Will the Next Crypto Bull Run Start in 2025?

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Will the Next Crypto Bull Run Start in 2025?

As of mid-2025, the cryptocurrency market remains in a state of cautious equilibrium—neither bearish nor euphoric, but marked by underlying tension. Bitcoin trades near $109,000, just below its recent all-time high of $111,814 set in May, while the total crypto market capitalization hovers around $3.7 trillion. This has led many traders and analysts to ask: are we on the verge of the next crypto bull run?

While several forecasts point to the possibility of a breakout this year, certainty is elusive in such a volatile space. If a bull run does materialize, it may not be the usual market leaders commanding all the attention. Though Bitcoin has maintained its strength in 2025, altcoins are beginning to attract increasing interest from institutions and traders. While no one can predict the market’s next move with complete confidence, examining current trends, data, and macroeconomic indicators can help frame more informed expectations.

Historical Context: Lessons from Previous Bull Runs

To gain meaningful insight into where the crypto market may be heading, it’s essential to examine its history. While crypto remains highly volatile and difficult to predict with precision, its movements are not entirely random. As the saying goes, “history doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.” In that spirit, the next crypto bull market is likely to exhibit patterns and triggers similar to those seen in previous cycles.

Understanding Market Cycles

The cryptocurrency market tends to move in recognizable phases: accumulation, markup, distribution, and markdown. These cycles are driven as much by trader psychology as they are by technical or economic fundamentals. Historical bull runs provide valuable context. In 2017, Bitcoin surged from around $1,000 to nearly $20,000, and Ethereum jumped from $8 to over $750—fueled largely by ICO speculation and widespread retail enthusiasm. However, the rally was short-lived and followed by a sharp correction.

In contrast, the 2020–2021 bull market saw Bitcoin climb from approximately $8,000 to $64,000 over a more sustained 473-day period. This cycle was characterized by greater institutional involvement, the rise of crypto ETFs, and major corporate balance sheets adopting digital assets. Compared to the 165-day surge in 2017, the extended duration underscored how structural shifts—such as regulatory clarity or infrastructure maturity—can serve as catalysts for more prolonged growth.

Ultimately, understanding these past dynamics can help investors anticipate the potential triggers and trajectory of the next major market move.

The Role of Bitcoin Halving Events

Another significant factor that could influence the timing of the next crypto bull run is the Bitcoin halving. Unlike fiat currencies, Bitcoin’s supply is not unlimited; its issuance is governed by a fixed schedule embedded in its code. Approximately every four years, the rewards granted to miners for validating transactions are cut in half—a process known as the “halving.” The most recent halving occurred on April 20, 2024, reducing the block reward from 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC.

Historically, each halving has preceded a major bull market. For example:

  • The 2012 halving led to the 2013 supercycle.

  • The 2016 halving fueled the 2017 rally.

  • The 2020 halving set the stage for Bitcoin’s meteoric rise in 2021.

In each case, Bitcoin reached a new all-time high roughly 6 to 12 months after the halving event. If this historical pattern holds, mid-to-late 2025 could align with the next major upward move in the crypto market.

However, the halving is just one piece of a larger puzzle. Broader macroeconomic conditions, institutional involvement, regulatory clarity, and emerging blockchain innovations will also play pivotal roles in shaping what comes next.

Key Indicators Signaling a Potential 2025 Crypto Bull Run

When will the 2025 crypto bull run begin—if at all? While it’s impossible to pinpoint the exact timing, several indicators suggest that conditions may be aligning for a significant market upswing. By examining these signals, we can outline a potential timeline and framework for understanding what might come next.

Institutional Adoption and Investment

Institutional involvement often signals a shift in market maturity and momentum. The 2021 bull run, for example, saw a surge in activity when major financial players entered the space. A similar pattern appears to be unfolding in 2025. The U.S. government has announced holdings of approximately $21 billion in digital assets and the establishment of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

In parallel, firms such as BlackRock and Fidelity have significantly expanded their crypto initiatives. BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF, launched in early 2024, attracted substantial institutional capital and brought new legitimacy to the asset class.

Across Europe, institutional adoption continues to accelerate. Deutsche Bank, Germany’s largest bank, introduced crypto custodial services in early 2025, creating access for traditionally conservative funds.

Regulatory Developments

Regulatory clarity is gradually improving—an essential ingredient for sustained growth. In the U.S., the introduction of the Digital Asset Market Structure Bill aims to categorize crypto assets as commodities or securities, thereby delineating responsibilities between the SEC and CFTC.

The European Union has taken significant steps with the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, which establishes a harmonized legal framework across all 27 member states. Meanwhile, Singapore and other Asian jurisdictions are creating comprehensive licensing systems designed to encourage responsible innovation.

Clear, consistent regulations reduce uncertainty, attract capital, and help lay the groundwork for broader adoption.

Technological Advancements and New Use Cases

The narrative that crypto is “all promise and no product” is fading. In 2025, real-world applications are scaling. Tokenized real-world assets (RWAs)—such as real estate, commodities, and carbon credits—are gaining momentum, with the potential to inject trillions into the on-chain economy.

Decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols are evolving with improved user interfaces, built-in risk protections, and integrations with traditional financial institutions. Leading blockchains like Ethereum, Solana, and Avalanche are addressing scalability and performance issues, further enhancing their appeal.

The convergence of blockchain with artificial intelligence is another promising trend. Autonomous agents that interact with smart contracts and AI-powered decision-making mechanisms are driving the next wave of innovation.

