The meme coin phenomenon in the cryptocurrency market in 2025 shows that assets once considered as mere “internet toys” are now receiving serious recognition, particularly from institutional investors and regulators. The cryptocurrency market is witnessing a dramatic resurgence, signaling the potential beginning of a new “meme coin season.”
According to a report by DWF Labs, the market capitalization of meme coins surged by more than 500% throughout 2024, rising from around $20 billion in January to nearly $120 billion by the end of the year. This momentum continued into 2025, with Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB), and Pepe Coin (PEPE) all experiencing double-digit percentage gains in April. The surge in trading volume reflects increasing investor interest in assets within this category.
The emergence of new projects with clearer utility further strengthens the idea that this trend is not just hype but part of the ongoing maturation of the crypto market. In this article, we will discuss the five most popular meme coins in 2025 based on their market capitalization.
Article Summary:
- 🐶 Dogecoin (DOGE): The oldest meme coin, now with an official ETF in the U.S. (DOJE) as of September 18, 2025, with a market capitalization of around $40.8 billion and the largest community in the crypto world.
- 🐸 Pepe Coin (PEPE): A token themed around Pepe the Frog, ranking in the Top 3 meme coins, with over 485,000 holders and a market cap of approximately $5 billion.
- 🐧 Pudgy Penguins (PENGU): Originally an NFT project, now evolved into a Web3 brand with a market cap of $2.29 billion, appearing on Platonic (Apple TV) and even being featured by VanEck on their X profile.
- 🐕 Bonk (BONK): A meme coin on Solana with a market cap of $2.06 billion, active in institutional staking projects (BonkSOL), and reaching 117,000 holders.
- 🦛 Moo Deng (MOODENG): A viral meme coin based on a baby hippopotamus from Thailand, with a market cap of $187 million, backed by whales from projects like BONK and PENGU.
1. Dogecoin (DOGE)
Dogecoin (DOGE) was launched on December 6, 2013, by two software engineers, Billy Markus from IBM and Jackson Palmer from Adobe, as a joke that satirized the seriousness of the crypto market at the time. They chose the Shiba Inu dog meme, named Kabosu, as the symbol, which later became the iconic image of Dogecoin.
As of 2025, DOGE still uses the proof-of-work (PoW) mechanism to secure its network. The coin has grown into a fast and low-cost payment network, supported by one of the most active online communities in the digital asset world.
Proof-of-Work (PoW) is a consensus mechanism in blockchain that requires miners to solve cryptographic puzzles to validate transactions and add new blocks.
Popularity of Dogecoin (DOGE)
Here are some examples that demonstrate the popularity of DOGE among the community:
- AMC Theatres: AMC accepts Dogecoin (DOGE) as payment for tickets and snacks through BitPay, both online and at select locations.
- Reddit Community Points + DOGE Tipping Bot: Some Reddit communities run DOGE-based tipping scripts, where posts and comments can receive small DOGE tips.
- Minecraft Servers (MCP3D): Some independent Minecraft server operators accept DOGE for in-game purchases such as skins, virtual land, or VIP memberships.
- Tipping Creators on X (formerly Twitter): DOGE is integrated through third-party payment providers, allowing audiences to tip creators directly on the platform using @myDOGEtip.
- Well Construction in Kenya (Doge4Water): In 2014, the Dogecoin Foundation partnered with Doge4Water to fund the construction of wells around the Tana River in Kenya. Over 4,000 people donated DOGE worth more than $30,000, including an anonymous donation of 14 million DOGE (around $11,000 at the time).
- Jamaican Bobsled Team Fundraiser: In early 2014, the Dogecoin community raised more than $25,000 in DOGE to help the Jamaican bobsled team travel to the Sochi Winter Olympics.
DOJE ETF Officially Traded in the U.S. as of September 18, 2025
The Dogecoin (DOJE) ETF will be officially launched in the United States on September 18, 2025, becoming the first meme coin ETF in the country. This product from REX Shares and Osprey Funds comes after the success of the Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) ETFs.
