The TikTok-driven memecoin frenzy has pushed novice traders to explore decentralized wallets like Phantom, even though these tools are less beginner-friendly compared to centralized exchanges like Coinbase. At the time of writing, Phantom holds the fifth spot among free apps in Apple’s U.S. App Store, outpacing Coinbase, which languishes in 25th place.

Source: Apple

Phantom CEO Brandon Millman attributes this shift to the rapid evolution of on-chain activity, which traditional exchanges are struggling to match. “Centralized exchanges can’t keep up with all the new on-chain paradigms fast enough,” Millman noted in an email.

For years, Coinbase’s position in app store rankings has been seen as a barometer of retail enthusiasm during bull markets. However, in the midst of a crypto market boom—with Bitcoin nearing $100K and a $3.4 trillion market cap—Coinbase is no longer the go-to platform for new traders. Instead, the allure of high-risk, potentially high-reward memecoins is driving users on-chain.

Memecoins, often hours-old and exceptionally volatile, aren’t typically available on major centralized exchanges due to their speculative nature. To trade these tokens, users must rely on decentralized wallets like Phantom, which facilitate direct interaction with blockchain networks.

This trend also challenges the accessibility-first approach of platforms like Coinbase. While centralized exchanges offer a smoother entry into crypto, the memecoin boom has underscored the willingness of retail traders to endure a steeper learning curve to chase profits.

Phantom’s rise in popularity reflects this new reality, where decentralized tools are gaining traction among a broader audience eager to participate in the fast-paced, unpredictable world of on-chain trading. Whether this signals a long-term shift or just a temporary memecoin mania remains to be seen.