Altcoins Dominate Global Search on Growing Optimism
Google searches for “altcoin” have reached their highest level since 2021, while interest in “Ethereum” is at a two-year peak, based on Google Trends data. This surge coincides with heightened activity in cryptocurrency-related exchange-traded fund (ETF) activity and changes in digital asset treasuries that could shift attention beyond Bitcoin.
Similar spikes have been recorded before. In early 2018, searches for “altcoins” rose months after Bitcoin’s late-2017 peak, as retail focus moved toward new cryptocurrencies launched through initial coin offerings. In early 2021, the term reached some of its highest readings during a rally driven by decentralized finance, non-fungible tokens, and large-cap coins like Ether, Cardano, and BNB. While Google Trends doesn’t predict markets or give exact search numbers, it indicates periods of increased retail interest.
Institutional demand for altcoins is rising, with ETF activity now extending past Bitcoin and Ethereum. In the first half of 2025, US regulators received at least 31 altcoin ETF applications. Among them, Canary Capital filed for a SUI spot ETF in March, which Cboe BZX later sought to list. Nasdaq also submitted documents for 21Shares’ spot SUI ETF, prompting the SEC’s formal review.
Analysts from Bloomberg Intelligence, including Eric Balchunas and James Seyffart, are optimistic about approvals for other altcoin ETFs, estimating 95% odds for Solana, XRP, and Litecoin, and up to 90% for Dogecoin, Cardano, Polkadot, Avalanche, and Hedera.
Corporate treasury strategies are also diversifying. Ether is now a favored reserve asset for companies like Metaplanet, BitMine, and SharpLink Gaming, which collectively hold billions in ETH and often stake it for yield. Some, including Upexi and DeFi Development Corp., are building substantial Solana positions.
DeFi Development Corp. holds nearly one million SOL worth about $200 million and stakes the tokens, while Upexi raised its SOL holdings to two million in July, with most being staked.
Chainlink is also entering treasury portfolios, boosted by the August 7 launch of the Chainlink Reserve, which converts fees and enterprise payments into LINK to support network sustainability.
Sources:
https://trends.google.com.mx/trends/explore?date=today%205-y&geo=MX&q=%2Fm%2F0108bn2x&hl=es-MX
https://cointelegraph.com/news/altcoin-google-searches-highest-since-2021-etf-treasury
https://trends.google.es/trends/explore?date=all&q=altcoin&hl=es