The DOJE ETF is regulated under the Investment Company Act of 1940, not the Securities Act of 1933. DOJE offers exposure to Dogecoin (DOGE) through a hybrid structure that combines derivatives, indirect ownership, and subsidiaries in the Cayman Islands.
Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas referred to DOJE as the first ETF in the U.S. to “hold something that has no real utility.” This comment reflects the common criticism directed at meme coins like Dogecoin, suggesting that their valuations are primarily driven by speculative expectations and community support, rather than practical or technical applications.
DOGE at the Top in the Meme Coin Category
As of September 17, 2025, according to CoinMarketCap data, Dogecoin (DOGE) trading volume was recorded at approximately $4.3 billion, a decrease of 25.4% compared to the previous day. On the other hand, DOGE’s market capitalization increased by 1.24%, reaching $40.86 billion, placing it at #8 among the largest cryptocurrencies globally.
As the meme coin with the largest market capitalization, Dogecoin remains at the top among other meme-themed assets. This achievement highlights DOGE’s ability to maintain community interest and support, while also demonstrating its appeal as one of the most well-known digital assets in the crypto market.
DOGE Analysis by Crypto Traders on X
The chart above shows the technical analysis of Dogecoin (DOGE) against USDT on a monthly time frame, shared by analyst Rekt Capital. The chart indicates that the previous price peak before the halving event has now turned into a new support level. The black upward trend line shows the price’s tendency to form higher positions since early 2023.
Meanwhile, the green zone around $0.22 is highlighted as an important area that serves as a “floor” to support price movements. The blue circle on the chart marks the moment when DOGE’s price bounced from the support area and began moving upward again. On the upper side, the area around $0.29–0.33 appears to be a resistance target that needs to be broken to continue the positive trend.
Not only Rekt Capital, but also trader CryptoELITES on X predicted on September 17, 2025, that Dogecoin (DOGE) could rise to around $5 if the technical pattern and bullish momentum they described materialize.
2. Pepe Coin (PEPE)
Pepe Coin (PEPE) is a meme coin launched in April 2023 on the Ethereum network. The token was created as a tribute to the popular meme Pepe the Frog, a character created by Matt Furie. Unlike many other cryptocurrencies, PEPE was launched without a presale or initial coin offering (ICO), and it does not have a publicly known development team. Its purpose is more focused on community and meme culture rather than complex technical utility.
Initial Coin Offering (ICO) is a method used by crypto projects to raise funds by selling new tokens to investors at an early stage.
Popularity of Pepe Coin (PEPE)
PEPE (Pepe Coin) is now ranked in the top three meme coins by market capitalization, following Dogecoin (DOGE) and Shiba Inu (SHIB). It frequently appears on the “Top Meme Coins by Market Cap” list and is one of the tokens with high trading volume and liquidity in the meme coin category.
PEPE gained significant attention in the crypto community thanks to its strong identity as a Pepe the Frog-themed token and its virality on social media. Its popularity is also driven by rapid adoption whenever new meme trends emerge. However, compared to Dogecoin (DOGE), which has long been regarded as a pioneer with broader utility, PEPE is still more focused on speculation and community support rather than being a tool for everyday payments.
According to CoinMarketCap data, the distribution of ownership and the number of holders of Pepe Coin (PEPE) provide a clear picture of its ecosystem. The chart shows the growth in the number of holders over the last 30 days, with a total of around 485,000 addresses and a market capitalization of approximately $5.01 billion, reflecting the increasing interest in this asset.
The ownership distribution table shows that the top 10 wallets control about 37.6% of the total supply, while the remaining supply is distributed among other holders. The address with the largest holdings is recorded to hold more than 51 trillion PEPE, worth over $586 million.
PEPE Ranked #31 by Market Cap Globally
As of September 17, 2025, according to data from CoinMarketCap, the trading volume of Pepe Coin (PEPE) was recorded at around $700 million, down approximately 9.5% compared to the previous day. However, PEPE’s market capitalization increased by 3.25%, reaching $4.6 billion, placing it at #31 on the list of the largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization globally.
