Meme coins aren’t just jokes anymore, they’re shaping Web3 culture, community movements, and even market sentiment. One meme coin that proved this was PNUT, inspired by a pet squirrel named Peanut. What started as a protest against an emotional event quickly turned into one of the fastest-growing tokens of 2025.
Launched on Solana using Pump.fun, PNUT reached a $1 billion market cap within 11 days. No utility, no roadmap—just a viral story, a cute mascot, and a community that rallied behind it.
What Made PNUT a Viral Success? Key Takeaways
Emotional Hook That Caught Attention
PNUT was born from outrage. A squirrel named Peanut was taken from its owner and later euthanized by New York State authorities. This incident sparked waves of sympathy and anger across TikTok and Twitter (X), prompting supporters to launch a token in its memory. The emotion around the story made it instantly shareable.
Community-Owned, Not Founder-Led
The contract for PNUT was renounced. Liquidity was burned. There was no central team pushing updates—just the community pushing memes. That approach created trust. It also made holders feel like they were part of something real, not just another pump-and-dump coin.
Launched Where the Memes Are: Solana + Pump.fun
Solana is now the go-to chain for meme coin launches thanks to its low gas fees and vibrant meme ecosystem. PNUT used Pump.fun, a platform that allows anyone to launch a token with minimal friction. That choice played a huge role in how fast it spread.
No Roadmap, No Problem—Just Vibes
While most tokens try to prove legitimacy with features, PNUT thrived by embracing its meme status. There was no whitepaper or real-world use case. Instead, people bought in because it was fun, relatable, and community-driven.
Define Your Meme Coin Identity
If you want to build a meme coin like PNUT, don’t start with code. Start with the meme.
1.Pick a Character That Sparks a Reaction
Choose a subject that makes people feel something—laughter, nostalgia, outrage, or joy. PNUT worked because it made people care. Yours could be:
- An underdog animal (opossum, raccoon, frog)
- A pop culture parody (fake celebrity coins)
- A crypto community in-joke (like “gas rat” for Ethereum)
Make sure your character or symbol can live on in memes, emojis, and stickers.
2.Give It a Short, Sticky Backstory
People remember stories, not specs. A few examples:
- “This frog was rugged one too many times. Now he’s back—and he’s angry.”
- “Trapped in Web1, this dog just discovered DeFi.”
Keep it under 30 words. The story should be easy to tweet, repeat, and remix.
3.Choose a Name and Ticker That Hit Hard
A meme coin name should be:
- Short (ideally 4–5 letters max)
- Phonetically catchy (like PNUT or PEPE)
- Easy to meme (bonus points if you can pair it with an emoji)
Avoid names that sound like scam projects. You want to be funny, not shady.
Design the Tokenomics
Crafting the right tokenomics is crucial for the success of your memecoin. Here’s how to approach it:
1.Supply and Allocation
- Total Supply: PNUT set a precedent with a total supply of 1,000,000,000 tokens, all released into circulation from the start, ensuring transparency and fairness.
- No Team Wallets: By avoiding allocations for team wallets, PNUT fostered trust within the community, emphasizing a decentralized approach.
2.Launch Philosophy
- Burn Liquidity Pool (LP) Tokens: Burning LP tokens locks the liquidity, preventing rug pulls and assuring investors of the project’s integrity.
- Renounce Ownership: Giving up control over the smart contract post-launch signals a commitment to decentralization, a move that resonated well with PNUT’s community.
3.Optional Add-Ons
- Taxes: Typically, memecoins like PNUT avoid transaction taxes to keep trading straightforward and appealing to a broader audience.
- Rewards: Consider implementing community incentives such as airdrops, NFT rewards, or meme contests to boost engagement and loyalty.
Choose the Right Blockchain
Selecting the appropriate blockchain platform can significantly impact your memecoin’s performance and adoption.
1.Solana vs. Ethereum vs. BNB vs. Base
- Solana: Known for its low fees and high throughput, Solana has become a hub for memecoins, with platforms like Pump.fun facilitating rapid token launches.
- Ethereum: While Ethereum offers a vast ecosystem, its higher gas fees can be a barrier for memecoin projects seeking mass participation.
- BNB Chain: Offers a balance between cost and speed, making it a viable option for launching memecoins with moderate technical requirements.
- Base: As a Layer 2 solution backed by Coinbase, Base has shown impressive growth in the memecoin space, outperforming other networks in recent months.
2.Use Pump.fun or Similar Launch Tools
- Pump.fun: This Solana-based platform allows users to create and launch memecoins effortlessly, with minimal fees and no coding required.
- Alternatives: For other blockchains, consider tools like Gempad for BNB Chain, Uniswap for Ethereum, or MemePad, each offering unique features tailored to their respective ecosystems.
Want to Launch the Next Viral Memecoin Like PNUT?
Develop and Deploy the Token Smart Contract
Ensuring your smart contract is secure and transparent is vital for building trust and facilitating smooth operations.
1.Use Templates for Fast Launch
- Open-Source Contracts: Utilize trusted templates from sources like OpenZeppelin (for Ethereum) or the Solana Token Program to expedite development and reduce errors.
- Customization: Adjust parameters such as token name, symbol, and total supply to align with your project’s branding and objectives.
2.Lock Liquidity and Verify
- Liquidity Locking: Employ platforms like Solock or PinkLock to lock your liquidity pool tokens, enhancing investor confidence by mitigating the risk of rug pulls.
- Source Code Verification: Publishing your contract’s source code on platforms like Etherscan (for Ethereum) or Solana Explorer promotes transparency and allows the community to audit the code for security.
