If you're knee-deep in the world of meme tokens and DeFi, you've probably noticed how trading volumes can make or break a project's hype. That's why the latest update from DeFi Llama is turning heads. In a recent tweet, they shared a fresh chart breaking down DEX (decentralized exchange) volumes by chain on a monthly basis for 2025. And spoiler: Solana is stealing the show.
Breaking Down the Chart: Who's Winning the Volume Race?
The chart, pulled straight from DeFi Llama's new Chart Builder tool, stacks up volumes from major chains like Solana (in pink), Ethereum (blue), BSC (green), Base (orange), Arbitrum (turquoise), Sui (purple), Unichain (light green), Linea (yellow), and a bunch of others lumped into gray. It's a visual feast that tracks monthly DEX trading volumes in USD, starting from September 2024 through September 2025.
Here's what jumps out:
- Solana's Surge: That pink bar towers over the rest, especially in November 2024 and again in July 2025, hitting peaks around $500B. Solana's low fees and lightning-fast transactions have made it a hotspot for meme token launches and high-frequency trading. If you're trading memes like DOGE-inspired coins or viral cats, this is your playground.
- Ethereum's Steady Presence: Blue bars hold strong but don't dominate like they used to. Ethereum's volumes hover around $200B-$300B in peak months, thanks to its robust ecosystem. However, with Layer 2 solutions like Base and Arbitrum chipping in (orange and turquoise), ETH's core chain isn't carrying the full load anymore.
- BSC and Others: BSC (green) shows consistent but lower volumes, surprising some given the lack of a full-blown meme season yet. Chains like Sui and Unichain add colorful layers, but the "Others" category (gray) reminds us of the fragmented DeFi landscape with over 168 chains contributing.
This data isn't just numbers—it's a snapshot of where liquidity is flowing. Higher volumes mean better price discovery and more opportunities for meme token flips, but they also signal potential network congestion or gas fee spikes.
Why This Matters for Meme Token Enthusiasts
At Meme Insider, we're all about decoding how DeFi trends impact the wild world of memes. Solana's lead here aligns with its reputation as the "meme chain." Platforms like Raydium and Jupiter on Solana have seen explosive growth in meme trading, often outpacing Ethereum-based DEXes like Uniswap. If volumes keep climbing, expect more pump.fun-style launches and community-driven tokens to thrive.
But it's not all sunshine. The chart shows dips in March and May 2025, possibly tied to broader market corrections or regulatory news. For blockchain practitioners, this is a cue to diversify: keep an eye on emerging chains like Base, which is gaining traction for affordable meme deploys.
Community reactions to the tweet echo this excitement. One user noted Solana's noticeable rise in November, while another expressed surprise at ETH and BSC volumes amid a quiet meme season. Even calls for adding chains like Hyperliquid highlight the demand for more granular data.
Level Up Your Knowledge with DeFi Llama's Tools
DeFi Llama isn't stopping at charts—they've rolled out global chain metrics in their Chart Builder, making it easier for anyone to customize views. Whether you're analyzing TVL (total value locked) or fees, tools like this empower you to stay ahead in the meme game.
If you're building or trading memes, track these volumes closely. They could predict the next big chain migration or volume explosion. Head over to DeFi Llama's site to explore more, and join the conversation on X for real-time insights.
Stay memeing, insiders! 🚀