Education 6 min read

What Are AI Agents In Crypto? Key Trend For 2025 Explained

In crypto, AI agents are intelligent programs that analyze blockchain data, predict trends, and execute trades autonomously, optimizing performance and efficiency.

AI agents in crypto – this is the most trending topic in the industry as we start the new year. Undoubtedly, AI agents will be among the top crypto narratives of 2025. But this is not just our prediction.

Facebook’s Mark Zuckerburg recently said that there will be more AI agents in the world than humans. A slightly scary but bold prediction. OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman said that AI agents will enter the workforce in 2025, making businesses more efficient and productive.

In fact, according to CoinGecko data, AI Agent tokens now have a market cap of over $16billion. The sector is currently dominated by AI agents like Virtuals Protocol, FET, Ai16Z, and AiXBT. The majority of these tokens were launched in 2024, and they aren’t even a year old.

So, what is this rising force in the crypto market? What are AI agents, and how do they work in the crypto sector? Let’s explain.

How do AI agents work in crypto

AI agents are autonomous software programs that use artificial intelligence to perform tasks within blockchain ecosystems. Unlike traditional bots that follow set rules, these agents learn from data, adapt to new information, and make decisions independently.

Consider this, AI agents in the crypto space are like super-smart software that makes decisions and takes action without constant human input. These agents use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to handle complex tasks like analyzing data, predicting market trends, executing trades, and managing portfolios. Let’s break it down further.

  1. Data collection: AI agents start by gathering massive amounts of data. This includes:
    • Blockchain data: Transactions, smart contract interactions, and on-chain metrics.
    • Market data: Prices, trading volumes, and historical trends.
    • Social sentiment: Social media discussions, news articles, and community forums.
  2. Processing and learning: The AI agent processes this data using machine learning models to detect patterns and insights. For instance, it might identify trends like an increase in token activity or rising interest in a particular project.
  3. Decision-making: Once the agent understands the data, it decides on the best course of action. For example, if it predicts that a token’s price will rise, it might decide to buy the token.
  4. Execution: Finally, the AI agent acts on its decision. It could execute a trade, stake tokens, or interact with a decentralized application (dApp).

Top five crypto AI agents

1. Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL)

Virtuals Protocol enables the deployment of autonomous agents that perform tasks like optimization and data analysis within decentralized networks. These agents gather data, analyze it using machine learning algorithms, make decisions, and execute actions such as trading or portfolio management.

2. AI16z (AI16Z)

AI16z operates within the Solana blockchain ecosystem and leverages AI agents to enhance trading and decentralized applications. These agents analyze massive amounts of data, including blockchain transactions, price movements, and community sentiment. By using its proprietary Eliza framework, AI16z ensures that its agents are always learning and adapting to new information, making them highly efficient in dynamic market environments.

The AI16z platform stands out for its ability to interact seamlessly with decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and other blockchain protocols. For instance, it can autonomously execute trades based on real-time data analysis, optimizing returns for users.

Beyond trading, AI16z is expanding its capabilities by introducing features like agent-to-agent communication and multi-chain integrations. The platform also empowers developers through initiatives like AICombinator, a program that supports the creation of AI-driven crypto projects, showcasing its commitment to advancing decentralized AI technologies.

3. Based Agents by Coinbase

Coinbase introduced ‘Based Agents’, AI agents built on the Base blockchain. These agents handle blockchain operations autonomously, including tasks like executing transactions and managing smart contracts. They operate by collecting data from the blockchain, processing it through AI models, making informed decisions, and executing actions without human intervention.

4. Truth Terminal

Truth Terminal is an AI agent that gained prominence by engaging in social media interactions and even influencing the creation of cryptocurrencies like Fartcoin. It operates by analyzing vast amounts of online data, understanding cultural trends, and generating content or making decisions that resonate with human users.

5. AiXBT

AiXBT is an AI-powered crypto market intelligence platform that helps token holders make smarter trading decisions. It specializes in tracking market trends and providing actionable insights. AiXBT collects data from over 400 influential voices in the crypto space, including key opinion leaders and market analysts. By processing this data with advanced algorithms, it identifies market patterns and predicts price movements. For example, it can detect increasing interest in a particular token or emerging market trends and provide suggestions on how to capitalize on these opportunities.

As of January 2025, AiXBT successfully predicted profitable returns for 40% of assets. Out of the 477 predictions it made, 201 were correct, with an average return of 8%

AiXBT predictions rate Source Sentient Market
AiXBT predictions rate. Source: Sentient Market

The platform also supports automated trading. Once AiXBT identifies a potential market opportunity, it can execute trades on behalf of users, eliminating the need for manual intervention. A standout feature is its Terminal App, which allows premium users to ask unlimited questions about market strategies and receive detailed AI-driven responses.

Why AI agents matter in crypto

Crypto markets move fast, and the volume of data is overwhelming. Humans can’t process everything in real-time. AI agents fill this gap by:

  • Monitoring markets continuously.
  • Identifying profitable opportunities.
  • Minimizing risks through precise decision-making.

Key features that make AI agents effective

  1. Speed and efficiency: AI agents work 24/7, processing data and executing actions much faster than humans.
  2. Data-driven decisions: They eliminate emotional biases by relying purely on data and mathematical models.
  3. Scalability: AI agents can handle multiple tasks simultaneously, making them ideal for complex ecosystems like crypto.
  4. Automation: They reduce the need for constant human monitoring, enabling more efficient operations.

Future outlook

Projects like AiXBT and AI16z are just the beginning. As AI technology evolves, we’ll see more advanced agents that can manage entire investment portfolios, interact seamlessly across blockchains, and even create decentralized applications autonomously.

AI agents are transforming the crypto industry by making it smarter, faster, and more efficient. Understanding how these agents work is crucial for anyone involved in crypto, as it is rapidly evolving.

  1. 01.

    What is a crypto AI agent?

    A crypto AI agent is an autonomous software program that uses artificial intelligence to analyze data, predict trends, and execute tasks like trading or portfolio management within blockchain ecosystems.

  2. 02.

    Are AI agents reliable for crypto predictions?

    AI agents can provide accurate predictions by analyzing large datasets and identifying trends. However, their reliability depends on the quality of data and algorithms, and crypto markets remain volatile and unpredictable.

  3. 03.

    What are the best AI agents in crypto?

    Notable AI agents include AiXBT, known for market trend tracking and automated trading, and AI16z, which specializes in trading and decentralized applications on the Solana blockchain.

Mohammad Shahid @ CryptoManiaks
Mohammad Shahid

Mohammad is an experienced crypto writer with a specialisation in cybersecurity. He covers a wide variety of topics spanning everything from blockchain and Web3 to the retail crypto space. He has also worked for several start-ups and ICOs, gaining insight into the mindset and motivation of the founders behind the projects.