Top trends and activities shaping crypto in 2024
TLDR;
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- The list of top trends in crypto in 2024 includes the fourth Bitcoin halving happened in 2024
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- Trump returned to the U.S. presidency and crypto welcomed him
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- Artificial intelligence made a mark in the blockchain sector
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- Memecoins flooded the market, even the current United States president Donald Trump has one
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2024 was among the most influential years for crypto. It recorded notable trends and activities cutting across cryptocurrency mining, trading, halving, and artificial intelligence. For example, there was an explosion of memecoins and AI-focused coins and regulators make strides in policing the space. These activities saw influential figures like the 47th U.S. president and his wife launch memecoins. Their actions boosted the legitimacy of these types of coins.
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Below, we explore the top trends and activities shaping crypto in 2024 and whether the trends will continue into 2025.
Top Trend trends and activities shaping crypto in 2024
Crypto and artificial intelligence (AI) integration was the top trend in crypto in 2024
Artificial intelligence�s popularity started with the adoption of AI-based conversational projects like OpenAI�s ChatGPT. These foundations evolved to text-based image generation platforms that later ushered in IA-based non-fungible token (NFT) creation.
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Apart from NFTs, AI also made its way into crypto trading where it was used to analyze complex data to help maximize traders� ROI. AI-focused crypto projects like Render Token, Fetch.ai, and SingularityNET were among the top projects in this category in 2024.
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AI also made its way into crypto mining with miners using AI-based platforms to boost and intelligently monitor their rigs� performance.
Sustainable mining
Sustainable Bitcoin mining was at the top of most BTC mining companies� to-do list in 2024. These companies were keen on reducing their negative impact on the environments by embracing green energy sources like wind, hydropower, and solar. Other companies formed alliances with oil drilling companies to use excess natural gases to power their rigs instead of the oil companies flaring them and harming the environment.
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Sustainable mining efforts also saw crypto miners recycle the heat produced by their machines to warm their homes. According to Carbon Credits, �as of 2024, nearly 40% of Bitcoin mining powered by renewable energy sources, a significant improvement from previous years.�
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Top crypto mining companies embracing eco-friendly mining practices include Terawulf, Argo Blockchain, and EZ Blockchain.
Bitcoin Halving
Bitcoin halving, the most anticipated on-chain activity on the Bitcoin blockchain, happened in April 2024 with mining rewards dropping from 6.25 to 3.125. The event is historically accompanied by an increase in BTC price and 2024 was no different. Roughly nine months after the event, BTC touched an all-time high price of $109,114 on January 20, 2025, up from the $63,825 at the time of halving.
Regulators ruled crypto in 2024
2024 saw financial regulators pounce on the crypto world with iron fists. From sentencing former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao to shutting down crypto projects on claims of offering unregistered securities.The year also saw the implementation of the European Union�s Markets in Cryptoasset (MiCA) regulation.
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The year witnessed the Travel Rule expanded to cover virtual currency transactions. In the United States, for example, the country�s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sent Wells notices to several crypto projects scattered across the NFT and crypto trading platforms.
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The SEC also approved the listing of the first 11 Bitcoin ETFs in 2024. This opened the door for more crypto-based exchange-traded funds.
Trump�s return to office was another top activity in crypto in 2024
This is another top activity in crypto in 2024. In November 2024, Donald Trump was re-elected as the 47th United States president. Before and during his presidential campaigns, Trump displayed a soft spot for crypto and blockchain-based projects like NFTs. Trump�s dedication to standing with crypto earned him a seat at the crypto community�s table
Trends and activities likely to shape crypto in 2025
Increased AI integrations among trends in crypto in 2025
Crypto and AI platforms will continue exploring the intersection between these two worlds. Eliza Labs is already exploring this intersection and has released a white paper for web3-focused AI agents. The agents are capable of interacting with smart contracts and the blockchain, opening up numerous collaboration opportunities between the two technologies.
The Trump effect to grip crypto in 2025
After Trump took oath of office on January 20, 2025, his influence in the crypto space is likely to grow now that he�s the president. His presidency will possibly lead to favorable crypto regulations that will consequently make the United States a crypto hub and drive adoption of crypto and blockchain-based projects.
Memecoins to flood the market
With Trump and the first lady launching their own memecoins, the memecoin fever will continue into 2025. BNB Chain considers memecoins the perfect gateway to onboard more people into the web3 world. However, with memecoins not having a clear roadmap or utility, malicious actors like scammers and hackers are likely to use these coins to defraud unexpecting memecoin investors through rug pulls and fake projects. Beware.
Conclusion
The trends and activities shaping crypto in 2024 are likely to be the same in 2025. Things like Bitcoin halving, however, which will happen again after four years. Things like AI and blockchain integrations are in their infancy stage, meaning they may take center stage in 2025.
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Although a Trump presidency will positively affect the entire blockchain and crypto space, regulators will likely maintain their vigilance to stop bad actors without stifling crypto innovations.