When Will the Crypto Bull Run Start in 2025, and What You Should Know

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The cryptocurrency market is once again on the brink of a potential bull run, with growing anticipation around 2025 as the year when digital assets could experience another explosive rally. Investors, analysts, and institutions are closely watching key market signals to determine when the crypto bull run will start in 2025, and more importantly, what factors will fuel it.

While no one can predict the future with certainty, historical patterns, technological advancements, and macroeconomic trends offer valuable insights. From the Bitcoin halving in April 2024 to the rise of spot Bitcoin ETFs, Layer 2 innovations, and shifting institutional interest, multiple catalysts are aligning to set the stage for a major market movement.

Let’s explore what’s driving this momentum, when the next bull phase might begin, and how you can position yourself for success.

Understanding the 2025 Crypto Market Cycle

Cryptocurrencies follow cyclical patterns—typically every four years—driven by supply constraints, investor psychology, and macroeconomic forces. The most significant recurring event is the Bitcoin halving, which reduces the rate of new BTC issuance by 50%, creating scarcity.

The most recent halving occurred in April 2024, cutting block rewards from 6.25 to 3.125 BTC. Historically, such events have preceded massive price surges, with the full effects often materializing 12 to 18 months later.

This means that mid-2025 through early 2026 could mark the peak of the next bull cycle—though timing may vary depending on broader market conditions.

👉 Discover how early movers are preparing for the next crypto surge.

Expert Predictions: When Will the Bull Run Begin?

Market experts are divided on the exact timing of the 2025 bull run, but most agree that momentum is building. Here’s a breakdown of the prevailing scenarios:

Early 2025: Momentum Builds Post-Halving

Some analysts believe the bull run has already started. Following the April 2024 halving, Bitcoin saw a steady climb, reaching new highs by late 2024 and early 2025. According to Peter Chung, head of research at Presto, Bitcoin could hit $210,000 by the end of 2025, driven by institutional adoption and reduced supply.

Other notable forecasts include:

These projections suggest strong confidence in a sustained upward trajectory starting in Q1 or Q2 of 2025.

“The current correction has been healthy—it’s paving the way for Bitcoin’s re-rating as a mainstream asset.”
— Peter Chung, Presto Research

Mid-2025: Delayed Surge Due to Market Cycles

ARK Invest offers a data-driven perspective, noting that Bitcoin’s post-halving performance in late 2024 lagged behind previous cycles. Since the halving, BTC had risen about 41.2%, compared to 53.3% and 122.5% in prior cycles at the same stage.

This underperformance suggests that the major price explosion may still be ahead. ARK projects that if Bitcoin follows historical averages, it could surge 15.4x from its 2021 cycle low—potentially reaching $243,000 by late 2025.

Late 2025 to 2026: Extended Cycle Theory

Raoul Pal of Real Vision challenges the traditional four-year model, arguing that the current cycle could extend into 2026. With increasing institutional involvement and evolving global liquidity conditions, Pal believes the bull market may unfold more gradually but last longer.

“The crypto bull market will extend into 2026, with Bitcoin and altcoins surging as financial conditions ease.”
— Raoul Pal, Real Vision

Key Factors Driving the 2025 Bull Run

Several powerful forces are converging to fuel the next crypto rally:

Bitcoin Halving Aftermath (April 2024)

The halving has reduced new Bitcoin supply at a time when demand continues to grow. This supply shock typically leads to upward price pressure over time. With fewer coins entering circulation, holders are less likely to sell—especially as institutional players accumulate.

Institutional Adoption & Spot Bitcoin ETFs

Institutional interest has reached unprecedented levels. According to a Coinbase and EY-Parthenon survey, 86% of institutional investors now have exposure to digital assets or plan to allocate funds in 2025. Of those, 59% intend to commit over 5% of their assets under management.

The approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S. has been a game-changer:

Firms like BlackRock and Fidelity are expanding their crypto offerings, signaling long-term confidence.

👉 See how institutions are quietly building their crypto positions.

Macroeconomic Conditions: Inflation & Interest Rates

Crypto often performs well during periods of high inflation or monetary easing. If central banks begin cutting interest rates in 2025 due to slowing economies, capital may flow into risk-on assets like Bitcoin.

