The notorious imageboard 4chan, recently compromised by a massive data breach on April 14, 2025, has clawed its way back to operational status, undeterred by the tumultuous storm that briefly shuttered its doors. This digital resurrection, less than two weeks after the hack, was met with a defiant message: “4chan is back.” For the cryptocurrency market, this means a return of one of its most unpredictable yet potent influences.
The Return of the /Biz/ Hive Mind
At the heart of 4chan’s crypto sphere is the /Biz/ board, a frenetic hub where the anonymous masses converge to discuss everything from altcoin predictions to pump-and-dump schemes. Known for its raw, unfiltered discourse, /Biz/ has earned a reputation for being ahead of the curve—sometimes eerily so. It’s a place where speculative traders and hopeful investors hunt for the next moonshot.
According to crypto analyst Jamie Wong, “4chan’s /Biz/ board is like an uncut gem. It’s rough, but if you know how to parse the noise, you can uncover incredible insights.” Indeed, the board’s lore is rich with tales of prescient predictions, such as the infamous call in early 2019 that saw Bitcoin’s price movements foretold with startling accuracy—at least for a while. This phenomenon of online platforms influencing crypto markets is not unique to 4chan, as seen in our recent coverage of Truth Social’s exploration of cryptocurrency for subscription payments.
But the board is more than just a rumor mill; it’s a crucible where crypto’s cultural memes are forged. Pepe the Frog, a symbol co-opted by 4chan, has become a staple in the crypto community, often used to rally traders around projects like Chainlink (LINK). This cultural osmosis between 4chan and crypto is emblematic of the board’s enduring influence.
Chainlink and the Rise of the LINK Marines
Chainlink’s meteoric rise is perhaps one of 4chan’s most notable success stories. The project garnered fervent support from the so-called LINK Marines, a diehard community that originated within the threads of /Biz/. It was here that enigmatic figures like “AssBlaster” fueled the collective imagination with claims of insider knowledge, sparking a grassroots movement that would see LINK’s value skyrocket.
By 2021, Chainlink had become a crypto darling, surging to an all-time high of $49.54. Mechanism Capital co-founder Andrew Kang once remarked, “4chan has become the largest market driver, more powerful than even institutional crypto fund capital.” This speaks volumes about the imageboard’s ability to shape market dynamics through sheer community-driven enthusiasm.
Memetic Power and Market Impact
The memetic culture of 4chan doesn’t just stop at icons like Pepe. In 2023, the launch of the Pepe (PEPE) token—named after the infamous frog—highlighted the board’s knack for transforming memes into financial phenomena. By late 2024, PEPE had reached a staggering $11 billion market cap, a testament to the memecoin craze that swept the crypto world.
Equally fascinating is the rise of Mog Coin (MOG), another memecoin born from 4chan’s lexicon. Its explosive 1,800% growth in early 2024 is a case study in how 4chan’s cultural exports can drive market trends. Currently, 4chan-themed coins collectively command a $37 billion market cap, illustrating the profound impact of the board’s unique brand of creativity. This mirrors the resilience seen in other parts of the crypto world, such as Dogecoin’s stability amid Elon Musk’s controversies.
Despite the increasing prominence of platforms like Telegram and X, 4chan remains a cultural cornerstone in the crypto universe. It’s a place where memes, market movements, and the whims of anonymous prophets intertwine to create an ever-evolving tapestry of digital folklore.
As 4chan reestablishes its footing in the online world, the crypto community watches with bated breath. Will it continue to be a harbinger of market trends, or will it face challenges that could finally curb its influence? Only time will tell, but for now, the imageboard stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of internet culture and its undeniable impact on the cryptocurrency landscape.
Source
This article is based on: 4chan rises from the dead: How the imageboard moves crypto markets
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Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