Latest PEPE Analysis from Crypto Traders on X
The chart shared by analyst DocXBT on X shows the price movement of Pepe Coin (PEPE) against USD on a daily timeframe. It appears that the price is testing a critical resistance area labeled “Final Boss,” after previously failing twice to break this level. The horizontal line around $0.00001439 marks the upper limit that needs to be surpassed for the uptrend to continue.
Meanwhile, the support area around $0.00000926 serves as a floor, preventing further price declines. This analysis highlights how traders use support-resistance zones to identify potential continuation opportunities for price trends.
- Bullish Predictions from Matthew Dixon and TraderSZ
Trader Matthew Dixon sees a strong bullish pattern on the PEPE chart, assuming the “abc” wave pattern is complete. He projects that the price could potentially rise higher in the near future, especially if supported by positive sentiment, such as lower interest rates.
According to analysis from TraderSZ on X, the chart shows a downward trend with two consecutive descending triangles marked by yellow lines. This technical pattern is generally interpreted as a phase of consolidation or weakening, often followed by a possible breakout or continuation of the trend.
The chart reflects price movements from October 2023 to September 2025, with a significant price surge observed in early 2024. The analyst’s comment “PEPE time soon” suggests that they anticipate a potential price movement or breakout, which could signal an opportunity for traders to watch.
3. Pudgy Penguins (PENGU)
Pudgy Penguins (PENGU) started as an NFT project featuring 8,888 unique penguin characters launched on the Ethereum network in July 2021. The project quickly gained popularity due to its appealing design, active community, and strong meme culture. In December 2021, a companion collection called Lil Pudgys was launched to expand its user base.
The official token of the ecosystem, $PENGU, was released in December 2024 on the Solana blockchain as a utility token to enhance community interaction, including through airdrops to NFT holders. Behind the success of PENGU is Luca Netz (Luca Schnetzler), who acquired the project in April 2022 for approximately 750 ETH. Under his leadership, Pudgy Penguins evolved from an NFT collection into a Web3 brand with physical products, brand expansion, and the launch of a token to support ecosystem growth.
Popularity of PENGU
- PENGU Featured in Platonic Season 2 on Apple TV
One example of PENGU’s popularity is its appearance in a scene from the popular TV show Platonic Season 2, Episode 6, on Apple TV, at the 15-minute mark. The presence of the PENGU character in this mainstream television show highlights the project’s expanding reach and popularity beyond the crypto world.
- PENGU Highlighted in Q2 Bullish Financial Report on NYSE
A post showed that PENGU was featured in the Q2 Bullish ($BLSH) financial report presented on the NYSE. The material highlighted PENGU’s global reach, including toy sales in over 10,000 international retail stores. The products also feature QR codes linked to Web3 wallets and NFT assets, enhancing the user experience.
This report also noted PENGU’s efforts to enter the capital markets through indices like CoinDesk 80 and its plans to launch an ETF. Additionally, several strategic partnerships were mentioned as part of PENGU’s push to expand its ecosystem in both the crypto industry and the commercial sector.
- VanEck Uses PENGU Character as Profile Picture on X
One sign of increasing institutional acceptance of digital assets is seen in VanEck, a prominent U.S. investment management firm, using the PENGU character as its profile picture on its official X account. VanEck, known for providing ETFs since 1955, is now using the Pudgy Penguins (PENGU) symbol to reflect its connection with Web3 culture and the crypto community.
PENGU Market Cap Hits $2.29 Billion
The chart above shows the price movement of Pudgy Penguins (PENGU) over the past month. After experiencing a decline at the end of August and early September, the price began to gradually rise again from the second week of this month. Currently, PENGU is priced around $0.03654, showing a 15.52% increase over the past month.
