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Trade Offer Meme: How a Simple Joke Helped Create a New Cryptocurrency?

Trade Offer Meme: How a Simple Joke Helped Create a New Cryptocurrency?
By Andrey Mastykin
March 12, 2025

Memes are more than just jokes—they influence trends and even give rise to new industries. The Trade Offer Meme, a viral sensation where people humorously present unfair exchanges, has unexpectedly played a role in cryptocurrency innovation. This article explores the origins of the Trade Offer Meme, how it became a widely shared internet trend, and its unexpected impact on the cryptocurrency market. For expert insights on meme coin trends and investment strategies, check out Traders Union — a trusted source for financial analysis and guidance.

What Is the Trade Offer meme? A quick overview

The Trade Offer Meme features a simple yet humorous format with two sides in a single image. One side presents an offer, while the other highlights what is expected in return. This structure makes it easy for people to modify the text, adapting it to different jokes or situations.

The meme first gained popularity when TikTok user @bradeazy posted a video where he humorously proposed trade deals to his viewers. Since then, online users have created countless variations, adding their own spin on the format.

Online users have continued to create their own iterations of this meme ever since. Some users ask for feedback or show their enthusiasm by asking "what do you meme" in their communications. Some users make jokes using "I have nothing meme" whenever they run out of ideas. The trade offer meme template allows anyone to create their own using free tools while multiple websites offer a selection of meme text fonts. 

The joke relies on the surprising contrast between “I offer my old sneakers” in one panel and “You offer me a new smartphone” in the other. The simple design has become popular across all age groups due to its clear and comedic nature.

Social media platforms including Reddit, TikTok and Twitter were where many users first encountered these memes. The meme attracted widespread popularity because users utilized it to comment on both, everyday exchanges and serious matters through humorous interpretations.

Trade Offer meme template

Various websites offer customization options, including different meme text fonts that help creators match the aesthetic of viral meme formats. The Trade Offer meme appeared on TikTok and Reddit during late 2020 and utilizes a split-screen design to mock unfair trades.

  • Left panel. The left panel displays an absurd demand such as "I receive: Your life savings".
  • Right panel. The insulting "compensation" offered in the meme (e.g., "You receive: This used tissue")

The History and evolution of Trade Offer meme

The "Trade Offer" meme is a perfect example of how a simple idea can capture the imagination of millions, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Born on TikTok, this meme cleverly mocks the often absurd trade requests seen in video games like NBA 2K, using humour to highlight wildly unbalanced exchanges. But its journey from a niche trend to a viral sensation is a fascinating tale of creativity, timing, and cultural resonance.  

The origins -  A whimsical start

The meme’s roots can be traced back to November 2020, when a TikTok video featuring the catchy NBA Draft jingle surfaced. Instead of proposing typical basketball trades, the video suggested fantastical swaps: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris for the late President Ronald Reagan, the state of California for a COVID-19 vaccine, and rapper Cardi B for NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter. This quirky take on trade offers quickly gained traction, especially during the holiday season, but it was just the beginning.

The turning point - March 2021

The meme truly took off in March 2021, when TikTokers began mimicking the NBA Draft jingle format. The original creator, dressed as an NBA executive, posted another humorous trade proposal on March 18th, which became a defining moment. A still image from this video made its way to Reddit, where it evolved into the "Trade Request" meme, cementing its place in internet culture.  

The evolution - From TikTok to everywhere

While the November video by @natebellamy4 started the trend, it was TikTok user @tylertctv’s March 8th video that truly fanned the flames. Soon, creators like @schmuellersvibechamber, @macncheesegrrl, and @jushlarsen joined in, creating their own versions and amassing millions of views.  

One standout was @bradeazy, whose video featured a formally dressed individual proposing a hilariously unfair trade. Though the video was initially removed from TikTok, it found new life on platforms like Instagram and iFunny. The still image from @bradeazy’s video became iconic, inspiring countless adaptations and variations, even crossing over into other online communities like *Team Fortress 2*. 

How internet memes influence cryptocurrency trends

Internet memes have become a powerful force in shaping cryptocurrency trends, giving rise to "meme coins"—digital currencies inspired by viral online content. These coins often experience dramatic price fluctuations driven by social media buzz and community engagement.

The emergence of meme coins

Meme coins are cryptocurrencies rooted in internet memes or cultural phenomena. A notable example is Dogecoin, created in 2013 as a lighthearted alternative to Bitcoin, featuring the Shiba Inu dog from the "Doge" meme. Initially dismissed as a joke, Dogecoin's value surged due to online community support and celebrity endorsements. Following its path, Shiba Inu coin emerged in 2020, branding itself as the "Dogecoin Killer" and gaining significant traction. Some users creatively modify the trade offer meme to express frustration or humor, leading to versions like the 'I have nothing meme,' which humorously highlights an unfair or one-sided deal.

