The Meme Coin That Went Mainstream: What Influencers Are Learning from PEPE

PEPE started as a meme—harmless, humorous, and tucked deep in the internet’s chaotic archives. Emerging as a meme coin inspired by the iconic “Pepe the Frog,” it has not only carved a niche for itself but has also provided invaluable lessons for influencers and marketers alike.  

According to a recent report, meme coins like PEPE are beginning to transform traditional financial markets, challenging long-standing assumptions about what gives an asset value. In an era where decentralized narratives and digital culture can spark real-world financial movements, it has become a blueprint worth studying.

As influencers and investors start to look beyond the memes and ask what is PEPE coin really about, the conversation has shifted. It’s no longer just a joke—it’s becoming a strategic blueprint for viral success in the digital asset space.

Let’s unpack what the PEPE phenomenon is really teaching the world of digital influence.  

The Rise of PEPE – A Quick Background

PEPE coin didn’t launch with fanfare. In fact, it launched without any of the traditional trappings that define typical crypto projects: no utility, no presale, and no roadmap. 

But what it did have was something just as powerful—cultural capital.  

Based on the iconic “Pepe the Frog” character created by Matt Furie in the early 2000s, the PEPE coin tapped into years of internet meme culture. This pre-existing familiarity gave it a massive head start, allowing it to resonate with retail investors who were already emotionally attached to the image.

Within weeks of its launch, it surged onto major exchanges and trended across platforms. 

As of April 2025, PEPE has a market cap hovering around $2.81B with a daily trading volume exceeding $1.08B—clear evidence that this once-dismissed token has crossed over from cultural phenomenon to financial heavyweight.  

 

Source: CoinMarketCap                     

For anyone still asking, what is PEPE coin, it’s not just another digital asset—it’s proof that emotional engagement can outperform utility when it comes to short-term market traction.

Why did PEPE Catch Fire on Social Media? 

So, how did a green frog meme turn into a billion-dollar crypto phenomenon? Let’s break down the social engine that pushed it from obscurity to mainstream. 

The Iconic Meme Legacy

Unlike many tokens that have to build a narrative from scratch, the PEPE coin stood on the shoulders of a globally recognized meme. Its creator might not have intended for it to become a crypto icon, but the frog had long been part of internet subcultures, with emotional resonance and visual recall.  

Community-Led Virality

Without a centralized marketing plan, the PEPE movement was organically driven. Memes, Twitter threads, viral videos, Telegram groups—all of it came from the holders themselves. This decentralized marketing machine created a sense of belonging rather than passive investing.

Visual Simplicity and Humor

PEPE’s strength lies in its visual simplicity and humor. The branding wasn’t polished; it was memeable, which made it infinitely shareable.  

Its visuals were clean, meme-ready, and ridiculously adaptable. Whether it was a dank meme, a rage comic throwback, or a crypto trading meme, it fits every style. Humor helped people bond with it.  

Memes Over Marketing

Unlike many tokens that rely on paid shills and influencers to seed hype, PEPE spread because people genuinely enjoyed sharing it. The tone was fun, absurd, and self-aware—attributes that align perfectly with today’s digital attention economy.

Specifically, a 225.14% increase is predicted for Pepe Coin, with a projected price of $0.00002489 by April 28, 2025, according to current predictions, further highlighting the potential financial impact of meme-driven assets. 

Low Entry Price Equals High FOMO

When it launched, you could buy millions of tokens for just a few dollars. That psychological thrill of owning “millions” of something triggered massive FOMO. 

It gave retail investors a rare sense of accessibility and control, fueling the belief that they hadn’t missed the boat. And when that belief was reinforced by viral screenshots of 10x, 100x gains flooding Twitter feeds, it didn’t just stoke interest—it ignited a full-blown speculative storm.

For instance, analyzing the BONK Year-Ahead Price Outlook can provide a broader perspective on the meme coin landscape, aiding in a more informed assessment of potential market movements.  

Influencer Amplification

Once the coin caught fire, crypto influencers couldn’t resist. Major Twitter accounts, TikTok traders, and even some YouTubers started mentioning it. Whether it was meme reviews or speculative hype, the influencers gave it legitimacy—even if unintentionally.  

It wasn’t just about who was promoting it—it was about how frequently it was being talked about. That frequency created a digital echo chamber that converted casual scrollers into investors.

Lessons Influencers Are Learning from the PEPE Phenomenon

The unexpected rise of this coin sparked a wave of reflection among content creators and marketers. Influencers are now decoding their viral blueprint to rethink how they engage audiences in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.  

Community First, Monetization Later

By focusing on vibes, humor, and community energy, it invited people to participate without immediate expectation.

Influencers are now recognizing that audience trust comes from shared experiences—not just refined branding.

Even those who rushed to buy PEPE coin early didn’t do it because of a whitepaper—they did it because they felt part of something viral and electric.

Memes Are the New Marketing Language

Let’s be honest—nobody wants to read a 2000-word pitch anymore. They want to laugh, react, and share. Memes aren’t fluff—they’re emotional marketing assets.  

PEPE taught us that a single well-timed meme can outperform a full-scale campaign. That’s not just a trend—it’s the new standard.  

Timing Is Everything

It launched during a favorable market window—post-DOGE and SHIB but before meme fatigue set in. It was just irreverent enough to feel new, but nostalgic enough to feel familiar.  

Influencers are increasingly learning that timing can determine traction, especially in fast-moving markets like crypto.  

Virality Beats Utility

Does PEPE solve global financial issues? No. Does it revolutionize DeFi? No! 

But it went viral, and that virality gave it value. Sometimes, a coin’s cultural capital can outweigh its technological offerings. That’s a hard pill to swallow for utility-maxi developers but a crucial insight for meme-aware marketers.  

FOMO Is a Powerful Tool

This memecoin thrived on urgency. Investors rushed in, not wanting to miss the “next DOGE.” Influencers now understand that FOMO, when responsibly leveraged, is still one of the most effective motivators in the digital space.  

But timing it right and backing it with substance is key.

Decentralization of Influence

It didn’t have a CEO or a central team pushing announcements. It was the decentralized influence in action. Micro-creators, niche Twitter threads, and Discord raids all contributed to a mass effect that no single PR team could’ve coordinated. 

PEPE and the Future of Meme Marketing

What does its explosion mean for branding and digital influence going forward?

First, expect more meme-native projects. It paved the way for tokens that don’t need massive funding rounds or VC backers. They need culture.

Second, it signals a growing fusion between financial instruments and pop culture. Crypto is no longer just tech—it’s entertainment, identity, and speculation rolled into one.

Brands outside of crypto are already trying to replicate this. Fast food chains, fashion labels, and even banks co-opt meme culture, but few do it with the authenticity PEPE managed to hit.  

Looking ahead, predictions for the Pepe token suggest potential growth over the coming years (2025-2028):

Year	Minimum Price ($) \$	Average Price ()	Maximum Price ($)
2025	0.000014	0.000042	0.000060
2026	0.000035	0.000053	0.000072
2027	0.000045	0.000063	0.000083
2028	0.000067	0.000085	0.000102

Final Thoughts

The story of PEPE is a case study in the evolving dynamics of influence, community, and digital culture. For crypto investors and marketers alike, it offers a glimpse into how decentralized attention and humor-driven storytelling can create a serious market impact. 

For those looking to dive deeper into emerging trends like PEPE meme coins, 36Crypto provides insightful updates, analysis, and perspectives tailored for crypto traders and enthusiasts navigating this fast-moving space.

 

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