PENGU’s market capitalization now stands at approximately $2.29 billion, marking a 7.98% increase in the last 24 hours. The daily trading volume is recorded at around $411 million, up more than 35% compared to the previous period. The volume-to-market cap ratio of 16.61% reflects healthy liquidity, while community sentiment indicates a 74% bullish outlook.
PENGU is currently ranked 5th in the meme coin category by market capitalization. Overall, the asset ranks #51 in the global crypto market, indicating its significant market cap compared to other digital assets.
Latest PENGU Analysis from Crypto Traders on X
- Falling Wedge Pattern on PENGU: Bullish Breakout and Price Discovery Phase
The chart shared by SolidTradesz on X shows a falling wedge pattern on PENGU’s price, which is often seen as a potential bullish signal after a period of consolidation. The RSI indicator is around the 50 level, indicating a neutral condition that could shift into positive momentum if buying pressure increases.
The analysis also highlights that this area could be a crucial point for the price to make a stronger move. If the price successfully breaks out to the upside, PENGU could enter a price discovery phase, with more room for upward movement.
Price discovery is the phase when the price of an asset moves into a new range that has never been breached before, signaling that the market is determining its fair value.
- Bullish Flag Pattern on PENGU: Potential Rise Towards $0.074
According to technical analysis from Bitcoinsensus on X, the PENGU chart highlights a bullish flag pattern, which is generally seen as a continuation signal after an accumulation phase. The current price appears to be moving within a consolidation channel (flag channel) after forming the “flagpole.” If momentum supports this move, the target area is around $0.074, indicating the potential for a continued positive trend if the price successfully breaks through the pattern.
4. Bonk (BONK)
Bonk (BONK) is a dog-themed meme coin built on the Solana blockchain, officially launched in December 2022. The token was created as a community-driven initiative to develop a more inclusive cryptocurrency asset within the Solana ecosystem. Around 50% of the initial BONK supply was distributed through airdrops to users, artists, NFT collectors, and developers, ensuring more equitable distribution.
Using the SPL token model, BONK allows for fast transactions with low fees. The combination of a unique character, community-based distribution, and efficient transaction costs has made it one of the most attention-grabbing meme coins in the crypto market.
The BONK project was developed by a group of Solana community members, with no single public figure serving as its founder. The project’s philosophy emphasizes decentralization and community involvement as its core foundation.
Popularity of BONK
Recently, Sharps Technology, a NASDAQ-listed medical device company, announced a strategic partnership to stake Solana (SOL) tokens through BonkSOL. This move aims to enhance treasury management returns while strengthening liquidity within the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
As part of its digital asset management strategy, Sharps plans to allocate some of its SOL holdings into BonkSOL, a liquid staking product from Bonk (BONK). This mechanism allows Sharps to earn staking rewards while supporting the growth of community-driven projects and DeFi on the Solana network.
- BONK.fun Collaboration with USD1 – WLFI Trump Project
On September 11, 2025, BONK.fun announced the integration of the USD1 stablecoin into its ecosystem. With this integration, token creators can now choose USD1 as the base pair when launching new tokens on BONK.fun.
Traders can also trade USD1 pairs directly on BONK.fun, via the Raydium interface, or use third-party trading bots. This decision is part of the “Project Wings” initiative, developed in collaboration with World Liberty Financial (WLFI).
- BONK Expands Ecosystem to Institutional Level
BONK has built over 400 integrations with decentralized applications and protocols on Solana. Products like BONKBot have recorded historical trading volumes of around $14 billion, while Bonk.fun generates approximately $28 million in revenue per quarter.
Since its launch, BonkSOL has attracted nearly 200,000 SOL for staking. The collaboration with Sharps is expected to further increase this figure and strengthen institutional trust in BONK as part of the growing crypto ecosystem.
The chart above shows the accumulation of Solana (SOL) holdings by public companies from October 2024 to September 2025. During this period, SOL holdings increased significantly, especially since mid-2025, when the curve sharply surged towards nearly 15 million SOL.
