According to Gemini's 2025 report, over 30% of new crypto users start with meme coins. This crypto sector opens the way to Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and ETFs amid increasing institutional interest.
Recently, crypto experts have revealed key considerations before investing in meme coins.
Meme Coin Cultural Appeal...Institutional Adoption
According to Gemini's State of Crypto 2025 report, meme coins have emerged as an entry point for new crypto users.
The study sampled 7,205 consumer responses from 6 countries. More than 30% of first-time crypto buyers in the US, UK, Australia, and other regions start their journey with meme coins. These assets were long considered speculative mirages.
"In the US, 31% of investors who own both meme coins and traditional cryptocurrencies report purchasing meme coins first. In Australia, 30%, in the UK, 28%, in Singapore, 23%, in Italy, 22%, and in France, 19%." Read the excerpt from the report.
Beyond a temporary trend, meme coins now play a crucial educational role. They serve as "training wheels" for users to learn about wallets, tokenomics, and on-chain interactions.
According to Gemini's data, over 94% of meme coin holders eventually invest in more established cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. This reinforces their role as an important gateway to the broader digital asset ecosystem.
"Globally, 94% of meme coin owners also own other types of cryptocurrencies. This suggests meme coins are an entry point to broader crypto investment," the report added.
The US meme coin trend intersects with increasing institutional accessibility. 39% of US crypto investors now hold cryptocurrencies through ETFs. This suggests a mature market where grassroots passion and institutional infrastructure converge.
Through online communities and viral content, meme coins provide culturally relevant, low-barrier crypto onboarding. They lower participation thresholds and democratize digital asset ownership.
US Investors Mix Meme Coins with Politics
According to CoinGecko data, meme coins have reached a market capitalization of $74.4 billion. This highlights their growing influence.
What started as an internet joke now occupies a meaningful part of the crypto market.
According to the Gemini report, this asset class has evolved alongside major trends like the rise of spot Bitcoin ETFs and expanded institutional participation.
The report also reflects the influence of political tailwinds, especially from Donald Trump's pro-crypto statements and his proposed strategic Bitcoin reserve.
These developments, along with regulatory approval for ETFs, have accelerated mainstream adoption and justified space for a broader investor base.
While meme coins are a popular starting point, long-term investment stability lies in assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. This emphasizes the importance of transitioning from speculative entry points to fundamentally sound assets.
"Technologically innovative launches are again receiving high attention... It's not about blindly jumping into meme coins or getting infatuated with new celebrity coins. We can again exercise our analytical and research capabilities." Recently shared by DeFi expert Ignas.
BeInCrypto recently reported on experts' considerations before investing in meme coins.
Among them is Justin Sun, TRON blockchain founder and Huobi Global advisor. This controversial crypto executive prioritizes meme coins' ability to attract public attention.
"Today's economy is about attention. So memes actually gather all the attention, right? If you get everyone's attention, you can actually control the universe." – Sun emphasized.
Sun focuses on evaluating genuine community engagement in meme coin investments, rather than follower count.
According to Justin Sun, meme coins' success requires substantial effort similar to major crypto platform development.
