market cap and turned one investor’s $8,000 SHIB into over $5 billion!

Disclaimer: THIS IS NOT FINANCIAL NOR INVESTMENT ADVICE. Only you are responsible for any capital-related decisions you make, and only you are accountable for the results.

Missed DOGE? Catch the next big thing with Cryptonary

Pitch assets

Did you know we reported WIF at $0.003 (+62,308%), POPCAT at $0.004 (+48,233.33%), and SPX at $0.01 (+6,200%)? Imagine what our research could uncover next.

Crytonary's Trust Pilot Reviews With a 7-day free trial and a 4.8/5 rating from over 1,600 reviews, there’s no reason not to give it a try.

Continue reading by joining Cryptonary Pro

Save 23%

$0

Get everything you need to actively manage your portfolio and stay ahead. Ideal for investors seeking regular guidance and access to tools that help make informed decisions.

VisaCardImageMsCardImageCoinbaseCardImageSolanaCardImage

For your security, all orders are processed on a secured server.

As a Cryptonary Pro subscriber, you also get:

  • 3X Value Guarantee - If cumulative documented upside does not reach 300% during your 12-month membership, you can request a full refund. Terms

  • 24/7 access to experts with 50+ years’ experience

  • All of our top token picks for 2025

  • On hand technical analysis on any token of your choice

  • Weekly livestreams & ask us anything with the team

  • Daily insights on Macro, Mechanics, and On-chain

  • Curated list of top upcoming airdrops (free money)

3X Value Guarantee

If cumulative documented upside does not reach 300% during your 12-month membership, you can request a full refund.

Terms & Conditions apply

Star

Trusted by 300,000+ investors

Our track record speaks for itself

With over 2.4M tokens and widespread misinformation in crypto, we cut through the noise and consistently find winning assets.

Our track record speaks for itself

With over 2.4M tokens and widespread misinformation in crypto, we cut
through the noise and consistently find winning assets.

  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
/images/advertorial/corpcomm1.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm2.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm3.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm4.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm5.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm6.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm1.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm2.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm3.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm4.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm5.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm6.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm1.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm2.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm3.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm4.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm5.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm6.webp

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I trust Cryptonary's calls?

Yes. We've consistently identified winners across multiple cycles. Bitcoin under $1,000, Ethereum under $70, Solana under $10, WIF from $0.003 to $5, PopCat from $0.004 to $2, SPX blasting past $1.70, and our latest pick has already 200X'd since June 2025. Everything is timestamped and public record.

Do I need to be an experienced trader or investor to benefit?

No. When we founded Cryptonary in 2017 the market was new to everyone. We intentionally created content that was easy to understand and actionable. That foundational principle is the crux of Cryptonary. Taking complex ideas and opportunities and presenting them in a way a 10 year old could understand.

What makes Cryptonary different from free crypto content on YouTube or Twitter?

Signal vs noise. We filter out 99.9% of garbage projects, provide data backed analysis, and have a proven track record of finding winners. Not to mention since Cryptonary's inception in 2017 we have never taken investment, sponsorship or partnership. Compare this to pretty much everyone else, no track record, and a long list of partnerships that cloud judgements.

Why is there no trial or refund policy?

We share highly sensitive, time-critical research. Once it's out, it can't be "returned." That's why membership is annual only. Crypto success takes time and commitment. If someone is not willing to invest 12 months into their future, there is no place for them at Cryptonary.

Do I get direct access to the Cryptonary team?

Yes. You will have 24/7 to the team that bought you BTC at $1,000, ETH at $70, and SOL at $10. Through our community chats, live Q&As, and member only channels, you can ask questions and interact directly with the team. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience which you can tap into every single day.

How often is content updated?

Daily. We provide real-time updates, weekly reports, emergency alerts, and live Q&As when the markets move fast. In crypto, the market moves fast, in Cryptonary, we move faster.

How does the 3X Value Guarantee work?

We stand behind the value of our research. If the documented upside from our published research during your 12-month membership does not exceed three times (3X) the annual subscription cost, you can request a full refund. Historical context: In every completed market cycle since 2017, cumulative documented upside has exceeded 10X this threshold.

