Key takeaways
- As the example of Quant Kid demonstrates, various tools available today have made creating crypto tokens accessible without needing advanced technical skills.
- Unlike coins that run on their own blockchains, like Bitcoin and Ethereum, tokens operate on existing networks. Tokens are easier to create since they don’t require building a new blockchain from scratch.
- Successfully launching a token involves building a community, leveraging social media and considering paid promotions. Some tokens may be classified as unregistered securities, leading to regulatory scrutiny.
- Platforms like Pump.fun allow users to create tokens without coding, but customization is limited. For more advanced features, such as governance or custom tokenomics, smart contracts are required.
In November 2024, a 13-year-old known as “Quant Kid” created a meme-based cryptocurrency called Gen Z Quant. With an initial investment of just $350, he acquired 51 million tokens and, during a livestream, sold them all for about $30,000, an action commonly referred to as a “rug pull.” The crypto community quickly retaliated by driving up the token’s value in what became known as a “revenge pump,” pushing its market capitalization to an astonishing $85 million.
The incident escalated further when personal information about the boy and his family was leaked online, leading to harassment and the alleged kidnapping of the family’s dog. While regulators were caught off guard and crypto enthusiasts found the situation absurdly entertaining, many outsiders were left wondering, How did a 13-year-old manage that?
The truth is that creating a token doesn’t require venture capital from a16z or a PhD in quantum physics. In fact, with today’s tools, perhaps even a trained monkey could pull it off.
Cryptocurrency token vs coin
Much of the misconception about the difficulty of creating one’s own token stems from confusing tokens with coins. Both are cryptocurrencies, but they serve very different roles.
Coins are digital assets that operate on their own independent blockchain. They primarily function as a medium of exchange and a store of value. Examples include Bitcoin (BTC), which operates on the Bitcoin blockchain, and Ether (ETH), which operates on the Ethereum blockchain. These coins exist on their own independent ledgers and can be sent, received or processed.
Tokens, on the other hand, are digital assets that operate on an existing blockchain network. They do not have their own blockchain but require another blockchain platform to operate. Ethereum is the most common platform for creating tokens, primarily due to its smart contract feature. Tokens created on the Ethereum blockchain are known as ERC-20 tokens.
To create your coin, you’d need to develop an entire blockchain from scratch. That’s where the PhD and a16z funding comes in. Today, you’ll be learning the creation process of tokens, which is far easier.
Blockchain platforms for creating tokens
Selecting the appropriate blockchain platform is a critical step in creating your cryptocurrency token, as it influences factors such as transaction fees, security, scalability and community support. Below, we evaluate three popular platforms: Ethereum, BNB Smart Chain (BSC) and Solana.
Ethereum
Ethereum is the largest, most popular chain that supports tokens. Here are some considerations when looking to build an ERC-20 token on Ethereum.
- Transaction fees: Ethereum's network can experience congestion, leading to higher gas fees, which may be a consideration for projects sensitive to transaction costs.
- Security: Ethereum's well-tested infrastructure offers a high level of security, benefiting from a large number of nodes and a strong developer community.
- Community support: With a vast and active community, Ethereum provides extensive resources, documentation and support for developers.
BNB Smart Chain
Launched by Binance, BSC offers a more cost-effective and faster alternative to Ethereum. Tokens built on BSC follow the BEP-20 standard.
- Transaction fees: BSC is known for its low transaction fees, making it an attractive option for projects aiming to minimize costs.
- Security: While BSC benefits from Binance’s backing, it operates with a more centralized validator set, which may raise concerns for those prioritizing decentralization.
- Community support: BSC has rapidly expanded its community, offering a range of tools and support, though it is still developing compared to Ethereum's more mature ecosystem.
Solana
Solana is recognized for its high performance, offering rapid transaction speeds and low fees, making it an appealing choice for token development. Tokens built on the chain follow the SPL standard.
- Transaction fees: Solana boasts minimal transaction costs, which is advantageous for projects anticipating high transaction volumes.
- Security: Solana employs a unique consensus mechanism called Proof of History (PoH), enhancing security and scalability. However, as a relatively newer platform, it may not have the same extensive security track record as Ethereum.
- Community support: Solana's community is growing, with increasing resources and developer tools becoming available.
Did you know? Each blockchain offers unique advantages, making it better suited for specific projects. For example, Ethereum is renowned for its extensive decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem, BNB Smart Chain (BSC) is favored for decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and gaming applications, and Solana is gaining traction for high-performance applications like NFTs and gaming.
How to code a cryptocurrency token
While you may learn the more advanced DIY method of minting your own tokens – steps like CLI configuration, Devnet testing, and creating a Metadata JSON – none of that is necessary.
Some token creation tools allow you to mint tokens with zero developer experience.
