How to Spot the Next Viral Memecoin: A Guide for Crypto Enthusiasts

Finding the next big memecoin before it goes viral requires a mix of community engagement, research and the right tools.

Key takeaways

Memecoins thrive on community and internet culture, with platforms like X and Reddit amplifying their reach and popularity.

Launchpads like MemePad and Pump.fun provide early access to new memecoins, helping investors identify promising tokens before they go viral.

Tools like MemeCoinTracker and BullX are crucial for tracking wallet movements, social engagement and pre-pump signals.

Understanding the risks involved in a zero-sum game, such as memecoin trading, is crucial.

Memecoins are the fun and unpredictable side of the crypto world, born from internet jokes and cultural trends.

The first of its kind, Dogecoin, started as a parody in 2013, created to poke fun at Bitcoin’s rising popularity. At first, Dogecoin was a quirky token used for tipping content creators on platforms like Reddit and Twitter. It soon gained attention for funding unique causes, like sponsoring a NASCAR driver and helping the Jamaican bobsled team compete in the Winter Olympics.

What began as a joke quickly turned into a movement. Its passionate community — known as the “Doge Army” — propelled it into mainstream recognition, proving that memes combined with community support could drive serious market momentum. Following Dogecoin’s success, countless other memecoins like Shiba Inu and PepeCoin emerged, each tapping into the internet’s love for shareable, relatable humor.

Like viral memes, memecoins thrive on internet culture. Platforms like X and Reddit amplify their reach, turning niche jokes into global trends overnight. But here’s the catch: Memecoins reward those who catch the trend early. With their value directly tied to their popularity, being “in the know” can lead to big gains.

In this guide, you’ll explore how pro memecoin spotters identify these tokens before they go viral, helping you stay ahead of the curve and potentially snag some early-bird rewards.

Identifying emerging memecoins

Finding the next big memecoin before it goes viral requires a mix of community engagement, research and the right tools. Here are some tried-and-tested methods to help you stay ahead of the curve.

1. Leverage launchpads for early access

Launchpads provide a structured way to discover new projects, including memecoins before they hit the mainstream. Several memecoin-dedicated launchpads can help you identify opportunities tailored to this niche:

MemePad: A launchpad on the Binance Smart Chain that focuses on memecoins and community tokens. It offers tiered participation levels and a decentralized governance model.

Pump.fun: A memecoin launchpad on the Solana blockchain. It's known for its fast transactions and low fees, catering to the rapid trading needs of memecoin enthusiasts.

Did you know? Pump.fun, a memecoin launchpad on the Solana blockchain, became the fastest-growing crypto application ever. It reached $100 million in revenue in just 217 days, surpassing previous records.

2. Use tools to track pre-pump activity

Leveraging the right tools is essential if you’re serious about identifying memecoins early. Platforms like BullX allow you to monitor wallet movements and see where “whales” — investors with significant capital — are placing their bets. These whale activities often signal where the market might head next, providing early insights into tokens with the potential for a significant pump.

Other tools like MemeCoinTracker track real-time metrics such as X activity, holder statistics and token burns, giving you a comprehensive overview of a memecoin’s community engagement and growth trajectory. Similarly, DexScan, developed by CoinMarketCap, compiles metrics from over 100 decentralized exchanges across more than 50 blockchain networks, offering granular insights into pool activity and health. This makes it easier to spot hidden memecoin gems before they gain mainstream attention.

3. Engage with crypto communities

The crypto space thrives on collaboration and shared knowledge. Platforms like Reddit, X, and TikTok are goldmines for discovering emerging memecoins. Subreddits like r/CryptoMoonShots or hashtags like #NewCrypto on X often feature discussions about promising projects. TikTok trends can also provide clues, as viral videos have been known to send memecoins soaring.

Joining forums, Discord servers, and Telegram groups is equally important. These spaces are often buzzing with early adopters discussing upcoming launches and rumors. 

4. Follow influencers and thought leaders

Crypto influencers can make or break a memecoin. Figures like Elon Musk and other prominent personalities have historically driven massive attention to tokens with a single tweet.

Still, proceed with caution, as influencer-driven hype isn’t always organic. Some have been involved in “pump and dump” schemes, promoting a coin, inflating its price, and selling off their holdings, leaving others with losses.

Did you know? The Save the Kids token was promoted in 2021 by members of the FaZe Clan and other social media personalities. Marketed as a charity-focused cryptocurrency, it quickly gained traction due to influencer endorsements. However, it was later exposed as a