Terms
Recommended from Cryptonary
Market Pulse: Circle Soars on Earnings Beat
Market Pulse
Market Pulse: Circle Soars on Earni...Circle stock skyrocketed after crushing earnings and as the CLARITY Act odds rise. But with overboug...
2 min read
Mar 5, 2026
The Clarity Act and the Future of Crypto Markets
PRO
Research Report
The Clarity Act and the Future of C...Your savings account pays 0.5%. A stablecoin platform pays 4%. That spread has sparked a $250 millio...
17 min read
Mar 4, 2026
BTC, ETH and More: Neutral Stance as Upside Liquidity in Play
PRO
Market Direction
BTC, ETH and More: Neutral Stance a...Price action last week challenged our downside thesis in an important way. While supports were brief...
10 min read
Mar 3, 2026
BTC, ETH and More: Weak Labour Data Adds Uncertainty
PRO
Market Direction
BTC, ETH and More: Weak Labour Data...Markets attempted to move, but conviction remains limited. Bitcoin delivered the upside liquidity sw...
12 min read
Mar 6, 2026
Market Pulse: Jobs Miss by a Wide Margin
PRO
Market Pulse
Market Pulse: Jobs Miss by a Wide M...Non-farm payrolls shock with a negative print, pushing markets into indecision. With rate cuts postp...
4 min read
Mar 6, 2026
Market Update: Bitcoin Soars Amid Spot Demand
PRO
Market Updates
Market Update: Bitcoin Soars Amid S...Markets are currently being pulled between two powerful forces: escalating geopolitical conflict in ...
9 min read
Mar 5, 2026
Market Pulse: Circle Soars on Earnings Beat
Market Pulse
Market Pulse: Circle Soars on Earni...Circle stock skyrocketed after crushing earnings and as the CLARITY Act odds rise. But with overboug...
2 min read
Mar 5, 2026
The Clarity Act and the Future of Crypto Markets
PRO
Research Report
The Clarity Act and the Future of C...Your savings account pays 0.5%. A stablecoin platform pays 4%. That spread has sparked a $250 millio...
17 min read
Mar 4, 2026
BTC, ETH and More: Neutral Stance as Upside Liquidity in Play
PRO
Market Direction
BTC, ETH and More: Neutral Stance a...Price action last week challenged our downside thesis in an important way. While supports were brief...
10 min read
Mar 3, 2026
BTC, ETH and More: Weak Labour Data Adds Uncertainty
PRO
Market Direction
BTC, ETH and More: Weak Labour Data...Markets attempted to move, but conviction remains limited. Bitcoin delivered the upside liquidity sw...
12 min read
Mar 6, 2026
Market Pulse: Jobs Miss by a Wide Margin
PRO
Market Pulse
Market Pulse: Jobs Miss by a Wide M...Non-farm payrolls shock with a negative print, pushing markets into indecision. With rate cuts postp...
4 min read
Mar 6, 2026
Market Update: Bitcoin Soars Amid Spot Demand
PRO
Market Updates
Market Update: Bitcoin Soars Amid S...Markets are currently being pulled between two powerful forces: escalating geopolitical conflict in ...
9 min read
Mar 5, 2026
Market Pulse: Circle Soars on Earnings Beat
Market Pulse
Market Pulse: Circle Soars on Earni...Circle stock skyrocketed after crushing earnings and as the CLARITY Act odds rise. But with overboug...
2 min read
Mar 5, 2026
The Clarity Act and the Future of Crypto Markets
PRO
Research Report
The Clarity Act and the Future of C...Your savings account pays 0.5%. A stablecoin platform pays 4%. That spread has sparked a $250 millio...
17 min read
Mar 4, 2026
BTC, ETH and More: Neutral Stance as Upside Liquidity in Play
PRO
Market Direction
BTC, ETH and More: Neutral Stance a...Price action last week challenged our downside thesis in an important way. While supports were brief...
10 min read
Mar 3, 2026
Research
Top PicksDeep DivesPassive IncomeAirdrop ReportsMemecoins
Analysis
Market UpdatesMarket DirectionMarket PulseLivestreams
Tools
Market DirectionAssets & PicksAirdropsPortfolio Tracker
Cryptonary
Affiliate programEducationPrivacy PolicyTerms & ConditionsContact UsWrite for usTeam
Stay connected
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Cryptonary is not a licensed financial advisor. All content is shared without any guarantee of accuracy or completeness. You are solely responsible for your investment decisions. Always do your own research and consult with a licensed professional before making financial choices. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

×
popupimage
Our Latest Utility Token Research ReportPreviously locked for Pro members, now available to read in full.
  • tickThe utility token we're tracking closely
  • tickWhy we believe it's still early in the cycle
  • tickWhat we're watching to confirm a structural shift
​
Netherlands

No spam. No hype. Just the research.