In the fast-paced world of crypto, where meme coins can skyrocket overnight, a intriguing question is making waves on X (formerly Twitter). User @PixOnChain sparked a lively debate with this post: "real question: how long until VCs start buying up web2 streamers and turning them into full-time pumpfun streamers? they’re already making more than many L2s."
For those new to the lingo, let's break it down. Web2 streamers are the folks you see on platforms like Twitch or Kick, entertaining audiences with games, chats, or gambling streams. Pump.fun, on the other hand, is a user-friendly platform built on the Solana blockchain that lets anyone launch their own meme coins quickly and cheaply. It's become a hotspot for speculative fun, where tokens can pump (rise in value) based on hype and community buzz. L2s refer to Layer 2 solutions—scaling technologies like Optimism or Arbitrum that aim to make blockchains faster and cheaper but often struggle with revenue in volatile markets.
@PixOnChain's point? These streamers could pivot to streaming meme coin launches on Pump.fun, potentially earning massive fees from trades and airdrops (free token distributions to creators). In a reply, they elaborated: "Doesn’t have to be xqc, can be just tier 3 streamers on kick/twitch, they will absolutely crush it with 0 competition and I think the bigger reason for VCs to do that would be to get allo from creator airdrop, rather than just creator fees." Here, "allo" likely means allocations or rewards from these airdrops, giving VCs a strategic edge in the meme token ecosystem.
The thread drew mixed reactions. @moneyfet1sh pushed back, saying, "web2 streamers earn a lot right now, they won’t move to pump fun, their audience won’t get it." But @PixOnChain countered that lower-tier streamers could thrive in this niche with little competition. @0xChim_ noted it's odd this hasn't happened yet, especially among gambling streamers who already flirt with high-risk content: "strange that they’re not doing this yet considering how popular it is among gambling streamers." Others like @DAHHEADBOY felt it's imminent—"I feel it’s close pix we can see it this cycle"—while skeptics like @bandosei laughed it off with "We know damn well the answer is never."
This conversation highlights a bigger trend in the meme token space: the blending of traditional entertainment with blockchain speculation. Venture capitalists (VCs) have poured billions into crypto projects, but meme coins like those on Pump.fun often outperform more "serious" ventures in short-term gains. By acquiring streamers, VCs could tap into established audiences, funneling them into the Solana ecosystem and amplifying token launches. Imagine a Twitch star going live to hype a new cat-themed meme coin— the virality could be insane, driving trading volumes and fees sky-high.
It's not just about the money, though. This move could bridge web2 and web3, making crypto more accessible. Streamers bring personality and engagement, turning dry token launches into must-watch events. However, risks abound: regulatory scrutiny on gambling-like activities, audience backlash if it feels too scammy, or simply the volatility of meme coins crashing as fast as they pump.
As the bull cycle heats up, keep an eye on platforms like Pump.fun and X for signs of this shift. If VCs start scouting streamers, it could redefine how meme tokens are marketed and monetized, creating a new breed of crypto influencers. What do you think—inevitable evolution or pie-in-the-sky idea? The crypto community is watching closely.