Solana User Base Skyrockets To Over 123 Million, Riding The Memecoin Wave
In October, the Solana blockchain registered 123 million active addresses. It has grown 42% since September and has risen dramatically from 12.7 million addresses at the start of the year. Latest data shows Solana’s steady rise in the crypto sector. The latest growth is due, in part, to memecoins, which have increased trade and user interest. The memecoin craze isn’t the only factor in Solana’s rapid growth. With a total value locked (TVL) of $5.7 billion, the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem made major strides in the third quarter of 2024. With a 26% quarterly increase, Solana became the third-largest DeFi network surpassing Tron. Much of this growth comes from innovative platforms like Kamino. Source: MessariMemecoins Drive Unprecedented Trading Volumes Key to the recent surge in trade on Solana is platforms including Pump.fun, a memecoin generator, and Raydium, a decentralized exchange (DEX). Pump.fun brought in $30.5 million in October; Raydium recorded around $30 billion in trading activity. Particularly those looking for low-cost, high-frequency trades—an area where Solana’s infrastructure shines against more expensive networks like Ethereum—the activity generated by this memecoin has drawn more users to the network. SOL market cap currently at $76.2 billion. Chart: TradingViewStill, several business leaders are wary. Though memecoins have attracted a lot of attention in Solana, Eden Au, research director at The Block, pointed out that their long-term consequences are yet unknown. Au posits that changing market dynamics and shifting user preferences may impede current progress if fresh utility and attractiveness do not arise beyond memecoins. Solana DeFi Ecosystem Flourishes In addition to the memecoin excitement, Solana’s DeFi network has experienced significant growth. Solana’s DeFi industry, with a substantial $5.7 billion in total value locked (TVL), experienced a 26% growth in Q3, reflecting significant expansion propelled by platforms such as Kamino. Renowned for its loan and trading innovations, Kamino implemented new services that captivated consumers and enhanced Solana’s position in the DeFi ecosystem. Integrations like PayPal’s PYUSD have strengthened Solana’s stablecoin ecosystem, making its programmable transfer features more appealing. SOL price up in the last 30 days. Source: CoingeckoSOL Price Target & Resistance Level Over the course of the past month, the value of Solana’s native token, SOL, has increased by around 12%. It is currently selling at $162, figures from Coingecko show. Market observers are currently looking at a resistance level of $185. It is possible that the token’s price will increase even further if it is able to break through this barrier; the expected price targets range from $220 to $240. If SOL is able to maintain its consistency and make the most of its current developments, then the next several weeks will be the determining factor. Featured image from MoneyCheck, chart from TradingView Christian Encila They say journalists never truly clock out. But for Christian, that's not just a metaphor, it's a lifestyle. By day, he navigates the ever-shifting tides of the cryptocurrency market, wielding words like a seasoned editor and crafting articles that decipher the jargon for the masses. When the PC goes on hibernate mode, however, his pursuits take a more mechanical (and sometimes philosophical) turn. Christian's journey with the written word began long before the age of Bitcoin. In the hallowed halls of academia, he honed his craft as a feature writer for his college paper. This early love for storytelling paved the way for a successful stint as an editor at a data engineering firm, where his first-month essay win funded a months-long supply of doggie and kitty treats – a testament to his dedication to his furry companions (more on that later). Christian then roamed the world of journalism, working at newspapers in Canada and even South Korea. He finally settled down at a local news giant in his hometown in the Philippines for a decade, becoming a total news junkie. But then, something new caught his eye: cryptocurrency. It was like a treasure hunt mixed with storytelling - right up his alley! So, he landed a killer gig at NewsBTC, where he's one of the go-to guys for all things crypto. He breaks down this confusing stuff into bite-sized pieces, making it easy for anyone to understand (he salutes his management team for teaching him this skill). Think Christian's all work and no play? Not a chance! When he's not at his computer, you'll find him indulging his passion for motorbikes. A true gearhead, Christian loves tinkering with his bike and savoring the joy of the open road on his 320-cc Yamaha R3. Once a speed demon who hit 120mph (a feat he vowed never to repeat), he now prefers leisurely rides along the coast, enjoying the wind in his thinning hair. Speaking of chill, Christian's got a crew of furry friends waiting for him at home. Two cats and a dog. He swears cats are way smarter than dogs (sorry, Grizzly), but he adores them all anyway. Apparently, watching his pets just chillin’ helps him analyze and write meticulously formatted articles even better. Here's the thing about this guy: He works a lot, but he keeps himself fueled by enough coffee to make it through the day - and some seriously delicious (Filipino) food. He says a delectable meal is the secret ingredient to a killer article. And after a long day of crypto crusading, he unwinds with some rum (mixed with milk) while watching slapstick movies. Looking ahead, Christian sees a bright future with NewsBTC. He says he sees himself privileged to be part of an awesome organization, sharing his expertise and passion with a community he values, and fellow editors - and bosses - he deeply respects. So, the next time you tread into the world of cryptocurrency, remember the man behind the words – the crypto crusader, the grease monkey, and the feline philosopher, all rolled into one. Disclaimer: The information found on NewsBTC is for educational purposes only. It does not represent the opinions of NewsBTC on whether to buy, sell or hold any investments and naturally investing carries risks. You are advised to conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. Use information provided on this website entirely at your own risk.