- BONK Holders Reach 117,890 in 30 Days
The chart above shows the growth trend in the number of Bonk (BONK) holders over the last 30 days according to CoinMarketCap. The total number of addresses holding the token has reached around 117,890, with a market capitalization of about $1.61 billion. The upward-trending line indicates a steady increase in distribution, reflecting the growing interest in BONK within the crypto community.
BONK Trading Volume Increases 47%, Reaches $534.8 Million
The chart above shows the price movement of Bonk (BONK) over the past month. After a dip at the end of August, the price began to recover gradually in early September and is currently around $0.00002539, marking a 13.48% increase over the month.
Additional data shows that BONK’s market capitalization is approximately $2.06 billion, with a 24-hour trading volume of $534.8 million, up nearly 48%. The volume-to-market cap ratio of 25.93% indicates good liquidity.
Bonk (BONK) is currently ranked #56 globally by market capitalization. In the meme coin category, BONK is ranked 6th, demonstrating its significant appeal compared to other meme-themed crypto assets.
Latest BONK Analysis from Crypto Traders on X
According to Unipics’ analysis, BONK’s price is showing positive movement after a period of decline. A clear descending triangle pattern (yellow triangle) is visible, indicating a consolidation phase or selling pressure before a potential breakout. The chart shows a significant price increase in mid-September 2025, following a breakout above the upper limit of the triangle pattern.
Additionally, it is noticeable that trading volume increased during the price rise, indicating greater buying interest. The RSI indicator is also above 50, which signals that buying momentum is starting to strengthen, and this could be a sign of higher price movements ahead.
Meanwhile, another analyst on X, Immortal Crypto, describes the recent correction as the last opportunity before a potential parabolic surge. A combination of macro conditions, such as the possibility of lower interest rates and the bullish momentum in the crypto market, are the key factors supporting this scenario.
5. Moo Deng (MOODENG)
MOODENG is a meme coin built on the Solana blockchain, launched on September 11, 2024, through the Pump.fun platform. The token is inspired by Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippo from Thailand who went viral due to its cute behavior, attracting public attention through videos and social media.
There is no widely known single founder; the project is highly community-driven, with the support of influencers and early large wallet holders who did not sell large amounts of tokens, creating market momentum. Moo Deng’s viral internet celebrity status, social media support, and consistent meme marketing have been key drivers of its popularity.
MOODENG Market Cap Reaches $187 Million
The chart above shows the price movement of Moo Deng (MOODENG) over the past month on the Solana network. The price of the token was at a low point in early September, then saw a sharp increase to around $0.22 before correcting to around $0.189, reflecting a monthly increase of approximately 28.71%.
MOODENG’s market capitalization currently stands at $187.17 million, up by about 2.41% in the last 24 hours. The daily trading volume is recorded at $88.44 million, an 8.74% increase, indicating solid market activity. Globally, Moo Deng (MOODENG) is currently ranked #257 based on market capitalization.
Latest MOODENG Analysis from Crypto Traders on X
- Bullish Projection for MOODENG Based on Breakout Pattern and Momentum
The chart shared by analyst Vespamatic on X shows a technical pattern for Moo Deng (MOODENG) with a projection for significant price increase. It appears that the price has broken through a triangle pattern after a long downward phase, while the stochastic oscillator indicator is starting to rise from the lower range.
The stochastic oscillator is a technical indicator that measures price momentum by comparing the current close to the high-low range over a specific period. Its value ranges from 0–100, with levels above 80 considered overbought and below 20 oversold, helping traders identify reversal or continuation opportunities.
The target marked on the chart estimates a price increase of more than 500% to around $0.82, approaching the previous all-time high (ATH). This analysis shows how the combination of breakout patterns and momentum indicators is often used by traders to predict potential price increases during the next altseason.
- MOODENG Ownership Trend and Whale Support from Other Projects
An analysis from Deep Agents on X reveals that the data on Moo Deng (MOODENG) holders is showing a positive trend. Most large investors, including “whales” from other projects such as Fartcoin, PENGU, BONK, and TRUMP, are still holding onto their positions. The ownership distribution shows that the top 10 and top 30 groups have consistently shown behavior of buying and holding the token.
