CoinGecko’s survey shows only 55% of new crypto owners started with Bitcoin, while 37% began with altcoins and 10% never bought BTC. This shift indicates a maturing market where alternative narratives and lower-cost tokens attract first-time entrants.
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55% of newcomers began with Bitcoin, 37% with altcoins, 10% never bought BTC
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Altcoins attract users via lower unit prices and community narratives
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Experts expect many zero‑Bitcoin users to adopt BTC over time as infrastructure and trust improve
new crypto owners started with Bitcoin — 55% began with BTC, 37% entered via altcoins; read insights and next steps. Learn more from COINOTAG.
CoinGecko’s 2,549‑respondent survey finds 55% of new crypto owners began with Bitcoin, 37% with altcoins, and 10% have never bought BTC — signaling broader entry points into crypto.
What share of new crypto owners started with Bitcoin?
55% of new crypto owners started with Bitcoin, according to a CoinGecko survey of 2,549 participants. The data shows Bitcoin remains the largest onboarding asset but is no longer the default first buy for a growing portion of newcomers.
Only 55% of new crypto owners who responded to CoinGecko’s survey started with Bitcoin in their portfolio. Source: CoinGecko
How does altcoin entry signal a maturing market?
Altcoin-first onboarding reflects a broadening ecosystem. CoinGecko’s data shows that as decentralized finance (DeFi), layer‑1 projects, and memecoins gain traction, newcomers increasingly start with assets other than Bitcoin.
Industry figures including Kraken’s general manager Jonathon Miller note easier access and diverse narratives make altcoin entry more common. Over time, many analysts expect some of those users to reallocate to Bitcoin when macro risks rise.
Why do altcoins appeal to newcomers?
Lower unit prices and strong community cultures draw first-time buyers. CoinGecko reports 37% entered via altcoins, while 10% have never bought Bitcoin. Quantitative trading firm Kronos Research CEO Hank Huang says community and perceived affordability are key drivers.
Source: CoinGecko
Will zero‑Bitcoiner users eventually adopt BTC?
Experts expect many zero‑Bitcoin users to gain BTC exposure over time as financial infrastructure matures. Venture capital and institutional access—via banks, wealth managers, and retirement products—should increase adoption among later cohorts.
That said, the pace depends on systematic trust-building and product availability, with Bitcoin staying a benchmark for the broader market even as other assets share the spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many respondents never bought Bitcoin?
CoinGecko’s survey indicates 10% of respondents have never purchased Bitcoin. This cohort often cites price perception and unfamiliarity as reasons for bypassing BTC in initial allocations.
How does market performance affect allocation decisions?
Performance drives allocation: if Bitcoin keeps pace with altcoins, zero‑Bitcoiner rates may remain low. Conversely, market stress often pushes investors back toward Bitcoin as a perceived anchor.
Key Takeaways
- Bitcoin remains a primary entry: 55% of new owners began with BTC, but its dominance is easing.
- Altcoin momentum matters: 37% of respondents entered via altcoins driven by price and community.
- Adoption evolves with infrastructure: As banks and wealth managers offer crypto access, fewer people may remain with zero BTC.
Conclusion
CoinGecko’s survey shows that while new crypto owners started with Bitcoin most often, a significant portion now begins with altcoins or has no Bitcoin exposure. This trend underscores a maturing ecosystem where choice and community guide onboarding. Follow COINOTAG for continued data‑driven coverage and analysis.
