The world of crypto has always thrived on the voices that define it. From bold price calls to late-night threads dissecting tokenomics, influencers—known in the space as KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders)—have played a crucial role in shaping market sentiment. But this cycle feels different. A growing number of prominent crypto personalities are vanishing from X (formerly Twitter), and their silence is starting to speak volumes.
Over the past few weeks, crypto veterans and newcomers alike have noticed a concerning trend: respected KOLs, some with hundreds of thousands of followers, have either gone quiet or disappeared entirely. The disappearance of accounts like CryptoDog and Luke Martin hasn’t gone unnoticed, sparking theories, debates, and some uncomfortable truths about the state of the market.
One of the first to sound the alarm was Satoshi Flipper, a well-followed investor who questioned publicly:
“What happened to so many accounts this cycle? CryptoDog deleted his? I noticed Luke Martin disappeared months ago. So many OGs gone—any idea why?”
The responses came in waves, painting a stark picture of a market that’s become increasingly unforgiving—even to its most seasoned participants.
A Brutal Market, Even for the Experienced
While Bitcoin has shown resilience, hovering near its all-time high, the altcoin market has taken a beating. With valuations still roughly 40% off their peak, this cycle has been especially cruel to those heavily invested in high-risk, high-reward assets.
Arkham, a crypto intelligence platform, recently analyzed the wallets of nearly 1,000 prominent influencers, each with over 100,000 followers. The findings were telling—most wallets had suffered significant losses. Murad’s wallet, once associated with a “meme coin supercycle” narrative, had dropped 50%. Even Arthur Hayes, the outspoken BitMEX co-founder, wasn’t immune—his holdings fell by over 60%.
For influencers, this isn’t just about financial loss. With on-chain activity now easily traceable, reputations are on the line. The same transparency that gives influencers credibility can turn against them in a heartbeat. Every misstep, every failed trade is now public record—fuel for critics and trolls alike.
A Cultural Shift That Left OGs Behind
Beyond the numbers, there’s something deeper brewing—a generational shift. Many of the “OGs” who helped build Crypto Twitter since the 2017 cycle now find themselves in unfamiliar territory. Today’s landscape is shaped by fast-moving meme coins, aggressive on-chain traders, and influencers whose focus is more on virality than values.
As NekoZ, an advisor at OKX Wallet, put it:
“This cycle has been the hardest for a lot in our class. A lot of OGs got washed. The new guys don’t really care to get to know CT—they’re too busy making money. Can’t blame them.”
Theories: Bankruptcy, Burnout, or Bought Accounts?
Speculation is rife. Some suggest that influencers may have simply burned out or gone bankrupt—an unfortunate but realistic outcome in a market as volatile as crypto. Others, like Devchart, hint at a darker possibility: account sales.
Devchart claims that some once-revered KOLs sold their accounts, which are now used for shady promotions or pump-and-dump schemes. While unconfirmed, this theory aligns with the disillusionment felt by many in the community.
Regardless of the reasons, the departure of these influencers is reshaping the crypto content landscape. Trust—already fragile in the crypto world—is being tested once again. And in an industry that relies so heavily on narrative and momentum, the silence of its storytellers may be louder than we think.
As the market continues to evolve, one thing is clear: survival in crypto isn’t just about smart trades. It’s about adapting to cultural shifts, navigating transparency, and maintaining credibility in a space where both the stakes and the spotlight have never been higher.
