Blockchain networks like Solana and Base are growing fast, thanks to the booming popularity of memecoins and infrastructure projects. Let’s take a closer look at how memecoins have taken over as the biggest trend in crypto for 2024, why they’re so appealing to investors, and other key trends shaping the market.

Believe it or not, coins inspired by funny memes are dominating the crypto world this year. In 2024, memecoins became a huge deal, outshining even the most advanced tech-driven projects. According to data, memecoins captured a whopping 31% of investor interest—nearly double the attention given to Artificial Intelligence (AI) projects, which many expected to be the top trend. This proves that humor, online buzz, and strong communities can sometimes outweigh even the most cutting-edge technologies.

If you’ve heard of Dogecoin (DOGE) or Shiba Inu (SHIB), you’re already familiar with some of the earliest memecoins. These started as internet jokes but quickly grew into a $117 billion market. What makes memecoins so successful? They spread like wildfire on social media, often backed by celebrity endorsements. But keep in mind, their value isn’t based on groundbreaking tech—it’s all about community excitement and trust.

Interestingly, memecoins aren’t limited to just big names like Dogecoin or Shiba Inu. They’re popping up across different blockchain platforms. Solana (SOL), for example, has become a hot spot for memecoins. Over 7% of crypto investors are focused on Solana-based memecoins. Platforms like Pump.fun have made it easy for people to create their own memecoins on Solana, with nearly 5 million launched so far, generating $335 million in fees.

Similarly, Base, Coinbase’s blockchain, is also seeing a surge in memecoin activity. With over 2% of investor interest directed toward Base-based memecoins, it’s clear this isn’t just a passing trend. Memecoins are proving they can play a big role in driving blockchain growth.

While memecoins are stealing the spotlight, AI is still making waves in crypto. AI projects attracted about 16% of investor interest this year. AI is being used in creative ways to solve problems in blockchain and improve the market. However, AI tokens didn’t perform as well as expected—they had an average performance drop of 11.6%.

Interestingly, there’s even a mix of AI and memecoins emerging. This combination—where technology meets humor—is gaining traction too, with categories like AI Memecoins and AI Agents pulling in nearly 3% of investor interest.

Beyond memecoins and AI, other trends are also shaping the crypto landscape in 2024. Real-world assets (RWA)—basically tokenized versions of physical assets—are becoming more popular. This trend has jumped from being the 6th most popular last year to the 3rd spot now, capturing almost 9% of investor interest.

Another rising trend is Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN). These networks have climbed up to 8th place this year with over 3% of investor interest. DePIN is drawing attention for its potential to create decentralized systems tied to real-world infrastructure.

On the flip side, the Gaming sector—often called GameFi—is losing steam. It dropped from being the 2nd most popular trend last year to the 6th spot now, with less than 4% of investor interest. Clearly, GameFi will need fresh ideas to regain its former glory.

Meanwhile, blockchain ecosystems themselves are evolving rapidly. Solana continues to be a leader with over 14% of investor interest coming from its broad ecosystem and thriving memecoin community. Base is also emerging as a promising contender with nearly 5% of interest. Other ecosystems like Ethereum, Sui, and TON are gaining attention too, though at smaller scales.

The crypto market in 2024 is proving to be unpredictable and full of surprises. The meteoric rise of memecoins highlights that sometimes it’s not just about technology—it’s about capturing people’s imagination and building strong communities. As the year unfolds, these trends are shaping what could be another transformative chapter for blockchain and crypto enthusiasts alike.