The memecoin market is known for its rapid momentum shifts, wild volatility, and meme-fueled moonshots. But with the right data, especially onchain intelligence, it’s possible to get ahead of the hype cycle. This guide shows how you can leverage Nansen’s powerful analytics to identify the next viral memecoin before it explodes.
What Are Memecoins?
Memecoins are cryptocurrencies born from internet memes, pop culture references, or satirical commentary. Their value isn’t derived from utility or fundamentals but from virality, community strength, and cultural resonance. Think $DOGE, $SHIBA, $PEPE — and newer ones like $WIF or $MOODENG.
Despite their light-hearted origin, memecoins can generate serious gains. The trick is catching the wave before the crowd does — and that’s where Nansen comes in.
Why Do Memecoins Go Viral?
Key ingredients for memecoin virality include:
- Community Hype on Twitter, Telegram, Discord
- Influencer Endorsements from crypto KOLs or unexpected celeb shoutouts
- Meme Potential that fuels social sharing
- Onchain Momentum, like rising holder count or early Smart Money entry
Nansen tracks these metrics in real time, offering a front-row seat to what’s gaining traction.
How Nansen Helps You Spot the Next Big Memecoin
1. Follow Smart Money Flows

Nansen’s Smart Money Dashboard highlights what high-performing wallets are buying or selling. If multiple Smart Money wallets suddenly accumulate a new token, that’s your cue to investigate further.
Use Case: In Q1 2024, Nansen introduced the Smart Money Performance chart and token treemaps categorized by cap size. Filter by Liquidity” or “Micro Caps” to detect early-stage memecoin buys.
2. Monitor Whale Wallets and Token God Mode

By labeling entities and using tools like Token God Mode, Nansen lets you analyze top buyers/sellers of a memecoin across timeframes.
Set Smart Alerts on token transfers or liquidity inflows to be instantly notified when a new meme project gains traction.
3. Real-Time DEX Activity

Nansen’s DEX Trades feed shows real-time buy/sell transactions, ideal for catching momentum shifts in newly listed tokens.
Filter trades by Smart Money tags, token age, or volume spikes to surface those about to trend on-chain.
4. Track Social and Community Signals Onchain

Many memecoins live or die by their community. Use Nansen’s onchain data to analyze:
- Holder Count Trends
- Token Distribution
- Liquidity Pool Movements
Combine this with off-chain tools like Twitter sentiment or Reddit mentions for a 360° view.
5. Set Personalized Signals

Nansen’s AI-driven Signals Feed adapts to your interests. The more you interact with token pages, the more tailored your feed becomes — perfect for degen memecoin hunters looking for their next moonbag.
Checklist: Metrics to Watch
Are Memecoins Worth It?
Memecoins are speculative and volatile — but with tools like Nansen, you can turn randomness into research. Whether you’re tracking Pepe 2.0 or betting on the next Solana meme boom, onchain visibility is your edge.
Never ape blindly. Use Nansen help you separate the signal from the memes.
Final Tips
- Start with the Smart Money dashboard and filter for micro caps.
- Use Token God Mode to explore holder distribution and top wallets.
- Set Smart Alerts on new tokens or whale wallets you follow.
- Don’t chase pumps — look for patterns of accumulation.
Stay curious. Stay data-driven. And always remember: in memecoin season, the early degen gets the gains.
