Memecoins have taken the cryptocurrency world by storm—not because of groundbreaking technology or real-world utility, but due to their viral, community-driven nature. These digital tokens, often inspired by internet jokes and pop culture phenomena, thrive on social media buzz and speculative trading. While they began on blockchains like Ethereum, memecoins have now made a bold entrance onto Bitcoin, thanks to new token standards that enable fungible token creation on the world’s most secure blockchain.
This shift has opened up a new frontier in decentralized finance: Bitcoin memecoins. Built using protocols like BRC-20 and Runes, these tokens bring meme culture to the heart of the original cryptocurrency network. In this guide, we’ll explore how Bitcoin memecoins work, their origins, top projects, and how you can start trading them today.
The Evolution of Memecoin Culture
Memecoins are digital assets rooted in humor, irony, and online virality. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies designed for utility or scalability, memecoins prioritize community engagement and cultural relevance. Their value is driven not by technical innovation but by social momentum.
The story begins with Dogecoin (DOGE), launched in 2013 as a satirical take on the growing hype around Bitcoin and other serious crypto projects. Featuring the iconic Shiba Inu dog from the “doge” meme, DOGE quickly gained a loyal following. What started as a joke evolved into a legitimate asset with real market value—especially after high-profile endorsements from figures like Elon Musk.
The success of Dogecoin paved the way for Shiba Inu (SHIB), an Ethereum-based memecoin launched in 2020. SHIB leveraged the same canine theme but introduced decentralized exchange features and a massive token supply, capturing significant attention during the 2021 bull run.
As Ethereum’s ERC-20 standard made token creation accessible, countless new memecoins emerged—many appending “Inu” to their names for instant recognition. Soon, other blockchains followed suit. Solana became home to tokens like dogwifhat (WIF) and Bonk (BONK), further proving that meme culture could thrive across multiple ecosystems.
Then came 2023—the year memecoins landed on Bitcoin.
👉 Discover how the next wave of viral crypto assets is reshaping Bitcoin’s ecosystem.
How Bitcoin Memecoins Work: BRC-20 and Runes Explained
For years, Bitcoin was seen primarily as digital gold—a store of value without smart contract functionality. But innovations like the Ordinals Protocol, introduced in early 2023, changed that perception.
Ordinals allow users to inscribe data—like images, text, or code—onto individual satoshis (the smallest unit of Bitcoin). This capability laid the foundation for BRC-20, a token standard enabling the creation of fungible tokens directly on the Bitcoin blockchain.
BRC-20 works similarly to Ethereum’s ERC-20 standard but operates through JSON metadata inscriptions rather than smart contracts. Developers used it to launch the first wave of Bitcoin-based memecoins, marking a cultural shift within the traditionally conservative Bitcoin community.
However, BRC-20 had limitations—most notably inefficient transaction outputs and scalability issues. Enter the Runes Protocol, launched in April 2024. Designed specifically for fungible tokens on Bitcoin, Runes improves efficiency by eliminating unnecessary data bloat and streamlining token transfers.
With Runes, developers can create and manage tokens more reliably, making it easier for users to mint, trade, and hold Bitcoin-native memecoins without cluttering the blockchain.
A great memecoin is more than just a speculative token
It's a contagious idea that spreads rapidly and builds loyalty across its community
— Leonidas (@LeonidasNFT)
This evolution has turned Bitcoin into not just a store of value, but a platform for cultural experimentation—one where memes meet decentralization.
Top Bitcoin Runes Memecoins to Watch
While hundreds of memecoins now exist on Bitcoin via Runes, a few stand out due to their early adoption, strong communities, and unique branding.
DOG•GO•TO•THE•MOON (DOG)
As the first memecoin built on the Runes Protocol, DOG holds a special place in Bitcoin’s emerging meme economy. Airdropped to early Ordinals collectors known as Runestone holders, DOG quickly gained traction thanks to its association with influencer Leonidas and its clear narrative: the official dog coin of Bitcoin.
