What is a meme coin?
Crypto · 6 October 2025Nuria Macias Castro
Meme coins are cryptocurrencies inspired by internet jokes, pop culture, or viral trends. They typically lack strong fundamentals or real-world utility — but that hasn’t stopped them from taking the spotlight. Known for their wild price swings and online hype, meme coins have become a symbol of the internet’s influence on finance. Despite the risks, meme coins keep attracting attention from traders and curious newcomers alike.
Curious to explore? You can buy meme coins directly in the Revolut app.
Meme coins explained: not your average cryptocurrency
Unlike traditional crypto projects like Bitcoin or Ethereum, which were designed with decentralisation or smart contracts in mind, meme tokens are often created as jokes or social experiments.
Key differentiators:
- Playful branding or mascots
- Connection to online communities on Reddit, TikTok, or X (formerly Twitter)
- Highly volatile prices
Some meme coins gain popularity rapidly, spreading through viral online content, community engagement, and social media trends. The market capitalisations of these assets can reach into the billions of dollars — even if they weren’t meant to be taken seriously.
Popular meme coins you might recognise
Dogecoin: the original joke cryptocurrency
Dogecoin (DOGE) was launched in 2013 as a parody of the crypto industry. Based on the popular Doge meme featuring a Shiba Inu dog, it was never intended to be taken seriously. But thanks to community support and shoutouts from high-profile figures, Dogecoin became a well-known altcoin (alternative coin) and remains one of the largest by market cap.
Explore and buy Dogecoin in the Revolut app.
Shiba Inu: the Dogecoin rival turned ecosystem
Shiba Inu (SHIB) started as a 'Dogecoin killer' but has since evolved into something more. It now includes a decentralised exchange, NFTs, and its own ecosystem of tokens. Like Dogecoin, its popularity is fuelled by online culture, speculation, and community-driven development.
Want to dive deeper into crypto? Check out our guide: What is cryptocurrency?
PEPE coin: from meme to viral crypto
PEPE coin takes inspiration from the meme character Pepe the Frog. Its recent surge was driven by social media hype and speculative interest. Although it has no underlying utility, PEPE coin demonstrates how internet culture continues to shape crypto markets.
Why are meme coins so popular?
Meme coins are more than just jokes — they represent the power of online communities. Here’s why they’ve gained so much traction:
- Cultural relevance: people enjoy tokens that reflect internet humour and pop culture
- Low entry price: many meme coins are priced in fractions of a cent, making them accessible
- FOMO and hype: viral posts and celebrity mentions can send prices soaring
- Speculative investing: traders are drawn to the potential of big (but risky) returns
They’re also a gateway for newcomers who want to dip their toes into crypto without diving into technical jargon or complex blockchains. But it’s not all fun and games — many meme tokens are extremely volatile and should be treated with caution.
Meme coin risk and volatility
While their rapid rise in price can be exciting, the volatility of meme coins can lead to dramatic crashes in value — sometimes in just hours or days.
Key risks to be aware of:
- Extreme price swings: value can soar or plummet without warning, often driven by online sentiment
- Lack of regulation: meme tokens are unregulated, increasing the risk of scams or rug pulls (where developers abandon a project after attracting investments and disappear with investors' money)
- Liquidity issues: some meme coins may have limited trading volumes, making it hard to sell when prices fall
- No intrinsic value: most meme tokens lack underlying utility or use cases
If you choose to invest, always do your own research and only use money you’re prepared to lose. Diversifying your crypto portfolio can help reduce overall risk.
Meme coins as an investment
Meme coins can deliver massive returns — but they can just as easily crash. They tend to lack the utility, long-term roadmaps, or teams behind more established cryptocurrencies. Instead, their value is often driven by:
- Online momentum
- Market speculation
- Influencer or community activity
Before you invest, ask yourself:
- Can I afford to lose this money?
- Am I chasing hype without research?
- Do I understand the risks of speculative crypto?
For most customers, meme coins are best treated as high-risk, high-reward assets — not a reliable long-term investment. Use proper risk management and don’t let hype override your strategy.
Learn more about our approach to crypto transfers.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
How to buy meme coins with Revolut
We make it easy to explore meme coins — alongside hundreds of other crypto tokens — in one app. Here's how:
- Open the Crypto tab in your Revolut app
- Search for meme tokens like Dogecoin or PEPE
- Tap Buy, choose your amount, and confirm your purchase
Remember to learn how to store your crypto with a crypto wallet.
Get started with crypto
Meme coins may have started as a joke, but they’ve become a serious force in the world of speculative crypto. Their unpredictable nature, cultural relevance, and ability to quickly capture public attention make them complex and risky assets.
Whether you’re here to invest or just learn, we give you the tools to explore crypto. Sign up for Revolut and start your journey today.
The information provided is accurate as of 23 July 2025.
Not all cryptoassets carry the same risks. Before investing, read our cryptoasset specific risk summaries to make sure you understand the different risks associated with different types of cryptoassets.
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