Additionally, growing government support—such as the January 2025 U.S. executive order promoting digital financial technology—could reduce regulatory uncertainty and accelerate adoption.

Layer 2 & Blockchain Innovation

Scalability solutions like Arbitrum, Optimism, and zk-Rollups are solving Ethereum’s congestion issues, enabling faster and cheaper transactions. Meanwhile, platforms like Solana, Avalanche, and Polkadot continue advancing interoperability and performance.

These innovations are attracting developers and users back into DeFi, NFTs, and AI-driven blockchain projects, creating real utility beyond speculation.

Why Early 2025 Altcoin Season Didn’t Last

An initial altcoin surge in early 2025 fizzled out due to several factors:

Hunter Horsley of Bitwise noted:

“The current rally is being driven by institutions—not retail FOMO.”

This suggests that while Bitcoin leads, altcoin season may still come later in the cycle—once confidence spreads beyond BTC.

Top Altcoins to Watch in 2025

As sentiment improves, these projects are poised for strong growth:

Sectors like AI crypto, GameFi, and real-world assets (RWAs) are also expected to surge as adoption expands beyond finance.

Preparing for Volatility & Corrections

Even in bull markets, sharp corrections are normal. Experts like Youwei Yang of Bit Mining warn that Bitcoin could temporarily drop to $80,000 during shocks—but the overall trend remains bullish.

Sid Powell of Maple Finance adds:

“Past 70–80% drawdowns are unlikely now due to institutional buffers.”

Use tools like:

To manage risk effectively.

👉 Learn how top traders navigate market swings without panic selling.

How to Prepare for the 2025 Bull Run

  1. Research Strong Projects: Focus on fundamentals—BTC, ETH, scalable L1/L2 chains, and innovative sectors.
  2. Develop a Strategy: Use DCA, set profit targets, and avoid emotional trading.
  3. Secure Your Assets: Use hardware wallets and enable 2FA.
  4. Stay Informed: Follow on-chain data (Glassnode), news (CoinDesk), and sentiment (Twitter/Reddit).
  5. Leverage Passive Income: Stake ETH, SOL, or ADA; explore yield farming in DeFi.
  6. Monitor Regulations: Watch for global policy shifts affecting crypto access and adoption.

What Could Cause a Market Crash?

Despite bullish momentum, risks remain:

Stay alert to these threats and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the crypto bull run start in 2025?
Most experts expect momentum to build in mid-2025, with the full bull phase likely unfolding between Q3 2025 and early 2026—following historical post-halving patterns.

How long does a crypto bull run last?
Historically, bull markets last 12 to 18 months after a halving event, with peak prices often reached around one year post-halving.

Which cryptocurrencies should I buy for the 2025 bull run?
Focus on Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) for stability, Solana (SOL) and Avalanche (AVAX) for scalability, Chainlink (LINK) for utility, and emerging sectors like AI crypto (e.g., RNDR) and GameFi (e.g., IMX).

What triggers a crypto bull run?
Key triggers include the Bitcoin halving, institutional adoption (especially via ETFs), macroeconomic shifts (like rate cuts), technological innovation (Layer 2 solutions), and rising retail sentiment.

Will altcoins outperform Bitcoin in 2025?
While Bitcoin typically leads early in the cycle, altcoins often surge later during “altseason.” Projects with real utility in DeFi, AI, gaming, or RWAs may outperform once confidence spreads.

How can I protect my investments during a bull run?
Use cold wallets for storage, diversify across assets, avoid FOMO-driven buys, take profits gradually, and stay updated on market trends and security threats.

Final Thoughts

The stage is set for a powerful crypto bull run in 2025—driven by the aftermath of the April 2024 halving, growing institutional adoption, regulatory clarity, and rapid blockchain innovation. While exact timing remains uncertain, historical trends suggest that significant price movements are likely between mid-2025 and early 2026.

Whether you're a long-term holder or an active trader, success will come down to preparation: doing your research, managing risk wisely, and staying informed. The opportunities will be abundant—but so will the risks.

Stay strategic. Stay secure. And stay ahead of the curve.