Hold on to your hats, crypto enthusiasts! In a stunning twist that rocked the digital currency world, Shiba Inu (SHIB), yes, the meme coin inspired by Dogecoin, actually became the most viewed cryptocurrency in 2021. Forget Bitcoin, Ethereum, and even its meme-coin predecessor Dogecoin – Shiba Inu captured the hearts and eyeballs of investors, especially the younger generation, like no other.
Think about it: Bitcoin, often hailed as the king of crypto, might be globally recognized, but when it came to sheer curiosity and online views, Shiba Inu dominated crypto exchange platforms for the entire past year. CoinMarketCap, the go-to website for crypto price tracking, officially declared, “Shiba Inu was the most viewed coin in 2021.” Surprising, right? Especially considering SHIB is a fork – a spin-off – of Dogecoin itself!
But make no mistake, Shiba Inu (SHIB) is no longer just a flash in the pan meme. It’s evolved. Born from internet dog memes and initially branded as the “Dogecoin killer,” SHIB has transformed into a significant player, capturing the top spot in crypto popularity in 2021, leaving giants like Bitcoin and Ethereum in its dust.
CoinMarketCap revealed the incredible numbers: “During 2021, the Dogecoin spinoff registered over 188 million views!” And guess who came in second? Bitcoin, with a respectable but lower 145 million views. That’s a significant gap!
SHIB: From Meme to Mainstream – Now a Top 15 Cryptocurrency
Let’s put this popularity into perspective. Shiba Inu’s surge in interest propelled it to remarkable heights. Today, SHIB proudly sits as the world’s 13th largest cryptocurrency, boasting a market capitalization nearing a staggering $20 billion. From a meme coin to a multi-billion dollar asset – that’s quite a journey!
But where did other popular cryptos land in this view-count race? Well, Dogecoin, the original meme coin and Shiba Inu’s inspiration, wasn’t far behind. It secured the third spot with 107 million views. Following closely were Cardano with approximately 86 million views and Ethereum with 81 million views. It’s clear 2021 was a year of intense crypto interest, but Shiba Inu truly stole the show.
So, what fueled this Shiba Inu frenzy? Many point to one key figure: Elon Musk. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO has been vocal about meme coins, particularly Shiba Inu, throughout the year. Remember when he announced he was getting a Shiba Inu dog and tweeted about it? Boom! Shiba Inu prices skyrocketed. CoinMarketCap directly linked Musk’s influence to SHIB’s view count surge, stating, “Shiba Inu gained more than 188 million views throughout the last 12 months, and the person credited for this is Elon Musk.”
The impact of Musk’s tweets is undeniable. On October 18, 2021, Musk tweeted a graphic featuring the Shiba Inu meme landing on the moon. At that moment, SHIB was trading around $0.000026 (approximately Rs 0.0020). What happened next? The coin price leapt by roughly 50% following his tweet, peaking at $0.000044 (around Rs 0.0033). That’s the power of a meme and a single tweet in the crypto world!

Key Takeaways:
- Shiba Inu was the most viewed cryptocurrency in 2021 on CoinMarketCap, surpassing Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and Ethereum.
- SHIB’s popularity was driven by factors including its meme coin origins, community interest, and endorsements, particularly from Elon Musk.
- Elon Musk’s tweets significantly impacted Shiba Inu’s price and visibility.
- Shiba Inu’s journey from a meme coin to a top cryptocurrency highlights the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of the crypto market.
- While Bitcoin remains the dominant cryptocurrency in terms of market capitalization, Shiba Inu’s 2021 popularity demonstrates the growing influence of meme coins and community-driven crypto assets.
Looking Ahead:
Shiba Inu’s remarkable year raises some interesting questions. Can meme coins sustain long-term popularity and growth? Will SHIB continue to challenge established cryptocurrencies? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: Shiba Inu’s 2021 triumph is a fascinating chapter in the ever-evolving story of cryptocurrency.
Related Posts – Ex-SEC Chair, Jay Clayton Believes Cryptocurrency Industry Is For Long Haul
Disclaimer: The information provided is not trading advice, Bitcoinworld.co.in holds no liability for any investments made based on the information provided on this page. We strongly recommend independent research and/or consultation with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.