In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency, where perpetual decentralized exchanges (perp DEXes) like Axiom, Hyperliquid, and Aster are battling it out for dominance among seasoned traders, there's a quieter revolution happening. As highlighted in a recent thread on X by Edgar Pavlovsky, everyday users—often called "normies"—aren't diving into these advanced platforms. Instead, they're sticking to what they know: buying assets directly in their wallets.

Why Normies Skip the Complex Stuff

Perp DEXes are powerful tools for leveraged trading, allowing users to bet on price movements without owning the underlying asset. But for the average person new to crypto, these platforms can feel overwhelming. They bombard users with charts, data streams, and technical jargon that might as well be written in code. Edgar points out that normies prioritize apps that aren't intimidating—think clean interfaces and straightforward buys.

And where do they discover these opportunities? Not on Crypto Twitter (CT), but through mainstream social media like Instagram and TikTok. While TikTok might attract a slightly more tech-savvy crowd, Instagram's visual feeds are perfect for spotting viral meme tokens. This disconnect creates a massive gap: most crypto startups are building for the CT echo chamber, ignoring the billions of potential users worldwide who just want an easy entry point.

The Meme Token Angle

Meme tokens thrive in this environment. Coins like Dogecoin or newer Solana-based memes often gain traction through social buzz rather than technical prowess. Normies hear about a funny cat coin on Instagram, open their wallet app (like Phantom or MetaMask), and buy in with a few taps. No need for order books or liquidity pools—just simple, spot purchases.

This behavior underscores a huge opportunity for meme token projects and platforms. Imagine a wallet-integrated trading experience that's as user-friendly as Robinhood, but tailored for crypto. As one reply in the thread suggests, learning from Robinhood's approach could be key. Robinhood democratized stock trading with its gamified, no-fee model, pulling in millions of retail investors. Yet, as Edgar responds, no crypto team has truly replicated that magic yet. The secret? Spending time understanding users outside the crypto bubble.

Seizing the Opportunity

For blockchain practitioners and meme token creators, this is a call to action. Focus on accessibility: build tools that lower barriers, integrate social discovery, and prioritize mobile-first designs. Projects that bridge the gap—perhaps through meme-focused wallets or simplified DEX interfaces—could capture the "vast majority of traders around the world."

It's not about out-teching the competition; it's about out-empathizing them. By catering to normies, meme tokens can evolve from niche jokes to mainstream assets, driving broader adoption and innovation in the space.

If you're building or investing in meme tokens, keep an eye on these trends. The next big wave might not come from CT insiders but from the everyday users scrolling their feeds.