In the fast-paced world of blockchain and meme tokens, staying ahead means spotting trends before they explode. Recently, Yash (@yashhsm), a key figure in the Solana ecosystem and chief prompt guy at SendAI, shared a throwback thought from April that's still buzzing with relevance. He posted an image outlining what's next in the space, emphasizing experimentations around "Vertical Pump" – think Pump.fun but tailored for specific niches with custom curations and mechanisms.

Understanding Vertical Pump: The Next Evolution

Yash kicks off with the idea of Vertical Pump, which builds on platforms like Pump.fun, a popular Solana-based tool for quick meme token launches. But instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, he envisions specialized versions – or "verticals" – focused on niches like music, dating, or even time-based content.

Why does this matter? Specific verticals could lead to better feed curation, similar to a For You Page (FYP) on apps like TikTok. This means improved user experience (UX) for consumers, making it easier to discover relevant content without the noise. Plus, it opens doors for "AttentionFi" products – that's finance built around capturing and monetizing user attention. Yash points out that while projects like Kaito are already tapping into Twitter's (now X) social graph, big platforms like TikTok, Discord, and YouTube remain largely untapped for such integrations.

Custom Mechanisms for Diverse Use Cases

Diving deeper, Yash stresses that Pump mechanisms aren't universal. We need bespoke market structures for different scenarios. For example, pre-sales or Dutch auctions might suit project-based token launches better than standard pumps. This experimentation extends to:

• Creator-fee sharing: Allowing content creators to earn directly from token activities tied to their work.
• Niche AMM design: Automated Market Makers (AMMs) customized for specific industries, ensuring liquidity and trading fit the niche.
• Tokenomics and liquidity locking: Designing token economics that encourage long-term holding, with mechanisms to lock liquidity and prevent rug pulls.
• Pricing curves: Dynamic pricing models that adjust based on demand, supply, or other factors.

These tweaks could revolutionize how meme tokens and other crypto assets are launched and traded, making them more sustainable and user-friendly.

Yash's Take on True SocialFi

In his tweet accompanying the image, Yash reinforces that genuine SocialFi – the blend of social media and decentralized finance – will likely emerge from vertical launchpads or social apps incorporating token and creator fees as core features. He gives a cool example: a launchpad for AI-generated music, blending AI tools with Spotify-like discovery and Zora's NFT minting vibes. It's like creating a decentralized music ecosystem where creators launch tokens tied to their tracks, and fans trade them seamlessly.

He even throws out an open invite: "dm, if you wanna build." That's the spirit of the crypto community – collaborative and action-oriented.

Community Reactions and Broader Implications

The post sparked some engagement, with replies echoing agreement. One user highlighted how music creators need different tokenomics than visual artists, underscoring the need for vertical-specific approaches. Another pondered if Web2 companies would jump on board. It's clear this idea resonates, especially as meme tokens evolve beyond hype into functional ecosystems.

For blockchain practitioners and meme enthusiasts, this signals a shift toward more sophisticated tools. If you're into building or investing in meme tokens, keep an eye on these vertical innovations – they could be the key to the next big wave in SocialFi.

Stay tuned to Meme Insider for more updates on emerging trends in the meme token space. What's your take on vertical launchpads? Drop a comment below!