In a recent episode of The Rollup TV, hosts Andy and Robbie dove into one of the hottest topics buzzing across Crypto Twitter: Monad's bold move with their AI-generated cards. As shared in a clip posted by @kkocality, the discussion highlighted how Monad essentially "ran" the platform for a day with this clever campaign. Whether you see it as genius or a bit cringe, there's no denying it owned the timeline and got everyone talking.

For those new to the scene, Monad is a high-performance Layer 1 blockchain that's EVM-compatible, meaning it works seamlessly with Ethereum tools but cranks up the speed to handle thousands of transactions per second. But this story isn't about tech specs—it's about marketing magic. On August 19, 2025, Monad co-founder Keone Hon announced the launch of Monad Cards, a fun initiative aimed at showing appreciation to active members of Crypto Twitter (CT).

Here's how it worked: Using a reputation-based approach, they identified around 5,000 genuine CT accounts—think influencers, analysts, and key voices followed by reputable figures across various crypto niches. Each selected account got a unique, AI-generated card tailored to their "role" in the community, like a digital badge of honor. These cards aren't just pretty pictures; they're soulbound tokens (SBTs), non-transferable NFTs that live on your wallet forever.

To amplify the buzz, each card holder could nominate up to three mutual followers for their own cards. With 10,000 nomination spots available on a first-come, first-served basis, it created instant FOMO (fear of missing out). Nominations closed on August 29, and claims for nominees opened September 2, with a final deadline of September 10. The whole thing was manual-reviewed to keep out bots and sybils, ensuring only real, active users got in.

The AI-generated artwork leaned heavily into meme culture, featuring quirky, cartoonish designs reminiscent of popular memes like sad Pepe frogs for ineligible screens or whimsical creatures that fit right into the playful side of crypto. This blend of AI creativity and meme aesthetics made the cards shareable and relatable, turning recipients into instant promoters as they flaunted their new digital swag.

As @kkocality pointed out in the tweet, opinions were split—some called it cringe for its overt hype, while others hailed it as genius for hijacking the conversation. Either way, it worked. Monad's mindshare spiked, with discussions flooding timelines and even inspiring memes and reactions. Replies to the thread echoed the sentiment, with users like @s0urled joking that the "cringe" callers were just salty they didn't get one, and @ayyyeandy chiming in with a simple "GMONAD" to ride the wave.

From a meme token perspective, this campaign is a goldmine of lessons. Meme tokens thrive on virality, community, and that addictive FOMO factor. Monad showed how to:

• Leverage AI for Unique Content: Generating personalized, meme-inspired art lowers barriers and scales creativity. Imagine a meme token dropping AI-customized NFTs to early holders—pure engagement fuel.

• Build a Nomination System: Turning users into recruiters expands your network organically. It's like a referral program on steroids, rewarding loyalty and creating chains of excitement, much like how meme communities grow through shares and tags.

• Create Scarcity and Urgency: Limited spots and deadlines drive action. Meme tokens often use similar tactics with limited supplies or time-bound airdrops to pump hype.

• Embrace Debate: Not shying away from "cringe" labels can actually amplify reach. In meme world, controversy is currency—as long as it's fun and inclusive.

If you're building or investing in meme tokens, take notes from Monad. This wasn't just a drop; it was a masterclass in blending tech, art, and social dynamics to capture attention in a crowded space. Who knows, maybe the next big meme token will launch with its own card system, turning holders into a viral army.

For more on how blockchain projects are innovating with memes, check out our knowledge base at Meme Insider. What's your take—was Monad's move genius or cringe? Drop your thoughts below!