Despite not being officially affiliated with any individual, DOG has become synonymous with the Bitcoin memecoin movement—a symbol of fun and decentralization on the world’s most trusted blockchain.
PUPS•WORLD•PEACE (PUPS)
Another early entrant, PUPS, started on BRC-20 before transitioning some of its supply to Runes through a cross-chain bridge. Ranked as Rune #13, PUPS emphasizes global peace and community unity, backed by a team actively developing infrastructure—including a planned bridge between Bitcoin and Solana.
This interoperability could make PUPS one of the first truly cross-chain memecoins, expanding its reach beyond a single network.
BILLION•DOLLAR•CAT (BDC)
Breaking away from the dog-dominated trend, BDC introduces a feline twist to the memecoin space. Inspired by a cat mascot shaped like the letter “B” (also resembling the Bitcoin logo), BDC encourages users to create memes and profile pictures using its branded character.
The project blends art, identity, and speculation—offering more than just a token but a creative toolkit for digital expression.
SATOSHI•NAKAMOTO (Rune 6)
One of the most intriguing entries is SATOSHI•NAKAMOTO, named after Bitcoin’s mysterious creator. As Rune #6, this non-animal-themed token taps into the mythos surrounding Bitcoin’s origins. While ownership remains unconfirmed, its associated social media account hints at uncovering deeper truths about Bitcoin’s history.
It represents a different kind of memecoin—one rooted in reverence for crypto’s foundational figure rather than humor or animals.
👉 See which new Bitcoin-native tokens are gaining momentum right now.
How to Buy and Trade Bitcoin Memecoins
Trading Bitcoin-based memecoins is easier than ever thanks to user-friendly wallets that support both BRC-20 and Runes standards.
Here’s how you can get started:
- Download a compatible wallet – Choose a non-custodial wallet like Xverse that supports Bitcoin inscriptions and Runes.
- Fund your wallet – Add BTC via fiat onramp or transfer from an exchange.
- Access the swap feature – Use an integrated DEX aggregator to find the best prices across multiple marketplaces.
- Select your token – Choose BTC as your base currency and search for your desired Runes token (e.g., DOG or PUPS).
- Review and confirm – Check price quotes, preview fees, and complete the swap.
No need for complex setups or third-party bridges—everything happens securely within your wallet.
Managing your holdings is equally straightforward. With built-in support for multiple token types, modern wallets let you track BRC-20 and Runes balances side by side, simplifying portfolio management in Bitcoin’s evolving ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are Bitcoin memecoins safe to invest in?
A: Like all memecoins, Bitcoin-based tokens are highly speculative and volatile. They lack intrinsic utility, so prices depend heavily on community sentiment and hype. Only invest what you can afford to lose.
Q: Can I store Bitcoin memecoins in any wallet?
A: No. You need a wallet that supports Ordinals inscriptions and Runes protocol tokens—such as Xverse. Standard Bitcoin wallets won’t recognize these assets.
Q: How does Runes differ from BRC-20?
A: Runes is more efficient and scalable than BRC-20. It reduces blockchain bloat by handling token transfers without creating excess UTXO outputs, making transactions faster and cheaper.
Q: Do Bitcoin memecoins use smart contracts?
A: Not in the traditional sense. Since Bitcoin doesn’t support Ethereum-style smart contracts, protocols like Runes rely on consensus rules and script logic built into transaction structures.
Q: Is mining required to create Bitcoin memecoins?
A: No. Unlike Bitcoin itself, creating memecoins via BRC-20 or Runes doesn’t involve mining. Instead, developers inscribe tokens using existing BTC transactions.
Q: Can I earn rewards staking Bitcoin memecoins?
A: Currently, most Bitcoin memecoins don’t offer staking rewards due to the limitations of the underlying protocols. However, future developments may introduce yield mechanisms.
👉 Start exploring Bitcoin’s newest generation of digital assets today.