Design Your Meme Coin’s Visual Identity
1.Create a Memorable Logo and Mascot
Your logo and mascot are the face of your memecoin. Think of them as your coin’s superhero costume—instantly recognizable and packed with personality.
- Cartoonish Designs: Embrace bold, exaggerated features. PNUT’s mascot, a squirrel donning a cowboy hat, combined elements of the Pepe meme with the charm of a squirrel, creating a unique and memorable image .
- Oversized Heads and Bold Colors: These elements make your mascot pop, ensuring it stands out in a sea of digital assets.
- Consistency is Key: Use the same mascot across all platforms to build brand recognition.
2.Brand Across Platforms
Uniformity across platforms fosters trust and recognition.
- Profile Pictures (PFPs): Use the same PFP on Telegram, Twitter/X, Discord, and other platforms.
- Emojis and Fonts: Incorporate consistent emojis and font styles to create a cohesive brand identity.
- Visual Themes: Maintain a consistent color palette and design theme across all marketing materials.
Pre-Launch Hype Campaign
Building anticipation before your launch is crucial. Here’s how to generate buzz:
1.Build a Small, Hyped Community First
Start by gathering a group of enthusiastic supporters.
- Telegram Group: Create a space for discussions, updates, and community building.
- Twitter/X Account: Share teasers, memes, and updates to attract followers.
- Teaser Posts: Share sneak peeks of your mascot, backstory, or upcoming events to pique interest.
2.Collaborate with Meme Influencers
Leverage the reach of influencers to amplify your message.
- Meme Retweets: Partner with influencers to retweet your content, expanding your reach.
- Video Shorts: Collaborate on short videos that highlight your coin’s unique aspects.
- Shitposts: Engage in light-hearted, humorous posts that resonate with the meme community.
3.Create Viral Loops
Encourage community participation through interactive campaigns.
- Airdrop Quests: Reward users for completing tasks like sharing posts or inviting friends.
- “Retweet + Tag” Bounties: Incentivize users to spread the word by offering rewards for retweets and tags.
- Meme Creation Contests: Host contests encouraging users to create and share memes related to your coin.
- Exclusive PFP NFTs for Early Holders: Offer unique profile picture NFTs to early supporters, fostering a sense of exclusivity and belonging.
Launch Day: Go Viral
Your memecoin’s launch day is akin to a movie premiere—buzz, anticipation, and a flurry of activity. Here’s how to make it unforgettable:
1.Launch on Pump.fun (Solana) or DexPad (BNB/Ethereum)
- Pump.fun: Ideal for Solana-based memecoins, Pump.fun allows for rapid token creation with minimal fees. With over 6 million tokens launched, it’s a proven platform for viral memecoin success.
- DexPad: For those preferring BNB or Ethereum chains, DexPad offers a user-friendly interface for token launches, catering to a broad audience.
2.Share Token Contract on X, Telegram, Discord
- Accessibility: Ensure your token contract address is easily accessible across all platforms. This facilitates seamless trading and builds trust among potential investors.
- Engagement: Utilize platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Telegram, and Discord to engage with your community, answer questions, and build hype.
3.Add to Watchlists and Listings
- DEXTools & DexScreener: Once your token has liquidity and trading activity, it will automatically appear on platforms like DEXTools and DexScreener, enhancing visibility.
- Birdeye: For Solana tokens, Birdeye provides real-time analytics. Listing is automatic upon liquidity addition, but you can expedite profile customization through their form.
- CoinGecko: To list on CoinGecko, ensure your token is tradable on recognized exchanges and submit the necessary information through their application form.
4.Use Call Channels and Meme Launchpads
- Telegram Call Channels: Leverage channels like @AlphaCalls to announce your launch. These groups have dedicated audiences eager for new opportunities.
- Meme Launchpads: Platforms like Pump.fun not only facilitate token creation but also serve as launchpads, providing exposure to a community already interested in memecoins.
Post-Launch Growth: Don’t Let It Die
Launching your memecoin is just the beginning. Sustaining momentum requires continuous effort and community engagement.
1.Maintain Meme Momentum
- Regular Content: Keep your community engaged with daily posts, memes, and updates. For example, PNUT’s community shared daily “What’s the squirrel doing today?” threads to maintain interest.
- Community Challenges: Initiate meme battles or creative contests to encourage user participation and content creation.
2.Keep Community Active
- Voice Chats: Host weekly voice chats to discuss updates, gather feedback, and strengthen community bonds.
- Rewards: Implement reward systems for active members, such as exclusive NFTs or token bonuses.
- Transparency Reports: Regularly share updates on project developments, tokenomics, and future plans to build trust.
3.Introduce Low-Effort Utility
- NFT Airdrops: Distribute exclusive NFTs to loyal holders, adding value and fostering a sense of exclusivity.
- Mini Games: Develop simple, engaging games related to your memecoin’s theme to entertain and retain users.
- Merchandise: Offer branded merchandise to promote your memecoin and provide tangible value to supporters.
Conclusion
Building a memecoin like PNUT isn’t just about launching a token—it’s about crafting a story, sparking emotion, and rallying a community around a shared joke or movement. From choosing a character with viral potential to launching on platforms like Pump.fun and driving post-launch engagement through memes, NFTs, and mini-games, every step plays a part in making your coin more than just another ticker on the charts. If you’re serious about launching the next viral token, Blockchain App Factory provides memecoin development services to help you build, deploy, and scale your project with the right tools, smart contract expertise, and community-building strategies.
