Dogecoin vs. Shiba Inu: Which Meme Coin Will Dominate 2024?

How Two Memes Became Market Movers

Will Martin
5 min readJul 15, 2024

Cryptocurrencies have taken the world by storm, offering digital alternatives to traditional currencies with unique twists and communities. Two standout examples of this phenomenon are Dogecoin (DOGE) and Shiba Inu (SHIB). While both started as playful responses to internet culture, they’ve grown into significant players in the crypto market.

Dogecoin: From Internet Joke to Digital Currency

Dogecoin, introduced in December 2013, began as a lighthearted homage to the popular “Doge” meme featuring a Shiba Inu dog.

Created by software engineers Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer, its initial goal was more about fun than serious finance. However, its easygoing nature and enthusiastic community have propelled it into a major cryptocurrency with substantial market presence.

Key Facts About Dogecoin

  • Current Price: $0.1186
  • Market Cap: $17.2 billion
  • Circulating Supply: 145.1 billion DOGE

Over the years, Dogecoin has seen significant milestones, including a peak price above $0.69 in 2021, driven by its strong community support and viral internet trends.

It operates on a blockchain similar to Litecoin, known for faster transaction times compared to Bitcoin.

Shiba Inu: The Ethereum-Based Contender

In August 2020, Shiba Inu (SHIB) entered the scene as an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum blockchain. It aimed to capitalize on the popularity of Dogecoin while offering its unique spin on meme-based cryptocurrencies.

Key Highlights of Shiba Inu

  • Current Price: $0.00001813
  • Market Cap: $10.69 billion
  • Circulating Supply: 589.58 trillion SHIB

Despite its relatively recent introduction, Shiba Inu gained attention quickly, briefly surpassing Dogecoin in market capitalization during its peak in 2021.

It operates within the Ethereum ecosystem, benefiting from Ethereum’s security features and planned transition to Proof of Stake (PoS).

Dogecoin Holders

  1. Total Holders: Over 7 million individuals.
  2. Community Name: Known as the “DOGE Army.”
  3. Distribution
  • Top 10 Holders: Control approximately 45% of the total supply.
  • Remaining Holders: Represent a diverse and decentralized ownership base.
  1. Impact on Governance:
  • Promotes grassroots decision-making and community initiatives.
  • Reflects a culture of inclusivity and transparency within the community.

Shiba Inu Holders

  1. Total Holders: Approximately 1.4 million.
  2. Community Name: Referred to as the “SHIB Army.”
  3. Distribution
  • Top 10 Holders: Account for 60.71% of the total supply.
  • Indicates a more centralized ownership structure compared to Dogecoin.
  1. Impact on Governance:
  • Requires careful navigation of governance issues due to concentration among top holders.
  • Seeks to align the interests of major stakeholders with broader community goals and initiatives.

Community and Culture: The Heart of Both Coins

What sets Dogecoin and Shiba Inu apart isn’t just their technical details but also their vibrant communities. DOGE Army, community embodies inclusivity and humor, often engaging in charitable efforts and promoting a friendly atmosphere within its community.

On the other hand, SHIB Army, community are deeply involved in the ShibaSwap decentralized exchange (DEX) and governance activities. This community-driven approach has fueled both coins’ popularity and contributed to their distinct identities in the crypto world.

Future Outlook: Evolving Technologies and Community Impact

Looking ahead, both Dogecoin and Shiba Inu have ambitious plans. Dogecoin aims to transition from Proof of Work to Proof of Stake to enhance its security and reduce environmental impact. Its inflationary model, without a fixed supply limit, positions it uniquely in the crypto landscape, focusing on transactional utility rather than strictly as a store of value.

Meanwhile, Shiba Inu continues to integrate deeper into Ethereum’s ecosystem, leveraging its infrastructure for future developments in decentralized finance (DeFi). With ongoing projects like ShibaSwap and a committed community, SHIB aims to establish itself as a significant player in the rapidly evolving crypto market.

Two Paths in the Crypto World

Dogecoin and Shiba Inu exemplify the unpredictable and innovative nature of cryptocurrencies. What started as internet memes has transformed into serious digital assets with loyal followings and real-world impact.

As they navigate technological advancements and community engagements, their roles in shaping the future of finance remain fascinating to watch, proving that in the world of cryptocurrencies, even a joke can become a global phenomenon.

As per the CoinDesk Indices, meme coins Shiba Inu (SHIB) and Dogecoin (DOGE) have demonstrated remarkable performance among the 20 large-cap assets in the CoinDesk 20, with SHIB gaining an impressive 237% and DOGE surging by 102% on March 4, 2024.

This standout performance highlights the growing influence and popularity of these playful cryptocurrencies within the market.

Fast forward to July, the CoinDesk Market Index reveals that Dogecoin is leading the pack with a notable presence, holding a 1% share. In comparison, Bitcoin dominates the market with a commanding 64%, followed by Ethereum at 21%, Solana at 4%, and XRP at 2%.

The remaining 10% is comprised of various other assets. This data underscores the continued relevance and competitive edge of Dogecoin amidst a diverse and dynamic cryptocurrency landscape.

--

--

Will Martin

Catching the latest trends in #crypto, tracking prices, researching #blockchain, and exploring the potential of this #Defi.