Solana has become the center of memecoin creation in 2025. Hundreds of new tokens launch every day, and the platforms driving this surge are the launchpads that make token creation simple and viral. Among these, two names dominate the conversation, which is Pump.fun and Moonshot.
Both platforms allow creators to launch tokens with minimal setup and instant access to liquidity. But the difference between them lies in scale, visibility, and the trading activity they generate after launch. While Pump.fun has become a cultural phenomenon, Moonshot is emerging as a quieter but potentially more sustainable alternative.
This article compares both platforms to determine which one truly drives more trading volume. The analysis draws on verified metrics, market data, and user feedback from across Solana’s ecosystem.
Pump.fun vs Moonshot: Launchpad Comparison (2025)
The comparison table shows that Pump.fun dominates Solana’s launchpad scene in terms of speed and trading volume, but it carries more volatility and speculative behavior. Moonshot, while smaller, appeals to creators who want transparency, structured launches, and long-term holder retention. The choice between them depends on the project’s goals, such as quick visibility and liquidity favor Pump.fun, while sustainable growth and credibility favor Moonshot.
| Category | Pump.fun | Moonshot |
| Platform Type | Instant launchpad with bonding curve model | Structured launch and discovery platform |
| Primary Focus | High-volume memecoin launches | Transparent, curated token listings |
| Market Share (2025) | ~73% of Solana launchpad volume (Ainvest.com, Aug 2025) | ~5–10% estimated (DEX tracker averages) |
| Revenue to Date | Over $800M (The Block, 2025) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Launch Speed | Tokens live within minutes | Requires verification and setup |
| Liquidity Model | Auto-generated through bonding curve | Manual or creator-defined pools |
| Holder Retention | Low to moderate (high early dumps) | Higher average retention due to vesting and structure |
| Regulatory Scrutiny | Moderate (X suspensions and content concerns) | Low (limited exposure) |
| Community Perception | Viral, fast-paced, speculative | Steady, transparent, investor-friendly |
| Best For | Creators seeking rapid visibility and high short-term volume | Teams building long-term projects with stable holders |
What is Pump.fun?
Pump.fun is a Solana-based token launchpad that lets anyone create and trade tokens within minutes. Each new token is launched through a bonding curve model where early buyers gain tokens at lower prices. Once enough liquidity is built, the token “graduates” to a decentralized exchange such as Raydium or Jupiter.
Pump.fun has reshaped how tokens are launched. According to The Block, it has recorded more than $800 million in lifetime revenue as of mid-2025. Its rapid token creation process and built-in social visibility have made it the top launchpad for memecoins on Solana.
What is Moonshot?
Moonshot, on the other hand, positions itself as a launch and discovery platform. It allows creators to deploy tokens while integrating visibility tools and analytics for investors. Though smaller in scale, Moonshot has gained traction among creators who want structured launches with more transparency and less chaos.
While Pump.fun attracts massive short-term trading volume, Moonshot focuses on cleaner listings and curated visibility. Both have their own audiences and advantages.
Volume and Market Share Comparison
When it comes to raw trading activity, Pump.fun has a clear lead. According to Ainvest.com (August 2025), Pump.fun commanded over 73 percent of Solana’s launchpad market share within a 24-hour window, making it the most dominant platform in the category.
In multiple volume surges, Pump.fun tokens have surpassed competitors like LetsBONK and Snorter. TradingView reported one spike where Pump.fun tokens generated $144.5 million in 24-hour trading volume, compared to $34.6 million on LetsBONK.
Moonshot operates at a smaller scale. Exact figures are harder to verify due to limited transparency in public reporting, but estimates based on DEX tracking suggest Moonshot handles roughly 5 to 10 percent of Pump.fun’s average daily token volume.
However, Moonshot projects show slightly better wallet retention and lower early dumping rates, suggesting that while Pump.fun dominates in quantity; Moonshot may have a higher quality of holders over time.
How Each Platform Drives Volume
Pump.fun: Speed and Accessibility
Pump.fun’s bonding curve model is designed to trigger immediate activity. The instant a creator launches a token, early buyers compete for the lowest prices. This competition produces fast-moving charts and viral posts that attract even more traders.
The model is simple: the earlier someone buys, the higher their profit potential. As more users join, the price climbs along the bonding curve. This gamified approach keeps traders engaged and creates a snowball effect.
In addition, Pump.fun’s user interface integrates social sharing features. Each new launch can be easily posted across X and Telegram, turning the platform into both a marketplace and a viral engine.
Moonshot: Structure and Curation
Moonshot takes a slower, curated approach. It focuses on verified creators, transparent contracts, and launch data that investors can review. Instead of relying on rapid speculation, Moonshot supports launches that aim for longevity.
Some projects on Moonshot include rating systems, vesting schedules, and lock mechanisms that discourage quick dumps. This structure can result in steadier post-launch activity, even if initial volume is lower than Pump.fun.
In short, Pump.fun maximizes speed, while Moonshot emphasizes sustainability.
Key Metrics That Define Success
Daily Active Tokens and Trading Volume
Pump.fun processes thousands of new tokens daily. Most fade within hours, but the few that gain traction generate huge trading spikes. The platform’s sheer volume of launches ensures constant on-chain activity.
Moonshot sees fewer launches but maintains more consistent engagement per token. While Pump.fun’s average token lifespan may last days, Moonshot projects often sustain trading for weeks due to better investor filtering and community involvement.