For example, Pump.fun is a token constructor for those looking to use the Solana network. We’ll be using its token creation flow for today’s guide.
How to create a token for your project
- Access Pump.fun: Navigate to Pump.fun and connect your Solana wallet. Ensure your wallet is funded with a small amount of SOL to cover transaction fees.
- Initiate token creation: Click on “Start a New Coin.” Here, you’ll enter your token’s name and ticker symbol and upload an image. Providing a description and linking your social media accounts can enhance credibility.
- Configure token properties:
- Token name: Choose a unique and memorable name for your token.
- Ticker symbol: Select a short, distinctive symbol (e.g., “MYTK”).
- Description: Briefly explain your token’s purpose or theme.
- Image: Upload an image that represents your token.
- Launch your token: After reviewing your details, click “Create Coin.” As the creator, you can send in your buy orders ahead of potential bots and script-buying snipers. Note that the first buyer of any token launched on Pump.fun pays a small fee (about $2 worth of SOL) for the token’s creation.
- Purchase your token: Once your token is live, you can buy your memecoin. The platform uses a bonding curve model, meaning the price increases as more tokens are purchased. This model dynamically adjusts liquidity based on demand, providing a fair pricing environment.
Did you know? Pump.fun ensures a fair launch by not allowing creators to pre-assign tokens to themselves. Instead, they must purchase the tokens alongside other buyers, minimizing the risk of self-allocation at the genesis stage.
Customizing your cryptocurrency token
Pump.fun is designed to simplify the token creation process, primarily focusing on ease of use and rapid deployment. As a result, it offers limited customization options for tokens.
Users can personalize their tokens by specifying details such as the token’s name, ticker symbol and associated imagery or branding.
Also, the platform allows users to engage with buyers directly through comments and social media links.
If you need advanced customization like minting, burning, transaction fee settlements or governance features, you’ll typically need to create the token manually, using smart contracts or custom code instead of relying on token constructors.
How to market your crypto token after launch
Now that you’ve successfully created your token using Pump.fun, the next step is to ensure it gains traction and attracts users.
Start by establishing a strong community presence. Create a Telegram or Discord group where you can directly interact with your audience, share updates and gather feedback. Regular AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions ensure trust and transparency, creating an open line of communication between you and your supporters.
Social media platforms like X, Reddit and Facebook are crucial for generating awareness. Post engaging content and updates to keep your token in the spotlight.
Partnering with other token creators on Pump.fun for cross-promotion is another effective way to reach a wider audience.
For paid marketing, collaborate with crypto influencers who can introduce your token to their followers and boost its reach. Sponsored content, such as paid reviews on prominent crypto blogs or YouTube channels, offers additional exposure. Paid ads through crypto networks like Bitmedia or Coinzilla, as well as targeted campaigns on platforms that allow crypto promotions like Twitter and Reddit, can further enhance your visibility.
To solidify your token’s presence, publish news releases announcing its launch and major milestones. Reach out to crypto news outlets to secure media coverage, highlighting what sets your token apart from others in the market. Combining community-driven efforts with strategic paid promotions ensures a comprehensive approach to marketing and long-term success.
Did you know? As of Feb. 3, 2025, Fartcoin (FARTCOIN) is the most valuable token on Pump.fun, with a market capitalization of approximately $949 million.
Are there any legal and regulatory considerations?
While token constructors and memecoin generators vastly simplify creating and launching memecoins, it’s essential to recognize that engaging in such activities still carries significant legal and regulatory risks.
For instance, a class-action lawsuit filed in January 2025 alleges that Pump.fun facilitated the creation and sale of unregistered securities, potentially violating US securities laws.
The lawsuit claims that the platform enabled the issuance of tokens that should have been registered as securities, thereby exposing creators and investors to legal liabilities.
Creators should be aware that tokens, especially those marketed with promises of financial returns, may be classified as securities in various jurisdictions.
Therefore, it’s essential to consult with legal experts to ensure adherence to applicable laws and to mitigate potential legal risks associated with token creation and distribution.
Carfting your token is an educational experience
Starting with platforms such as Pump.fun may be an ideal way to create your first cryptocurrency token, offering a user-friendly platform for beginners.
However, for those looking to implement advanced token features — such as complex tokenomics, automated compliance frameworks and enhanced crosschain compatibility — exploring more sophisticated token development solutions could be essential.
These advanced features can significantly enhance your marketing capabilities by enabling strategies like airdrops and tailored incentives, which effectively motivate and engage your community.
Regardless of the path you choose, creating your own token is an enjoyable and educational experience. Even if it doesn’t attract a large user base, the process offers valuable insights into cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
Just make sure that you don’t scam anyone.
Written by Bradley Peak