Market Sentiment and Behavioral Factors

Understanding market cycles requires recognizing that trader sentiment often moves ahead of technical indicators.

Retail Participation: Retail traders, while not the largest capital source, often influence short-term momentum. In 2025, retail activity has remained resilient, supported by more accessible platforms and a renewed sense of enthusiasm. Fear of missing out (FOMO) remains a powerful motivator, especially as Bitcoin and altcoins begin to demonstrate sustained upward movement.

Memecoin Popularity: Memecoins continue to capture the imagination of retail investors. Some market watchers suggest we may even be approaching a “memecoin supercycle,” driven by viral trends and speculative momentum.

Media and Public Perception: Crypto is once again commanding attention in mainstream and social media. Influential platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and TikTok are driving community engagement. Simultaneously, outlets like Bloomberg and Forbes are increasingly covering digital assets, contributing to broader awareness and sentiment.

Expert Predictions and Timeline Projections

Opinions differ, but most analysts anticipate that a potential bull run could begin between July and September 2025, with a market peak possibly arriving in late Q4.

However, these projections are contingent on favorable market conditions and are subject to disruption by events such as the following:

  • Harsh regulatory changes (especially in the U.S. or China)

  • Geopolitical instability

  • A sharp economic downturn or liquidity crunch

  • Overheated speculation (leading to early bubbles that pop too soon)

Crypto Bull Run Risks and Strategic Considerations

While the outlook for a potential 2025 crypto bull run is promising, the market remains inherently unpredictable. For every indicator pointing to a surge, there are equally important risk factors that could delay, dampen, or even derail a bullish cycle. Investors asking “when will the next bull run begin?” should also consider what might prevent it.

Regulatory Shocks

Regulation plays a pivotal role in market confidence. Constructive regulation fosters clarity and growth; misguided or abrupt regulation can disrupt the ecosystem. For instance, if the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) were to reclassify major assets like Ethereum as securities, it could have far-reaching consequences—freezing trading platforms and destabilizing DeFi protocols.

Additionally, aggressive tax policies or restrictive international measures targeting financial privacy could push capital away from regulated markets, weakening momentum just as it builds.

Macroeconomic Pressures

Broader economic forces remain a critical variable. Persistent inflation or elevated interest rates may make high-risk assets like Bitcoin and altcoins less attractive to institutional investors. In the event of a global recession, capital could shift toward traditionally safer assets such as bonds, gold, or cash equivalents.

Moreover, geopolitical tensions—such as international conflicts, sanctions, or trade disruptions—can suppress innovation, stoke fear, and reduce liquidity across global markets.

Market Psychology & Volatility

Cryptocurrency markets are highly susceptible to sentiment and speculation. Overleveraged trading—like that seen during the 2021 collapses of Celsius and Voyager—can cause cascading liquidations even from minor price drops. A premature surge in altcoin speculation could also inflate unsustainable valuations and trigger sharp corrections, damaging investor confidence and cutting a potential rally short.

Given these variables, prudent risk management is essential. New and seasoned investors alike should consider the following:

  • Set clear stop-losses and exit strategies

  • Avoid overexposure to illiquid or highly speculative tokens

  • Diversify holdings across asset types and platforms

  • Conduct in-depth research before entering new positions

The next bull run could deliver substantial returns—or a costly lesson. Preparation, not prediction, is the better strategy.

Positioning for the Next Bull Run

When examining trends like historical halving cycles, increasing institutional participation, expanding real-world utility, and resurgent retail interest, a compelling narrative takes shape.

Most indicators point toward a likely launch of the next crypto bull market between July and September 2025, with a potential peak in late Q4. However, precise timing is less important than strategic readiness.

In volatile markets, being informed, flexible, and emotionally disciplined is far more valuable than attempting to time the top or bottom. The current landscape shows strong potential, but navigating it requires clarity, research, and a measured approach.

Whether you are preparing to make your first entry or scaling an existing portfolio, staying vigilant is key. The conditions may be aligning, but it’s your readiness that will determine how well you capitalize on what’s coming.

FAQs

When is the next crypto bull run expected to start?

While it is impossible to pinpoint the exact start date of the next bull market, many analysts anticipate a potential uptrend between late summer and early fall of 2025—likely between July and September. That said, markets do not operate on a fixed schedule. Any rally will ultimately depend on a convergence of sentiment, macroeconomic conditions, and momentum.

What typically triggers a crypto bull run?

Bull markets are rarely driven by a single factor. Instead, they result from a combination of key elements: reduced supply following Bitcoin halving events, renewed institutional and retail investment, favorable regulatory developments, technological innovation, and a positive shift in market sentiment. These forces together can create the momentum required for sustained growth.

Is now a good time to trade ahead of the 2025 bull run?

Investment timing depends on individual risk tolerance and strategy. Some investors prefer to enter during periods of relative calm and lower valuations, while others wait for confirmed upward trends. Both approaches carry risks: early investors may face interim volatility, while late entrants risk buying near potential market peaks. Thorough research and disciplined risk management are essential either way.

Could the bull run be delayed?

Yes. Several macro and regulatory risks could delay or dampen a potential bull market. These include adverse economic conditions, heightened interest rates, sudden regulatory actions, or a loss of market momentum. As always, investors should remain agile and avoid overcommitting to any single scenario.

Disclaimer: This material is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Flipster makes no recommendations or guarantees in respect of any digital asset, product, or service. Trading digital assets and digital asset derivatives comes with a significant risk of loss due to its high price volatility, and is not suitable for all investors. Please refer to our Terms.