Revenue Generation
Pump.fun earns through minting and transaction fees embedded in its curve model. Its viral design ensures a steady inflow of micro-transactions that accumulate into substantial daily revenue. The Block confirmed $800 million in cumulative revenue, making it one of Solana’s most profitable decentralized applications.
Moonshot’s fee model is smaller but more predictable, drawing revenue from listing fees and optional promotions.
Wallet Retention
A Crypto-Economy study showed that nearly 60 percent of Pump.fun presale wallets dumped tokens shortly after launch, indicating weaker long-term holding behavior. Moonshot’s structured model appears to retain holders longer, as tokens often include vesting and reward systems that discourage fast exits.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Pump.fun Strengths
- High visibility and large user base.
- Simple and fast token creation.
- Viral traction supported by social features.
Pump.fun Weaknesses
- Heavy speculative behavior and frequent pump-and-dump cycles.
- Regulatory scrutiny and content controversies, including suspensions of associated X accounts (CoinDesk, June 2025).
- Difficulty sustaining value beyond early trading stages.
Moonshot Strengths
- Cleaner token launches with transparent contracts.
- Tools that help investors evaluate tokens before trading.
- Lower risk of extreme volatility due to curated listings.
Moonshot Weaknesses
- Smaller community and lower market visibility.
- Limited liquidity compared to Pump.fun.
- Slower growth for creators who rely on fast viral reach.
Each platform appeals to different audiences. Pump.fun favors creators chasing rapid attention, while Moonshot attracts teams building structured ecosystems.
Case Studies and Market Lessons
Pump.fun Case: The Rise of “Based Brett”
Based Brett launched on Pump.fun and quickly became one of Solana’s most traded tokens. Within a week, its market cap crossed $400 million as meme contests and influencer posts spread across X and TikTok. The ease of minting and viral nature of the platform fueled rapid growth.
However, the same model led to high turnover. Once early buyers sold for profit, daily volume dropped sharply. The token remains well-known but serves as an example of short-lived hype.
Moonshot Case: A Smaller, Sustained Launch
One of Moonshot’s top-performing tokens focused on gradual community building and transparent vesting. The launch attracted fewer traders but achieved consistent trading for over two months. While its total volume was modest compared to Pump.fun tokens, the retention rate was nearly double.
These contrasting examples show that high volume does not always equal sustainability.
Future of Solana Launchpads
The memecoin market continues to evolve. Pump.fun remains the top driver of Solana trading volume, but the trend is attracting new competitors offering hybrid models. Some upcoming launchpads combine Pump.fun’s instant creation model with Moonshot’s transparency features.
Pump.fun has also started adapting by creating a liquidity arm, the Glass Full Foundation, aimed at backing promising projects that graduate to major DEXs (CoinDesk, August 2025). This move signals a shift from fast speculation toward selective long-term investment.
Moonshot, meanwhile, is working on integrations that allow creators to promote launches with analytics dashboards and community ranking systems. These additions could make it more competitive as the market matures.
In the near term, Pump.fun will likely continue to dominate trading volume. Its viral loop and ease of use appeal to retail traders. Over time, though, Moonshot’s structured approach may attract more serious projects looking for sustainable growth rather than fast exits.
How Hyperfomo Helps Crypto Projects
Launching a token is no longer about just creating liquidity. Success depends on choosing the right platform and executing a marketing strategy that drives real results.
Hyperfomo helps token projects evaluate launchpads like Pump.fun and Moonshot based on audience, liquidity potential, and post-launch sustainability.
We assist with:
- Market analysis and platform selection.
- Campaign design for pre-launch and post-launch visibility.
- Community onboarding to convert traders into holders.
- Tracking wallet retention, engagement, and volume metrics.
Our experience across the US, UK, and UAE markets gives crypto brands a balanced view of short-term hype versus long-term impact.
The Bottom Line
Pump.fun dominates Solana’s launchpad scene by generating the highest volume and visibility. Its bonding curve model, instant liquidity, and viral design make it the go-to platform for creators who want fast traction.
Moonshot offers a steadier, more transparent path for launches focused on retention. It may not match Pump.fun’s numbers, but its structured approach builds more sustainable communities.
In simple terms:
- Choose Pump.fun for reach, speed, and exposure.
- Choose Moonshot for credibility, retention, and consistency.
The right choice depends on your project’s goals. Volume is valuable, but long-term trust and community growth define lasting success in Solana’s evolving ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Pump.fun and Moonshot?
Pump.fun is designed for instant, high-volume token launches using a bonding curve model, while Moonshot focuses on structured and transparent listings. Pump.fun favors speed and visibility; Moonshot prioritizes quality and long-term growth.
Which launchpad drives more trading volume on Solana?
Pump.fun currently dominates Solana’s launchpad market with over 70 percent of total trading volume in 2025. Its viral model and easy minting process create rapid liquidity and high on-chain activity compared to Moonshot.
Which platform has better holder retention?
Moonshot projects typically show stronger holder retention. The platform uses vesting schedules, transparent contract setups, and community-driven incentives that reduce early selling and attract long-term holders.
Are Pump.fun tokens riskier to trade?
Pump.fun’s fast and open system attracts speculative activity, leading to high volatility and frequent pump-and-dump cycles. Traders should research each token’s team and utility before investing.
Which launchpad is better for new Solana projects?
It depends on your goals. For fast exposure and viral traction, Pump.fun is ideal. For sustainable growth and credibility, Moonshot is better suited. Choosing the right launchpad depends on the project’s time horizon and community strategy.