Market dynamics and volatility

The meme coin market is characterized by extreme volatility. In 2024, meme coins like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu saw substantial gains, with the Pepe coin skyrocketing by 1,444.7%. 

However, by February 2025, the meme coin market capitalization had plummeted by 59% from its peak, adversely affecting the broader cryptocurrency market, including major players like Bitcoin and Ether. 

Regulatory Perspectives

In February 2025, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) clarified that meme coins are classified as collectibles rather than securities. This distinction exempts them from certain regulatory requirements but also highlights their speculative nature and lack of intrinsic value. 

Influence of Social Media and Public Figures

Social media platforms and public figures significantly influence the volatility of meme coins. For example, President Donald Trump's announcement of including certain cryptocurrencies in the U.S. Crypto Strategic Reserve led to a substantial surge in their prices. Bitcoin's price jumped to nearly $93,000 following the news, and other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano also experienced significant upticks.

Current Market Snapshot

As of March 1, 2025, the meme coin market continues to exhibit volatility. Dogecoin (DOGE) is trading at $0.202089, Shiba Inu (SHIB) at $0.00001392, and PEPE coin at $9.8467e-10. These prices reflect the ongoing fluctuations influenced by market sentiment and social media trends.

Internet memes have a profound impact on cryptocurrency trends, driving the creation and volatility of meme coins. While they offer opportunities for significant gains, they also pose substantial risks due to their speculative nature and susceptibility to social media influence. Similar to how the 'tip screen meme' humorously comments on modern tipping culture, the trade offer meme highlights the imbalance in digital and real-world exchanges.Investors should approach meme coins with caution, conducting thorough research and considering the inherent volatility of these digital assets. 

The Birth of a Crypto Inspired by Trade Offer Meme

The Trade Offer meme, known for its depiction of hypothetical exchanges, inspired the creation of a cryptocurrency called TradeOfferCoin (TOC). Launched in late 2021, TOC aimed to capitalize on the meme's popularity by offering a digital asset that embodied the spirit of humorous bartering.

Development and launch

A group of anonymous developers introduced TradeOfferCoin in December 2021. The project featured a decentralized platform where users could propose and negotiate trades of various digital assets, mirroring the meme's format. The platform's interface allowed users to create "trade offers," specifying what they would give and what they sought in return, fostering a community-driven exchange system.

Market reception

Upon its launch, TOC garnered attention from the cryptocurrency community, particularly among meme enthusiasts. Its value experienced typical meme coin volatility, with rapid price surges followed by corrections. Social media platforms played a significant role in its promotion, as influencers and community members shared their trade offers and experiences, further popularizing the coin.

Challenges and criticisms

Despite its initial popularity, TradeOfferCoin faced several challenges.

  • Speculative nature. Like many meme coins, TOC's value was largely driven by speculation, leading to significant price volatility.
  • Regulatory scrutiny. The rise of meme coins attracted attention from regulatory bodies concerned about investor protection and market stability.
  • Sustainability. Critics questioned the long-term viability of TOC, citing a lack of intrinsic value and utility beyond its meme-based appeal.

Is this meme-based cryptocurrency a good investment?

Before we get into the specifics of TradeOfferCoin (TOC)  pricing patterns and community activities, one thing must be clear regarding meme-based cryptocurrencies: investing in them is exciting and dangerous at the same time.

Community updates

TOC has an active community, and that is why its strength lies within its vibrant and engaged community. The developers and users work hand in hand, allowing the community to feel that they own the project, which in turn drives progress. This technique has greatly helped steer the community through challenges, particularly when there were regulatory changes.


Now, meme-based tokens like TOC are regarded as collectables by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and are no longer subjected to specific regulations. As much as this eases many concerns, it increases the ridiculous nature of these assets. This is what has chiefly driven the community to talk about such developments and so willingly put work into it, for transparency and engagement are the fuels for trust and credibility.

The Pros and cons of investing TOC

As with any investment in TOC, there are potential benefits, such as strong community participation and exposure to DeFi applications. On the opposite side, investing in TOC poses the risk of high volatility, regulatory concerns, and even the possibility of being subjected to a scam.  

Pros

  • Meme-driven appeal. TradeOfferCoin (TOC) benefits from the viral nature of the "Trade Offer" meme, attracting a strong online community and social media buzz.
  • Potential for high returns. Like other meme coins, TOC could see rapid price surges if it gains widespread popularity or endorsement from influencers.
  • Low entry barrier. Meme coins often have a low initial cost, making them accessible to retail investors looking to experiment in the crypto space.
  • Community-driven growth. The value of TOC can be influenced by an engaged and enthusiastic community that actively promotes and trades the coin.

