The meme coin cycle: How new tokens are surpassing veterans like DOGE and SHIB

The cryptocurrency market exhibits a cyclical pattern where once-dominant tokens begin to lose relevance. In recent months, we have observed how Dogecoin (DOGE) stagnates around $0.14 with a decline of 5.38%, while Shiba Inu (SHIB) remains at historic lows near $0.00000948. Both projects, which revolutionized the concept of meme coins years ago, now display typical characteristics of mature assets: decreasing volumes, sideways movements, and reduced ability to capture market attention.

Chain analysis experts describe this phenomenon as “neutral stagnation.” DOGE and SHIB, after being protagonists in previous cycles, are transforming more into remnants of the previous boom than drivers of the next. Meanwhile, a new generation of tokens is emerging with innovative proposals and active communities that are reshaping the meme coin landscape.

New contenders with differentiated proposals

Four emerging projects are gradually capturing attention: Little Pepe (LILPEPE), Dora (DORA), Zerebro (ZEREBRO), and Jellymyjelly (JELLYJELLY). What sets these tokens apart from their predecessors is not just marketing, but real utility structures and more robust business models.

Little Pepe (LILPEPE): Infrastructure as a differentiator

Little Pepe positions itself as the most developed project in the group. Its 13th pre-sale stage shows 96% progress, with over 16.59 billion tokens sold out of a total of 17.25 billion, generating $27.3 million in proceeds.

What is unique about LILPEPE is that it operates on a Layer 2 network specifically designed for meme coins, offering fast and economical transactions. It has security auditing by Certik and has implemented a no-fee buy/sell mechanism that attracts both large accumulators and retail participants. Whale participation has shown consistency, suggesting increasing institutional interest.

Community mobilization is significant: ongoing raffles have already surpassed 496,700 entries, while larger events have attracted over 83,900 interested parties. With upcoming launches on centralized platforms, a notable increase in available liquidity is anticipated.

Analysts project profit potentials that could reach high multiples from the pre-sale price, positioning it as one of the most talked-about launches for 2025. Its start with zero market capitalization offers considerable revaluation potential.

Dora (DORA): Integrated DeFi utility

Dora represents the trend of merging DeFi functionality with meme coin features. Currently trading at $0.01, transaction volume has shown increases during recent periods. Technical projections suggest it could reach $0.10 and potentially $0.25 in bullish scenarios, representing approximately a tenfold increase from its current levels.

Zerebro (ZEREBRO): Artificial intelligence as a narrative

Zerebro, trading near $0.02, combines meme culture with artificial intelligence tools and tokenized rewards. This hybrid approach is gaining traction on social media and analysis platforms. Volume movements during the past week and the growth in social mentions suggest it could head toward $0.20 in the medium term, potentially multiplying its current value tenfold if the trend persists.

Jellymyjelly (JELLYJELLY): Sustained community growth

Despite a somewhat unconventional name, JellymyJelly demonstrates consistent expansion of its user base. Trading at $0.06, it has experienced bullish movements during October, showing small-cap behavior that often attracts active traders seeking early-stage opportunities.

Conclusions on market evolution

The transition experienced by the meme coin ecosystem reflects a natural maturation: pioneers give way to projects with stronger fundamentals. Dogecoin and Shiba Inu initiated the movement, but innovative energy, community enthusiasm, and functional applications have shifted toward contemporary proposals.

Little Pepe leads this group not merely through hype but through deliberate infrastructure and strategic planning. With funding phases nearing completion, increased institutional accumulation, and upcoming listing prospects, the project shows promising indicators of outstanding performance in 2025.

This cycle illustrates a recurring pattern in cryptocurrency markets: where initial speculation existed, now proposals with greater complexity and real utility are emerging.