Is Pepe Coin (PEPE) Poised to Overtake Shiba Inu (SHIB) in the Meme Coin Hierarchy?

The meme coin sector remains one of the most volatile and sentiment-driven segments of the cryptocurrency market. As of late 2025, Pepe Coin (PEPE) and Shiba Inu (SHIB) have emerged as two of the most prominent contenders, each vying for dominance in a space defined by community engagement and speculative fervor. This analysis examines whether PEPE is positioned to surpass SHIB in the meme coin hierarchy, focusing on market dynamics, sentiment shifts, and technical indicators.

Market Dynamics: Volume, Cap, and Liquidity

PEPE's market capitalization of approximately $1.9 billion places it between the 40th and 45th positions globally, trailing SHIB's $5–15 billion valuation. However, PEPE's 24-hour trading volume of $295 million significantly outpaces SHIB's $120 million, indicating stronger liquidity and active trading interest. This disparity suggests that while SHIB retains a larger market cap, PEPE's higher volume reflects a more dynamic and liquid asset, which is critical for traders seeking to execute large positions without slippage.

SHIB's larger holder base (1.5 million vs. PEPE's 482,000) could theoretically provide it with broader distribution. Yet, PEPE's social media metrics tell a different story. With 1.5 million interactions across 22,800 posts compared to SHIB's under 1 million, PEPE's community appears more engaged and vocal-a key driver of meme coin price action according to social media data. This social momentum, combined with PEPE's superior trading volume, positions it as a formidable challenger to SHIB's dominance.

Sentiment Shifts: From Fear to Frenzy

Meme coins are inherently tied to social sentiment, and recent data reveals a nuanced shift in investor psychology. As of January 2026, PEPE's Fear & Greed Index stood at 42 (Fear), with 56% of market sentiment bearish. This contrasts with its recent 60% price surge in a single week, outpacing SHIB's 22% gain. Such volatility underscores the unpredictable nature of meme coins but also highlights PEPE's potential for a rebound if sentiment turns bullish.

SHIB, meanwhile, has historically maintained its position as the second-largest meme coin, briefly losing ground only to the TRUMP meme coin in early 2025. However, its social engagement has waned relative to PEPE, with fewer interactions and a less active community. This decline in social traction could erode SHIB's long-term appeal, particularly as newer meme coins like PEPE capitalize on viral trends and community-driven narratives.

Technical Indicators: Momentum and Resistance Levels

Technical analysis for both tokens in early 2026 reveals mixed signals. For SHIB, the RSI of 62.23 and a MACD histogram in bullish territory suggest rising buying pressure. Key resistance levels at $0.00001250 and $0.00001400, along with a 100-day EMA at $0.0000166, indicate potential for a rally if the price breaks above the 200-day EMA near $0.0000181. However, SHIB's RSI has also risen from oversold levels, hinting at possible accumulation.

PEPE's technical outlook is equally compelling. Its RSI of 58.72 on the 4-hour chart suggests continued bullish momentum. The token has broken out of a bearish wedge and is consolidating near key resistance levels. A sustained move above $0.0000082 could propel PEPE toward previous swing highs, with some analysts projecting an all-time high if buying volume remains strong according to price analysis. Support levels at $0.0000061 are critical; a breach below this could trigger further bearish pressure.

Projections and Risks

Price projections for both tokens remain speculative. Under a mid-range bullish scenario, PEPE could reach $0.0000085 in 2026, with aggressive estimates suggesting $0.000018. SHIB, meanwhile, is projected to hit $0.00006 by late 2025, contingent on Bitcoin's performance. However, these forecasts are highly dependent on macroeconomic conditions and the overall crypto market cycle.

Conclusion

While SHIB's larger market cap and historical resilience provide it with a defensive edge, PEPE's superior trading volume, social engagement, and technical momentum paint a compelling case for its potential to overtake SHIB. The meme coin hierarchy is fluid, and PEPE's ability to sustain its current trajectory will depend on maintaining social traction, navigating key resistance levels, and benefiting from a broader bull market. For now, investors should monitor both tokens closely, as the battle for meme coin supremacy remains a high-stakes, high-volatility proposition.