Do You Still Trust Crypto Influencers — Or Nah?

Hazel

Hazel

Well-known member
Feels like the influencer game has changed a lot. Used to be some genuine alpha mixed in, now it’s mostly paid promos with no disclaimers.
Still, some folks provide solid insights.
So the big question is:

👉 Who do you still follow in 2025 that’s worth listening to?
👉 Are you more into independent researchers or YouTubers/Twitter guys?
👉 Any red flags to instantly spot a shill?

Drop names (or call out red flags) — let’s clean up the signal from the noise.
 
The influencer landscape has shifted a lot. Back in the day, you’d get real insights, deep dives, and some actual alpha. Now? It’s mostly promo overload — and yeah, half of them don’t even bother with disclaimers anymore.

That said, there are still a few voices worth tuning into. I’ve stuck with a couple of independent researchers who’ve consistently called things early — especially the ones who post data-driven breakdowns instead of hype reels. They might not be as flashy, but they’re way more reliable.

Red flags? Easy:
  • Suddenly shilling unknown coins with no history of talking about them
  • Disabling comments or engagement when questioned
  • Overusing phrases like “next 100x gem” or “don’t miss this rocket”
  • Always “early” on private-sale tokens 👀

Curating your feed takes work now, but the real ones are still out there — just gotta dig through more noise to find them.
 
Totally feel this — the space has definitely shifted. It’s harder than ever to separate real alpha from paid noise, but there are still some solid voices out there if you know where to look.

Personally, I lean more toward independent researchers and niche Twitter/X accounts that back their takes with on-chain data or deep threads. The ones who don’t shill 20 coins a week usually earn my trust fast.

As for red flags — when someone’s pushing the same token across multiple platforms with zero transparency or suddenly goes quiet after a pump… yeah, that's a hard pass for me 🚩

One tip: cross-reference what they say with community feedback and dev activity. Helps cut through the hype.

Would love to hear everyone’s “must-follows” too — always looking for quality signals in the noise.
 
Totally agree — way more noise than signal now. I still follow a few solid independent researchers and on-chain sleuths over flashy influencers. If someone’s pushing low-cap coins daily with zero disclosures or crazy FOMO language, it’s usually a shill. Clear breakdowns, on-chain data, and honesty about bags? That’s who I trust in 2025.
 
Definitely feel that — the influencer space in 2025 is flooded with paid promos disguised as “alpha,” but there are still a few gems out there. I lean more toward independent researchers and on-chain analysts who break things down without hype. YouTubers and Twitter folks can be solid too, but I watch for red flags like constant low-cap shills, vague roadmaps, or no mention of sponsored content. If someone’s transparent, shows receipts, and doesn’t overhype every pick, they’re worth tuning into.
 
100% — the alpha-to-shill ratio’s way off these days 😅 I stick with a few solid on-chain researchers and devs who don’t push coins daily. Prefer indie voices over loud Twitter/YT hype machines. Red flags? Constant “undervalued gem” threads, no disclaimers, or dumping right after posting. If they’re not showing data or being transparent, I’m out.
 
The space has definitely shifted, but there are still solid voices cutting through the noise. Independent researchers and deep-dive analysts are where the real alpha is—less hype, more substance.

I still follow guys like DeFi Edge and Checkmatey for smart insights, plus some sharp on-chain sleuths who track wallets and trends in real-time. Instant red flags? Overuse of ‘100x gem’ talk, hiding disclaimers, and calling everything ‘the next big thing’ with zero real analysis.

The good news Emerging markets in crypto are booming, and if you filter out the noise, there’s serious opportunity ahead. Stay sharp, stay skeptical, and let’s keep building.
 
A selective approach is necessary. Individuals or entities with a proven track record of consistent, data-driven insights rather than those who chase hype are worth following. Look for experts with deep, analytical perspectives on market fundamentals and long-term trends, as well as a clear understanding of underlying technologies like blockchain scalability, DeFi, and regulatory impacts.

The shift towards independent research is particularly valuable for those seeking in-depth, unbiased information. Independent analysts—whether from established firms or emerging thought leaders tend to offer more nuanced views and avoid the sensationalism prevalent on platforms like YouTube or Twitter. Relying solely on these platforms without cross-referencing could expose investors to skewed narratives.

One clear red flag is the absence of transparency. If an influencer promotes a project without disclosing potential conflicts of interest, such as holding large positions in that asset, this should raise concerns. Additionally, over-promising returns or focusing too heavily on social media engagement metrics (e.g., follower counts, likes, etc.) instead of technical analysis or market trends can be an indicator of a promotion-driven agenda. Be wary of anyone using hyperbole without substantiated data.
 
