- Altseason is a period where altcoins outpace Bitcoin in returns.
- Five critical signals, including market sentiment and on-chain data, could ignite the next boom.
For the uninitiated, an altcoin season – or “altseason” – is a period where altcoins, cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin [BTC], outpace BTC in returns. It’s when the spotlight shifts and traders scramble to find the next big mover.
But identifying whether we’re on the brink of such a rally isn’t simple.
In this guide, AMBCrypto will explore five critical signals that could ignite the next boom. From market sentiment to on-chain data, these indicators could help you stay ahead of the curve in 2025.
Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting, understanding these trends could be the edge you need.
A shift in dominance: Altcoins vs. Bitcoin
Bitcoin Dominance (BTC.D), reflecting Bitcoin’s share of the total crypto market, often declines during altseason as capital flows into altcoins.
At press time, BTC.D sat at 60.7%, up from 56.8% last month, while altcoin dominance has dropped to 29.3% from 31.3%.
Ethereum has also slipped to 10.0%, down from 11.9%.
Source: CoinMarketCap
Bitcoin recently hit a yearly dominance high of 61%, signaling its current market strength. However, historical altseasons typically begin after BTC dominance peaks and starts to fall, creating opportunities for altcoins to rally.
If BTC dominance dips below 60% and altcoins regain traction, it could signal the start of an altcoin rally. The balance of dominance remains a key indicator to watch.
Ethereum’s role as an altcoin market leader
Ethereum [ETH], the largest altcoin, often sets the stage for altseason. When ETH/BTC trends upward, it indicates Ethereum outperforming Bitcoin, a signal that altcoins could follow suit.
Historically, Ethereum spearheads alt rallies, paving the way for mid-cap and low-cap coins.
Source: TradingView
At press time, ETH/BTC was at 0.02716, reflecting a consistent downtrend since late December 2024. This weakness suggests altcoins remain under pressure for now.
However, a reversal in ETH/BTC could act as the first domino to ignite broader altcoin momentum. Market watchers should look for signs of stabilization and upward movement in this pair to confirm an altseason trigger.
Altcoin Market Cap as an altseason indicator
The total Altcoin Market Cap, approximately $265 billion, serves as a key gauge for alt-season signals.
When this metric rises while Bitcoin stagnates or declines, it reflects capital rotation into altcoins, suggesting increased investor confidence.
Source: CoinGecko
The historical chart reveals cyclical spikes in the altcoin market cap, often aligning with broader market trends. Previous surges led to notable rallies across the altcoin market.
Currently, the market remains subdued, suggesting caution. A breakout accompanied by volume could signal the onset of alt-season, offering lucrative opportunities for traders.
Monitoring this metric alongside ETH/BTC trends provides a comprehensive altcoin market outlook.
Trump’s crypto pivot
Recent U.S. cryptocurrency policy developments under President Donald Trump’s administration signal a potentially favorable environment for altcoins like Ripple[XRP].
Notably, discussions about establishing a national crypto reserve may prioritize U.S.-based digital currencies, including XRP and Solana [SOL].
Reports indicate that President Trump has engaged with the founders of these digital assets, suggesting a possible openness to incorporating them into national policy.
These policy shifts indicate a more supportive environment for cryptocurrencies, potentially leading to increased investment and development in the altcoin market.
As regulations become clearer and more favorable, coins like XRP may experience significant growth, signaling the onset of an altseason.
Read Bitcoin’s [BTC] Price Prediction 2025–2026
Crypto airdrops, social media hype point to…
One of the strongest indicators of an approaching alt-season is the surge in crypto airdrops and heightened social media buzz.
During these periods, new projects aggressively launch through ICOs, and crypto airdrops become more frequent, enticing traders with free token distributions.
On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), influencers and crypto enthusiasts amplify the hype, proclaiming that “altseason is here.” Telegram and Discord communities buzz with discussions about the next 100x altcoin.
Traders rush to capitalize on lucrative airdrop opportunities. If crypto promotions dominate your feed, the market may be gearing up for an explosive rally.
