In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency, staying on top of trends can make or break a token's success—especially for meme coins that thrive on hype and community buzz. Recently, a tweet from BEN SPARANG◎ (@bennybitcoins), a former Solana Foundation contributor, highlighted a new feature on CoinMarketCap (CMC) that's stirring up controversy. The post calls out CMC's "Boost" option, which allows anyone to pay to increase a token's exposure in the platform's trending rankings. As someone who's seen the ins and outs of crypto media, this feels like a double-edged sword for the meme token community.

The tweet, posted on September 3, 2025, reads: "On CoinMarketCap, you can now pay to 'Boost' the exposure of any token you want in their Trending rankings. A feature almost surely marketed to scammers so they can boost the exposure of their shitcoins to uninformed traders. What an absolutely ridiculous money grab by CMC." Accompanying the criticism are screenshots showing the Boost interface and a trending list dominated by meme-like tokens.

Understanding CMC's Boost Feature

CoinMarketCap, one of the go-to platforms for crypto data and rankings, introduced Boost as a way to let token holders or promoters temporarily elevate a project's Trending Score. This score is a key metric that influences where a token appears in CMC's trending lists, based on factors like trading volume, price changes, and social activity. By purchasing a Boost pack, users can multiply this score for a short period—typically 12 to 24 hours—making the token more visible to millions of visitors.

From the official CMC Boost FAQ, Boosts work by adding a multiplier to the Trending Score, with options ranging from smaller 10x boosts to massive 600x ones. Prices start around $99 for basic packs and go up to $3,399 for the top tier, payable via crypto or credit card. Once activated, the effect kicks in almost immediately, and multiple packs can stack for even greater impact. If a token racks up 600 or more active Boosts, it unlocks a "Golden Ticker" badge, further highlighting it on the site.

Not every token qualifies, though. CMC excludes untracked or upcoming projects, stablecoins, rehypothecated assets, unsupported real-world assets (RWAs), and anything flagged as malicious or failing security audits. This aims to maintain some integrity, but critics argue it doesn't go far enough.

The Criticism: A Tool for Scammers?

Bennybitcoins' tweet echoes a common fear in the crypto space: that paid promotions can mislead novice investors. Meme coins, often launched with minimal utility and driven by viral marketing, could exploit this feature to appear more legitimate or popular than they are. Imagine a rug-pull scheme pumping their token to the top of the trending list, attracting unsuspecting buyers before the creators dump their holdings.

This isn't just speculation—the trending screenshot in the tweet shows tokens like "Purple Pepe" and "Official Ronaldo CR7" (likely fan-inspired memes) sitting high on the list. While some might be harmless fun, others could be honeypots designed to trap funds. CMC's move feels like prioritizing revenue over user protection, especially since the platform is a trusted source for many entering the market.

Implications for Meme Token Enthusiasts

For legitimate meme coin projects, Boost could be a valuable tool. In a crowded market where visibility is everything, paying to trend might help bootstrap community growth or highlight innovative features. Think of it as targeted advertising on a platform where your audience is already crypto-savvy. Projects with strong fundamentals could use it to stand out from the noise, potentially leading to organic growth post-boost.

On the flip side, it levels the playing field in the wrong direction. Wealthier scammers or pump-and-dump groups could dominate the rankings, drowning out genuine efforts. For blockchain practitioners building in the meme space, this underscores the need for due diligence—always check a token's smart contract, community, and history beyond just trending status.

As meme tokens continue to evolve, features like this remind us that the crypto world is still the Wild West. If you're diving into trends, tools like CMC are helpful, but cross-reference with communities on platforms like X or Discord. What do you think—will Boost fuel more meme moonshots or more cautionary tales? Check out the original tweet and join the discussion.