Coinranking
Bitcoin runes tokens
34 coins #58
Trending Bitcoin runes tokens
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Market Cap
What Are Bitcoin Runes?
Bitcoin Runes are fungible tokens created directly on the Bitcoin blockchain with the Runes protocol. Fungible means every unit of a token is the same and can be swapped one for one. This list ranks Bitcoin Runes tokens by market cap, with live prices and 24h changes.
Quick Facts
- Blockchain: Bitcoin. Runes do not need a separate chain or a sidechain.
- Creator: Casey Rodarmor, who also created Bitcoin Ordinals.
- Launch: The Runes protocol went live at the Bitcoin halving in April 2024.
- Names: Rune names use capital letters, often split by a dot, like DOG•GO•TO•THE•MOON.
- Ranking: We rank Runes by market cap. Market cap is the price times the tokens in circulation.
How the Runes Protocol Works
Runes use Bitcoin's normal transaction model, called UTXO. A UTXO is an unspent piece of bitcoin that a wallet holds. Rune balances are attached to these UTXOs. Data about creating, minting and sending Runes is stored in a small part of a Bitcoin transaction called OP_RETURN. Because of this, Runes create less extra data on the chain than older Bitcoin token standards.
Runes vs BRC-20
BRC-20 tokens were the first popular fungible tokens on Bitcoin. They rely on Ordinals inscriptions and off-chain indexers to track balances. Runes were built as a simpler and more efficient way to do the same job. Both run on Bitcoin, but they are separate standards, and a token from one is not a token of the other.
How to Buy Bitcoin Runes
You need a Bitcoin wallet that supports Runes, such as wallets made for Ordinals and Bitcoin tokens. You can then buy Runes on a Runes marketplace or on exchanges that list them. You pay Bitcoin network fees for each transfer, so fees can be high when the network is busy.
Risks
Most Runes are meme tokens with no product behind them. Prices can move very fast, and many tokens have low trading volume. Some wallets do not support Runes, and sending a Rune-holding UTXO by mistake can make you lose the tokens. Always use a wallet that clearly supports Runes.
Related Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are Bitcoin Runes?
Bitcoin Runes are fungible tokens that live directly on the Bitcoin blockchain. They are made with the Runes protocol, created by Casey Rodarmor. Each Rune has a name, a supply and rules for minting. Many Runes are meme tokens, but the protocol can be used for any kind of token on Bitcoin.
- When did the Runes protocol launch?
The Runes protocol launched at the Bitcoin halving in April 2024. The halving is the event that cuts the Bitcoin block reward in half. Many Runes were created and minted in the first blocks after launch, which caused a short spike in Bitcoin network fees on that day.
- How does the Runes protocol work?
Runes attach token balances to Bitcoin UTXOs, which are the unspent outputs a wallet holds. Instructions to create, mint or send Runes are stored in the OP_RETURN field of a Bitcoin transaction. This keeps Runes close to how Bitcoin already works and avoids heavy extra data on the chain.
- What are the best Bitcoin Runes?
We do not give investment advice, so we do not pick the best Runes. The list above ranks Bitcoin Runes by market cap, updated live. You can compare market cap, trading volume, 24h change and how long each token has existed. DOG•GO•TO•THE•MOON is one of the best-known examples.
- How do I buy Bitcoin Runes tokens?
To buy Runes, you need a Bitcoin wallet that supports Runes. Then you can trade on a Runes marketplace or on an exchange that lists the token. Each on-chain trade or transfer costs Bitcoin network fees. Check that the token name and ID match exactly, because copycat Runes with similar names exist.
- What is the difference between Runes and BRC-20?
Runes and BRC-20 are both token standards on Bitcoin, but they work differently. BRC-20 uses Ordinals inscriptions and relies on off-chain indexers to track balances. Runes use Bitcoin UTXOs and the OP_RETURN field. Runes were designed to be simpler and to leave less unneeded data on the Bitcoin chain.