Approximately 31% of the total supply of MOODENG is also in the hands of whales with similar patterns, indicating strong confidence from large holders. Additionally, there are more than 69,000 active addresses holding MOODENG, a number that has increased by hundreds over the past week, reflecting the growing market trust in this asset.
Opportunities and Risks of Investing in Meme Coins
Meme coins such as DOGE, PEPE, PENGU, BONK, and MOODENG often attract attention due to their large communities and the potential for rapid price increases. However, behind these opportunities lies a high level of risk that must be understood before deciding to invest. The table below summarizes key tips and opportunities for potential meme coin investors.
| Aspect | Explanation | Practical Tips | Opportunities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Know the Project & Community | Meme coins rely heavily on community support and social media backing. The larger and more active the community, the higher the chances of adoption. | Study the project’s background, follow forums like Reddit/X, and check the reputation of the developers. | Coins with a solid community have a higher chance of lasting longer. |
| Price Volatility | Meme coin prices can skyrocket or crash dramatically in a short time due to market sentiment. | Invest only what you’re willing to risk, and avoid putting your entire portfolio into meme coins. | Quick price surges can be exploited for short-term trading. |
| Utility & Ecosystem | Not all meme coins are just “jokes.” Some are starting to offer real utility, such as being used for payments, NFTs, or staking. | Check if the token has a roadmap, real-world use cases, or integrations with other platforms. | Tokens that expand their utility have the potential to become more relevant in the long term. |
| Liquidity & Market Access | Liquidity determines how easily you can buy or sell an asset. | Choose meme coins listed on major exchanges with high trading volume. | Good liquidity makes it easier to enter/exit positions without significant slippage. |
| Regulation & Security | New tokens often face risks of fraud, and regulations may be unclear. | Use trusted exchanges, enable 2FA, and avoid projects with low transparency. | Clearer regulations in the future could make the meme coin market more stable. |
| Investment Strategy | Meme coins are suitable for small diversification, not as a core part of your portfolio. | Set profit targets and stop losses before purchasing. | Diversify with other crypto assets like Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH) to reduce risk. |
Start Investing in Crypto on Pintu
After familiarizing yourself with the top meme coin options, the next step is to start investing in the cryptocurrency world. Not just meme coins, on Pintu, you can also choose from DeFi tokens, RWA (Real World Assets), and Layer-1 and Layer-2 networks. All within one platform, which is user-friendly for beginners while supporting experienced investors in building a more targeted crypto portfolio.
Here are the steps to invest in crypto assets on Pintu:
- Go to the Pintu homepage.
- Navigate to the Market page.
- Search for and select the crypto asset you have analyzed.
- Enter the amount you want to buy and follow the remaining steps.
Conclusion
Meme coins like DOGE, PEPE, PENGU, BONK, and MOODENG have evolved from mere internet jokes into crypto assets with large communities, high liquidity, and institutional appeal. The surge in market cap, support from DeFi projects, and regulatory steps such as ETFs show that the meme coin market is now more mature. While the opportunities are promising, investors still need to understand the risks of volatility and choose assets with solid community fundamentals to better navigate the dynamics of the cryptocurrency market.
Disclaimer: All articles from Pintu Academy are for educational purposes and do not constitute financial advice.
References:
- CCN. Dogecoin Use Cases in 2025: What You Can Actually Do With DOGE. Accessed by September 17, 2025
- Coingape. Sharps Technology Announce Plans to Stake Treasury in BONK, Analyst Projects Parabolic Rally. Accessed by September 10, 2025
- Finance Feeds. Rex-Osprey Dogecoin and XRP ETFs Set for September Launch. Accessed by September 17, 2025
- The Block. Solana treasury Sharps inks staking partnership with Bonk. Accessed by September 18, 2025