Crypto enthusiasts have been glued to their screens, whispering about the elusive "alt-season" for what feels like forever. And now, a single chart is making everyone sit up straight. In a recent [X post](https://

- Let's tie it into meme coins, given Meme Insider's focus.
x.com/gkisokay/status/1968404300868067689), trader @gkisokay nailed the sentiment perfectly: "Everybody and their wives' boyfriends have been waiting for #total3 to break out above its 4-year range. Let's see if the beginning of these rate cuts can take us into an official alt-season."

If you're new to this, let's break it down simply. "Total3" refers to the total market capitalization of all cryptocurrencies excluding Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). It's essentially a snapshot of the "altcoin" universe—think everything from established projects like Solana to wild meme tokens like Dogecoin or the latest viral sensation on Solana. For the past four years, this metric has been stuck in a stubborn range, bouncing around like a yo-yo without breaking free. That consolidation? It's been a pressure cooker for altcoin holders, building tension as Bitcoin dominated the headlines.

But check out this chart @gkisokay shared—it's like watching a coiled spring finally snap.

The green candles are telling a story of momentum. After hugging that upper resistance line for months (around $1.12 trillion to $1.13 trillion), Total3 has punched through to new highs, flirting with $1.17 trillion as of mid-September 2025. Volume's spiking too—over $186 billion in a single day—signaling real conviction from buyers. And the timing? Spot on with the U.S. Federal Reserve's recent rate cuts, which are like rocket fuel for risk assets. Lower rates mean cheaper borrowing, more liquidity chasing high-upside plays like alts.

So, what does this mean for meme coin degens and blockchain builders? First off, history rhymes. Remember the 2021 bull run? Total3 exploded over 10x from similar breakout levels, lifting boats from blue-chips to absurd memes like Shiba Inu. If we're entering alt-season, expect narratives around AI agents, DeFi 2.0, and yes—meme ecosystems on chains like Base or Blast to heat up. Tokens that were sleepers could wake up overnight, but volatility will be your constant companion. That sharp red candle in July? A reminder that pullbacks happen, and FOMO can turn to fear fast.

@gkisokay's post has already sparked chatter, with replies hyping the "4y coil snapping energy" and wondering if it'll hold. As someone who's covered cycles from the ICO boom to the NFT frenzy at CoinDesk, I've seen these setups before. They're not guarantees, but they're the sparks that light the fire.

For meme insiders, this is prime time to scout under-the-radar gems. Tools like Dune Analytics for on-chain flows or DexScreener for liquidity checks can help spot the next big thing. Just remember: DYOR, size your positions, and don't bet the farm on hype alone.

Is this the dawn of alt-season? The chart says maybe. The rate cuts say probably. Now it's up to the market to confirm. What's your take—loading up on memes or playing it safe? Drop your thoughts below, and keep an eye on Total3. In crypto, the breakout is just the beginning.