More than 50% of cryptocurrencies introduced since 2021 have ceased to exist, indicating a troubling trend in 2025 with a similar failure rate within the first five months. The projected increase in failed tokens for the remainder of the year is expected. Experts stress the importance of launching sustainable projects with solid tokenomics and community support, as highlighted by representatives from Binance and Dune Analytics.
A CoinGecko report revealed that out of around 7 million cryptocurrencies listed since 2021, 3.7 million have failed due to a lack of utility, liquidity, and community engagement. Common signs of a failed coin include minimal trading volume, no development activity, and a significant price drop. Notably, 53% of listed cryptocurrencies have failed, with a high concentration of failures in 2024 and 2025.
Various factors contribute to the high failure rate of cryptocurrency projects, including macroeconomic conditions and specific project-related issues like lack of product-market fit, short-term focus, and developer abandonment. The surge in ghost tokens is attributed to the rapid launch of projects, particularly since early 2024.
The escalating number of ghost tokens poses important lessons for creating resilient projects in an unpredictable market. It is crucial for prospective token creators to conduct thorough research, validate concepts, and prioritize sustainable long-term strategies to avoid common pitfalls. The significance of conducting due diligence, understanding tokenomics, and assessing project viability cannot be overstated to navigate the crypto space safely and successfully.