It’s honestly getting harder to trust anyone these days. Feels like 90% of the alpha being dropped is just paid promo dressed up as insights. The whole space has been flooded with influencers who don’t even bother with disclaimers anymore.


I used to follow a handful of people who felt genuine, but it’s tough now. Hard to tell who’s in it for the long haul and who’s just here for the paycheck. I honestly think the independent researchers have a bit more credibility, but even they’re getting drowned out by the noise. The YouTube/Twitter crowd has become more about hype than actual knowledge.

As for red flags when someone’s pushing a coin nonstop but never talks about risks or alternative views, that’s usually the first sign they’re in it for the payout. And when their followers start flooding the comments with to the moon nonsense Definitely a shill.
 
It’s crazy how the influencer space has shifted from genuine, insightful takes to an overload of paid promos. It's getting harder to distinguish between solid advice and marketing fluff.


Who to follow in 2025 I still keep an eye on those who focus on fundamentals and aren’t just chasing hype. People like Lark Davis (for his overall market insights) and Benjamin Cowen (for his long-term, data-driven approach) seem to keep it real. For altcoins, CryptoKaleo has some solid calls, though even he’s starting to show more paid promo content, so always keep that in mind.

Independent researchers Honestly, I’m leaning more toward independent researchers. Platforms like Messari or Glassnode provide solid data-backed analysis, and some smaller, more niche researchers on Reddit or Telegram have hidden gems. YouTubers and Twitter influencers have become more entertainment-driven, so I tread carefully there.
 
The influencer space in crypto has undoubtedly evolved, and it's become increasingly difficult to distinguish between genuine insights and paid promotions. However, a few consistent voices still stand out for their quality analysis and integrity.


In 2025, I’m still following a select few who combine deep research with practical experience. Names like Lark Davis, PlanB, and The Moon remain credible because they focus on long-term fundamentals rather than hyped-up short-term plays. I also find Willy Woo and On-Chain Analyst to be insightful when it comes to understanding market trends and data-driven analysis.


I lean towards independent researchers who provide transparent, data-backed research over YouTubers or Twitter personalities who thrive on sensationalism. There's something about the independence of research-focused creators like The Block Research and Messari that feels more reliable compared to influencers selling narratives.
 
Totally agree, the influencer scene has shifted massively. A lot of it now feels like a game of smoke and mirrors with paid promos masked as organic content. It’s tough to sift through the noise and find the genuine alpha, but it’s still out there if you know where to look.


For 2025, I'm sticking with a few OGs who consistently provide value, like Lark Davis (for general market insights and The Moon for solid altcoin updates. Also, ChainLinkGod (for deep dives into decentralized oracles) and Hasu (for macro crypto analysis) have been keeping it real. Definitely not all the names you hear about every day.

I’m more into independent researchers they have the freedom to dig deeper and not worry about shilling projects. YouTubers and Twitter influencers tend to be hit or miss. But for those who manage to stay independent, they give solid long-term insights without the paid push.
 
From an economist’s perspective, the shifting landscape of crypto influencers is symptomatic of the broader commercialization of the industry. What we’re witnessing is a classic case of market evolution, where the once genuine advisory spaces have become saturated with monetized voices, often at the cost of objectivity.


In 2025, the challenge lies in distinguishing between credible analysis and sponsored content. The trend towards paid promotions, often without the necessary disclaimers, undermines trust. The commodification of influence has made it difficult to differentiate between authentic, value-driven content and content that's primarily designed to drive sales or pump specific assets.


In terms of who’s still worth following, independent researchers who maintain a reputation for rigorous analysis and transparency have become invaluable. These voices are increasingly rare, but they offer a level of intellectual rigor that YouTubers or Twitter personalities whose content is often designed for virality rather than depth—can’t always provide. The rise of decentralized research platforms and analysts who focus on empirical data and long-term trends is, in my opinion, a promising development.
 
The influencer landscape has definitely shifted, and it can be tough to sift through all the noise. But there are still some gems out there providing real value. Personally, I’ve been following a mix of independent researchers and trustedr personalities. It’s all about finding the ones who consistently bring value, not just fluff.

That said, there are still some solid influencers out there, just gotta dig deeper and follow those who are consistently focused on educating and sharing real insights. It's a journey! Keep it up!
 
Still following a few sharp minds like CryptoCred (when he drops a thread, I listen) and The DeFi Edge for alpha that doesn’t feel like it came with a promo code. For YouTubers, JRNY Crypto sometimes drops gems, but I keep one eye on the sponsored section like it’s the fine print on a shady token presale.


I lean toward indie researchers they’re less glossy, more gutsy. If someone’s rocking a Substack over a Lambo thumbnail, I’m paying attention.Let’s bring back the era where alpha meant research, not a referral link.
 
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