The Real Formula Behind Meme Coins: When Hype Becomes Value

In a recent conversation with Late Point, Justin Sun offered an intriguing perspective on the meme coin phenomenon that’s reshaping crypto markets. His core insight: the ability to transform viral internet moments into genuine financial assets separates successful tokens from those that never gain traction.

Why Not Every Trending Name Becomes a Winning Token

Consider the hypothetical scenario of a Biden coin launching today. Despite Biden’s global recognition as the U.S. President, the token would struggle to find buyers. The reason? Recognition alone isn’t enough. A political figure or trending name must first transcend its original identity and evolve into something bigger—a genuine meme, a cultural touchstone, a symbol that resonates across internet communities.

This distinction is crucial. The gap between technical capability (anyone can issue a token) and market adoption (people actually want to hold it) is enormous. It’s not about the name on the coin; it’s about the story, the energy, and the collective belief that powers it.

The Internet Attention Economy as Currency

What Justin Sun is really describing is the mechanics of the attention economy in crypto. Meme coins succeed by converting abstract internet attention into tangible monetary value. But here’s the catch: not all attention converts equally. A fleeting trend might generate buzz for a week, but sustained value creation requires something deeper—community, narrative momentum, and the “i see it meme” factor where supporters recognize authentic cultural relevance.

The winners in this space aren’t random. They’re tokens that capture something that resonates broadly enough to build genuine engagement, transforming casual interest into real economic participation.

The Bottom Line

The explosive growth of meme coins reveals an uncomfortable truth: in today’s digital landscape, brand perception and cultural fit matter as much as tokenomics. Those who can harness internet momentum and convert it into lasting community engagement will thrive. Everyone else will fade into obscurity.