Cons

  • High volatility. Meme coins are known for extreme price swings, making TOC a risky investment that can lead to substantial losses.
  • Lack of utility. Unlike established cryptocurrencies with real-world applications, TOC may lack fundamental use cases beyond speculation.
  • Regulatory uncertainty. The classification of meme coins is evolving, and regulatory changes could impact TOC’s future viability.
  • Market saturation. With thousands of meme coins in circulation, TOC faces stiff competition and may struggle to maintain long-term relevance.
  • Potential for scams. Low-profile meme coins are often associated with rug pulls and pump-and-dump schemes, requiring careful research before investing.

The future of meme coins: What’s next after Trade Offer?

The evolution of the Trade Offer Meme cryptocurrency offers insight into how internet culture impacts older financial markets. With the rise of meme coins, their development brings with it opportunities but also challenges.


Characteristics of a Promising Meme Coin:


  • Adoption into the mainstream - Niche investments like meme coins may become popular as comfort increases among investors with digital assets.
  • Technological advances - The blockchain space is advancing at a rapid pace. Meme coins in the future may feature more sophisticated options like DeFi, NFT integrations, or even utility-plus humour hybrid models.
  • Changes in regulatory policies - Digital assets are being scrutinized closely by various governments around the globe. The introduction of clearer regulations will help stabilize the market, draw in institutional investors, and help reduce volatility.
  • Cultural changes - Since memes do not usually last a long time, the next trend may stem from a shift in culture altogether. The Trade Offer Meme may be just the beginning of the next major player that introduces a mix of humour, art, and technology.

Expert advice: The best traders start selling while the excitement is still high, not after the hype dies

According to expert Anastasiia Chabaniuk the real power of meme coins like TOC isn’t just in their hype, but in catching the joke before it turns into a market trend. Most people jump in too late—when influencers and news sites are already talking about it. Instead, smart traders watch where memes start, like niche subreddits and Telegram groups. If a meme begins spreading naturally, without paid promotions or celebrity shilling, it signals genuine community interest. The goal isn’t to time the exact top but to enter when the joke is still an inside reference. The earliest believers always get the biggest gains.

She also warns against the biggest mistake—holding onto TOC like it’s Bitcoin. Meme coins are meant for flipping, not long-term storage. The best traders start selling while the excitement is still high, not after the hype dies. If engagement on social media starts slowing down—fewer memes, fewer mentions—it’s time to cash out in chunks. Many traders get greedy and wait for the ultimate peak, only to see their profits vanish overnight. The smartest move? Sell when the joke is still funny, not when people have moved on.

Conclusion

The rise of the Trade Offer Meme from an internet joke to a cryptocurrency highlights the evolving relationship between online culture and digital finance. What started as a simple, humorous exchange format has now influenced the crypto world, proving that viral content can have real-world financial implications. While meme coins like TOC can create exciting investment opportunities, they also come with high risks due to their unpredictable nature.

For investors, the key takeaway is to approach meme-based cryptocurrencies with a balance of curiosity and caution. Understanding market trends, social media influence, and community engagement is crucial before making any financial moves. Whether TOC remains a lasting player or fades with the next meme cycle, its story serves as a reminder of how rapidly digital trends can shape new financial opportunities.


FAQs

What exactly is the Trade Offer Meme?

The Trade Offer Meme is a viral internet joke that presents a humorous exchange of ideas or items using a split-screen format. It gained popularity due to its clever use of visual elements—such as the trade offer meme template and distinctive meme text font—and has since become a cultural phenomenon that even inspired a cryptocurrency.

How do internet memes influence cryptocurrency trends?

Internet memes have a powerful impact on market sentiments. They can move communities quickly, driving trading volumes and shaping investor behavior. Memes like the Trade Offer Meme capture complex ideas in simple visuals, making them easily shareable and influential in both digital and financial communities.

Can meme-based cryptocurrencies be a good investment?

Meme-based cryptocurrencies carry inherent volatility and speculative risk. While they can offer rapid gains due to viral momentum, it’s crucial to assess their technical fundamentals, community support, and regulatory landscape. Expert advice from sources such as Traders Union is recommended before making any investment decisions.

What is the future of meme coins after the success of the Trade Offer Meme?

The future of meme coins looks promising, with potential mainstream adoption, technological innovations, and clearer regulatory frameworks on the horizon. However, the volatile nature of meme culture means that new trends could emerge at any time, driving the next wave of meme-based digital assets.



About the Author

Written by Andrey Mastykin, a renowned financial expert and editor at Traders Union, this article delivers expert insights backed by over 15 years of trading and investment experience. Specializing in trading strategies, technical analysis, and risk management, he provides invaluable guidance for traders at all levels.


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