Meme Insider
In the fast-paced world of crypto, where innovation meets controversy, Laura Shin, the renowned host of the Unchained podcast, has made waves with her latest move. On October 21, 2025, she tweeted about shifting to Pump.fun, a popular Solana-based platform known for launching memecoins. This isn't just a simple platform switch—it's a bold experiment in blending crypto media with meme token economics. Let's dive into what this means for the industry.
Understanding the Move to Pump.fun
Pump.fun started as a hub for creating and trading memecoins, those fun, often volatile tokens inspired by internet memes. But it's evolving. Now, it supports livestreaming, where creators can tie their content to "creator coins." These are essentially memecoins that fans can buy, trade, and use to support their favorite shows or personalities. For Unchained, this means launching their own coin at this address, allowing listeners to engage in a whole new way.
Shin's tweet sparked debate because Pump.fun has a mixed reputation—it's been linked to scams and high-risk trading. Yet, as she explains in a detailed blog post on Unchained's site, this decision stems from years of experience in journalism and crypto. She's no stranger to early adoption, having jumped into Bitcoin when it was just $200.
The 8 Reasons Behind the Decision
Shin outlined eight key reasons for this shift, highlighting how it fits into broader trends in crypto media:
Embracing Crypto Platforms: Unchained already uses Zora for creator coins, Pods for NFT episodes, and Fountain for Bitcoin rewards. Adding Pump.fun is a natural extension.
Shifting to Livestreaming: With crypto news moving faster than ever—think post-election regulatory changes—weekly podcasts feel outdated. Livestreams offer real-time engagement.
Innovating Media Models: Traditional journalism is struggling with layoffs and declining revenues. Pump.fun's direct monetization could be a lifeline, rewarding creators based on audience attention.
Early Adopter Spirit: Shin's history includes pioneering online banking and dating in the late '90s. She's applying that mindset to crypto media.
Flaws in Web2 Models: Platforms like YouTube keep most ad revenue. Pump.fun lets creators capture more value directly.
Neutral Tech Perspective: Like Bitcoin or cash, Pump.fun isn't inherently bad—it's how it's used. Its massive success on Solana makes it worth exploring.
Monetizing Attention: Fans can invest SOL in Unchained's coin, turning listens into financial support, similar to NFTs on other platforms.
New Engagement Opportunities: This move has already inspired fresh ideas for audience interaction, newsletters, and products.
Importantly, Unchained's team isn't buying the token to avoid conflicts of interest. The focus is on distribution and genuine rewards.
Implications for Meme Tokens and Blockchain Practitioners
For meme token enthusiasts, this is huge. Pump.fun has generated hundreds of millions in revenue, proving memecoins aren't just jokes—they're a viable business model. By bringing a respected figure like Shin onboard, it legitimizes the space. Imagine more media outlets launching creator coins, turning passive viewers into active stakeholders.
Blockchain practitioners can learn from this too. It shows how Solana's low fees and fast transactions enable new media experiments. If you're building in DeFi or NFTs, consider how integrating streaming and tokens could boost user engagement. But remember, memecoins are risky—always DYOR (do your own research).
Shin's live session on Pump.fun invited questions, turning the announcement into an interactive event. Replies to her tweet ranged from excitement to skepticism, with one user quipping about "DeFi-ning crypto media." This buzz underscores the potential: crypto media is evolving, and meme tokens are at the heart of it.
As we at Meme Insider track these developments, stay tuned for more on how platforms like Pump.fun are reshaping the token landscape. If you're curious, check out the Unchained stream and see the future of crypto journalism in action.
