Apeing in Crypto: What Is It and Should You Do It?

The crypto world thrives on innovation, speed, and, let’s face it, a bit of chaos. One term that’s become part of this wild jungle is “apeing.” If you’ve ever felt the urge to jump headfirst into a new cryptocurrency or NFT because everyone else is talking about it, you’re already familiar with the concept.

It’s the crypto trader’s version of “sending it“, except sometimes you moon, and sometimes you realize you just bought a JPEG of a rock for 2 ETH. Either way, apes don’t think twice.Let’s break down what apeing is, why people do it, and how to approach it responsibly.

What Is Apeing in Crypto?

Apeing is when investors dive into a cryptocurrency or token without much thought or research, usually driven by FOMO (fear of missing out). It’s a common move in fast paced markets, especially in crypto, where new opportunities pop up constantly, and hesitation can mean missing out.

The term “apeing” is a playful nod to the idea of jumping in headfirst, like an eager ape, without fully weighing the risks. While the thrill of quick gains is tempting, blindly following the hype can just as easily lead to major losses.

Why Do People Ape In?

The Pros of Apeing

Apeing isn’t always reckless; in some cases, it can be a calculated risk. Here’s why some traders choose to ape in:

1. Potential for High Returns: Early adopters of successful tokens or projects often see massive gains.
2. Low Capital Requirements: You don’t need to invest large sums to see returns if the token performs well. For example, you can start trading on Morpher with as little as $1.
3. Excitement and Community: Being part of a buzzing project can be thrilling and create a sense of camaraderie within the community.

The Cons of Apeing

However, the risks of apeing often outweigh the benefits:

1. High Volatility: Prices can crash as quickly as they rise, leaving you with significant losses.
2. Scams and Rug Pulls: The crypto space is rife with fraudulent projects designed to exploit FOMO-driven investors.
3. Lack of Research: Apeing often means skipping due diligence, which increases the chances of making poor investment choices.
4. Illiquidity: Some projects create tokens with low liquidity, making it hard to sell when you want to exit.

Should You Ape In?

If you’re considering apeing, ask yourself these three questions:

• Do I fully understand the project? Spend at least some time reviewing its whitepaper, roadmap, and tokenomics.
• Can I afford to lose this money? Apeing is speculative and should only be done with funds you’re prepared to lose.
• Am I following FOMO? Recognize the emotional pull of hype and evaluate whether the investment aligns with your strategy.

Apeing is not inherently wrong, but it’s important to strike a balance between seizing opportunities and managing risks.

How Morpher Can Help You Ape Smarter

If you love the thrill of discovering new tokens but worry about the risks, you’re not alone. It’s easy to get caught up in the hype, but that doesn’t mean you have to lose out. With zero commission trading on Morpher, you can explore new opportunities without unnecessary costs eating into your profits.

Plus, our user-friendly platform makes it simple to manage your trades and diversify your portfolio, so you can take smart risks, not reckless ones.

Ready to trade?

Examples of Apeing in Crypto: Hall of Apes

Apeing has led to both massive gains and painful losses in the crypto world. Let’s look at some real cases where traders jumped in without proper research, sometimes winning big, but often losing everything.

1. Dogecoin & Shiba Inu (Meme Coin Mania)

During the 2021 crypto boom, Dogecoin ($DOGE) surged after Elon Musk frequently tweeted about it. Many traders aped in, hoping for a repeat of its massive rally. Some made huge profits, but others who bought in late watched their investments plummet as the hype faded.

Shiba Inu ($SHIB) followed a similar pattern, early adopters who got in before it was widely known made millions, while latecomers who aped in near the top were left with significant losses as the price corrected.

⚠️ Lesson: Hype alone doesn’t sustain value. Meme coins can skyrocket, but they can also crash just as fast.

2. The Pixelmon NFT Disaster

In early 2022, Pixelmon, an ambitious NFT project, promised high-quality gaming assets and raised over $70 million in Ethereum from eager investors. People aped into the mint, expecting a top-tier NFT game. But when the artwork was finally revealed, it was rather low-quality, laughable designs instead of the promised high-end visuals.

The NFTs quickly lost value, and the project became a meme for failed expectations.

⚠️ Lesson: Just because an NFT project is trending doesn’t mean it’s well-executed. Always research the team and roadmap before investing.

3. Terra (LUNA) and UST Collapse

One of the most infamous crypto crashes happened in 2022 with Terra ($LUNA) and its algorithmic stablecoin, UST. Many investors aped in, believing UST’s high-yield staking rewards (up to 20% APY) were sustainable. At its peak, the ecosystem had over $40 billion locked in.

Then, UST de-pegged from the dollar, causing LUNA’s value to collapse from $119 to nearly zero in a matter of days. Many traders who had blindly followed the hype without understanding the mechanics lost everything.

⚠️ Lesson: Just because something is labeled as “stable” or offers high returns doesn’t mean it’s safe. Always understand the risks behind high-yield DeFi projects.

4. Squid Game Token ($SQUID) – A Classic Rug Pull

After the success of Netflix’s Squid Game, a crypto token called $SQUID launched, claiming to be tied to an upcoming play-to-earn game. The token skyrocketed from $0.01 to over $2,800 within days, and traders aped in, expecting even bigger gains.

But here’s the catch—investors couldn’t sell their tokens due to a scam mechanism in the smart contract. The developers then vanished with millions in what became one of the biggest rug pulls in crypto history.

⚠️ Lesson: Just because a token is trending doesn’t mean it’s legitimate. Always verify whether you can sell before you buy.

Know When to Ape and When to Wait

Apeing into crypto is part of the thrill—sometimes it pays off big, sometimes it’s a hard lesson. The key is knowing when to jump in and when to take a step back. Hype fades, but smart decisions stick with you. If you take a moment to research, set limits, and manage your risks, you can still chase those big wins without wiping out your portfolio.

At Morpher, we make it easier to explore new opportunities without the extra costs. Whether you’re taking a leap or making a calculated move, having the right tools matters. Trade smarter, ape responsibly.

Disclaimer: All investments involve risk, and the past performance of a security, industry, sector, market, financial product, trading strategy, or individual’s trading does not guarantee future results or returns. Investors are fully responsible for any investment decisions they make. Such decisions should be based solely on an evaluation of their financial circumstances, investment objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs. This post does not constitute investment advice.