Comparing DOGE and SHIB: Which meme coin has a broader cultural influence?

Dogecoin ( Dogecoin ) and Shiba Inu ( SHIB ) are household names in the crypto world. Not just tokens, they represent two widely accepted cultural phenomena globally. As of mid-2025, Dogecoin has approximately 6 to 8 million wallet holders, while the number of active wallets for SHIB has exceeded 1.3 million. Despite constant market fluctuations, both have a daily trading volume of over $200 million—clearly indicating their ongoing popularity.

Origins and Meme Heritage

If we were to name the first truly "interesting" cryptocurrency, it might be Dogecoin. Dogecoin was created by Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer in 2013, and it wasn't meant to be disruptive. Its strength lies in its simplicity: a clueless Shiba Inu face paired with early internet humor. This real-life dog, Kabosu, is now cast in a bronze statue, becoming an icon that transcends the digital space. SHIB emerged in 2020 in a more thoughtful manner. Known as the "Dogecoin Killer," it quickly transformed into a comprehensive ecosystem on Ethereum. From ShibaSwap and NFTs to staking and DeFi, SHIB is not just riding the meme wave—it has begun to build a structured network.

Community and Cultural Bonds

The rise of Dogecoin is not driven by technology, but by people. Its grassroots community funded the Jamaican bobsled team, a NASCAR car, and various charitable activities. When Kabosu passed away, users across platforms united to change their profile pictures. This is no longer a financial issue — it’s a cultural resonance. SHIB has taken a more organized approach by establishing the "Shiba Inu Legion." From local Telegram groups to a structured DAO, the community collaboratively creates its future. Shibarium, SHIB's second-layer network, supports DApps and low-cost transactions. SHIB is not just about holding tokens; it empowers users to become builders. How many projects truly hand over direction to their DAO? Or how many projects launch their own second-layer chains for scalability? SHIB quietly and consistently does this. Over time, users become contributors — this is the core of maintaining a culture that transcends speculation.

Beyond Emojis: Brand Identity

Dogecoin represents brand purity. No complicated white papers. No complex roadmaps. Yet, it thrives—becoming even a payment method for Tesla products in 2021. A single tweet from Elon Musk can shake the market. What DOGE brings is not just value; it is an emotional touch—something that most brands dream of. On the other hand, SHIB is an emerging Web3 empire. Through its tokens (BONE, LEASH), a fully functional Layer 2 (Shibarium), and even a metaverse project, SHIB is turning curiosity into infrastructure. It is no longer just a meme — it is a machine. This is why it is rising in the rankings of blockchain platforms.

Recognition and Future Outlook

Dogecoin has a long-standing position in history. It was launched in 2013 and emerged in the cryptocurrency space, well before entering the mainstream market. It still lingers in the memories of investors and once held a spot among the top five by market capitalization. Its integration with Tesla and other commercial platforms further solidified its identity as the "people's coin." SHIB lacks the visual appeal of Dogecoin, but it makes up for this in long-term resilience. Its clear roadmap, active community, and continuously expanding features keep it in the top 20. SHIB is not just a token—it's a network made up of multiple initiatives, each attracting users and adding value.

Conclusion

Dogecoin is the first fire - original, organic, ignited by internet culture. SHIB is the next wave - meticulously crafted, enduring, and steadily burning in a layered ecosystem. If Dogecoin represents raw emotion, SHIB reflects the disciplined power of a Web3 native community. Together, they redefine what a meme coin is. In an increasingly community and culture-influenced crypto space, both Dogecoin and SHIB are worth paying attention to - not only because of their financial potential but also because of the social currency they are shaping in real-time.

Author: Blog Team *This content does not constitute any offer, solicitation, or recommendation. You should always seek independent professional advice before making any investment decisions. *Please note that Gate may restrict or prohibit the use of all or part of its services from restricted areas. For more information, please refer to the user agreement.