Meme Insider
Ever wondered how the crypto world has flipped upside down over the years? A recent tweet from @S4mmyEth on X (formerly Twitter) perfectly captures this wild ride. It compares the top 10 cryptocurrencies by market cap in 2017 to those in 2025, and the changes are eye-opening. Only four from the old guard are still hanging in there, stablecoins have crashed the party, and Ethereum has actually outpaced Bitcoin in performance. But what really catches the eye for us at Meme Insider is the rise of meme coins like Dogecoin sneaking into the elite list.
Let's break it down. Back in 2017, the crypto scene was dominated by pioneers like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), XRP, Litecoin (LTC), Cardano (ADA), IOTA (MIOTA), Dash (DASH), NEM (XEM), and Monero (XMR). These were the heavy hitters, with Bitcoin leading the pack at a market cap of over $320 billion.
Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape looks dramatically different. Bitcoin and Ethereum still reign supreme, but they've been joined by newcomers like Tether (USDT), Binance Coin (BNB), Solana (SOL), USD Coin (USDC), Dogecoin (DOGE), and TRON (TRX). XRP and Cardano are the other survivors, proving their resilience amid regulatory hurdles and tech upgrades.
Key Takeaways from the Shift
Survivors Club: Only BTC, ETH, XRP, and ADA made it through. This highlights the staying power of projects with strong fundamentals, community support, and adaptability. Ethereum, for instance, has seen massive growth thanks to its shift to proof-of-stake and the explosion of decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
Stablecoins Dominate: In 2017, stablecoins like USDT and USDC weren't even on the radar for the top 10. Now, they're essentials, providing stability in a volatile market. They act as digital dollars pegged to real-world assets, making them crucial for trading and remittances.
Ethereum's Edge: As the tweet points out, ETH has outperformed BTC over this period. While Bitcoin is often seen as digital gold, Ethereum's smart contract capabilities have fueled innovations like layer-2 solutions and decentralized apps (dApps), driving its value higher.
Meme Coins Make Their Mark: Here's where it gets fun for meme enthusiasts. Dogecoin, born as a joke in 2013 inspired by the Shiba Inu meme, has climbed to the eighth spot with a market cap of around $36 billion. This isn't just luck—it's powered by a vibrant community, celebrity endorsements (think Elon Musk), and its role in tipping and micro-transactions. At Meme Insider, we see this as a sign that meme tokens aren't just fleeting trends; they can evolve into serious players with real utility.
The tweet also quotes an earlier post asking why Cardano (ADA) is up 35% this week, sparking discussions in the replies about its potential and the "vaporware" label some critics throw at it. Replies range from nostalgic nods to old projects like Dash to bullish takes on ADA's cult following.
What Does the Future Hold?
The big question posed: What will this table look like in another eight years, say in 2033? If history is any guide, expect more disruption. Meme coins could proliferate further, especially with advancements in blockchain tech making it easier to launch and sustain them. Projects blending memes with real-world utility—like decentralized social media or AI-integrated tokens—might dominate.
For blockchain practitioners, this evolution underscores the importance of staying agile. Diversify your portfolio, keep an eye on emerging trends like layer-1 competitors to Ethereum, and don't underestimate the power of community-driven assets. If you're into meme tokens, Dogecoin's journey from joke to juggernaut is a blueprint for what's possible.
Curious about more meme coin insights? Check out our knowledge base on meme token strategies or dive into the latest on Dogecoin updates. The crypto world moves fast—stay ahead with Meme Insider.
