According to CryptoPotato, new research by Chainplay reveals a staggering 97% failure rate for meme coin projects since 2024. The data indicates that meme coins have an average lifespan of just one year, compared to the typical three-year lifespan of other crypto projects. AlphaQuest, a crypto research tool, reports that an average of 2,020 meme coin projects die each month. The study, which analyzed 30,000 projects, highlights the high-risk nature of meme coins, describing them as a rollercoaster of fortunes or a financial minefield. 
The research also points out the varying mortality rates of meme coins across different blockchain platforms. Base leads with a death rate of 66.91%, followed by Solana at 54.03% and Ethereum at 36.59%. Additionally, over half (55.24%) of meme coins are linked to malicious activities. Despite these risks, meme coins remain appealing to investors seeking quick gains. Nearly 60% of investors in this asset class view them as short-term investments. The study also shows that meme coins have become a significant part of many crypto portfolios, with two-thirds of crypto investors having invested in them at some point. The perception of meme coins varies significantly among investors based on their experience. 
While 54% of all meme coin investors do not view these assets as essential to their portfolios, nearly 58% of new investors—those active for less than six months—consider them crucial. In contrast, only a third of investors with over a year of experience regard them as must-have assets, suggesting that increased expertise leads to greater caution. The media’s perspective reflects similar caution. The study found that only 13.77% of news reports on meme coins are bullish, indicating a predominantly cautious outlook. Chainplay’s research emphasizes the importance of thorough research into these assets, especially given the high prevalence of scams. Audit reports have proven to be a valuable tool in this regard, correctly predicting whether a meme coin will turn out to be a scam in 81% of cases. The research underscores the importance of due diligence for investors navigating the market within this asset class.