In the fast-paced world of crypto Twitter, where trends explode and fade in hours, it's easy to chase every like, retweet, and viral moment. But as a seasoned editor who's seen countless projects rise and fall, I can tell you that not all buzz is beneficial. A recent tweet from @Lamboland_ nails this point perfectly, reminding us that quality connections beat quantity every time.
The tweet reads: "contrary to popular belief all attention is not good attention there's only ~50k people on crypto twitter more important to vibe with the community than to maximize virality at all costs retention > awareness." It's a concise wake-up call for anyone building in blockchain, especially in the meme token space where hype often drives initial pumps but rarely sustains value.
Let's break this down. Crypto Twitter, for the uninitiated, is the bustling corner of X (formerly Twitter) where traders, developers, and enthusiasts discuss everything from Bitcoin's latest dip to the newest Solana meme coin. But as Lamboland points out, this isn't a massive audience—estimates hover around 50,000 active users who truly engage with the ecosystem. That's smaller than a mid-sized stadium crowd, yet it's where billion-dollar ideas are born and buried.
Chasing virality means going after explosive growth, often through controversial tactics, paid promotions, or meme-worthy stunts. Sure, it can spike awareness and bring in short-term liquidity providers (LPs) or holders. But in meme tokens, where community is king, this approach can backfire. Bad attention—like scams, rug pulls, or toxic drama—can scare away genuine supporters and tarnish your project's reputation for good.
Instead, prioritize "vibing with the community." This means fostering real relationships: hosting AMAs (Ask Me Anything sessions), creating exclusive content for loyal holders, or building tools that solve actual problems in the blockchain space. For meme tokens, think of projects like Dogecoin or Shiba Inu—they didn't just go viral; they retained fans through humor, utility updates, and strong social bonds.
Retention, as Lamboland emphasizes, is the real game-changer. It's about keeping your community engaged long after the initial hype. High retention leads to organic growth, stronger tokenomics (the economic model behind a token), and resilience during market downturns. In contrast, pure awareness without stickiness often results in pump-and-dump schemes, where prices soar briefly before crashing as fair-weather holders exit.
From my time at CoinDesk, I've covered stories of projects that imploded from overhyping without substance. Meme Insider exists to help you avoid those pitfalls, offering insights into tokens that build lasting value. If you're launching a meme token or investing in one, take Lamboland's advice: focus on retention. Engage deeply with your core audience, create value that resonates, and watch your community grow sustainably.
What do you think—has virality helped or hurt your favorite meme tokens? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and check out our knowledge base on meme token strategies for more tips.