Pump.fun says creator fees may have distorted incentives, plans overhaul

A Turning Point for Solana’s Largest Memecoin Launchpad

Pump.fun, one of the most influential memecoin launchpads built on Solana, is entering a new phase after publicly acknowledging that its creator fee model may have unintentionally harmed the platform’s long-term health. The announcement signals a strategic shift for a protocol that has played a defining role in shaping the memecoin boom throughout 2025.

Creator Fees That Worked — Until They Didn’t

According to co-founder Alon Cohen, the Dynamic Fees V1 system initially succeeded in boosting engagement and attracting new creators. Token launches surged, livestream activity exploded, and onchain metrics briefly reached some of their strongest levels of the year. During this period, Pump.fun’s bonding curve volumes more than doubled, reinforcing the perception that the model was working.

However, that growth proved fragile. Cohen later concluded that the system incentivized low-risk token creation over high-risk trading, a dynamic he described as dangerous for market stability. Traders, he emphasized, are the primary source of liquidity and volume, and sidelining them ultimately weakens the entire ecosystem.

When Incentives Favor Minting Over Markets

While creator fees helped a small number of serious teams with active development plans, they failed to change the behavior of most memecoin deployers. In practice, the fees became a motivation to mint as many tokens as possible rather than commit to building deep, liquid markets.

Cohen also pointed out that the user experience often forced traders into uncomfortable situations, such as relying on community takeovers or trusting anonymous actors to keep their promises. This lack of structure eroded confidence and discouraged long-term participation.

Inside Pump.fun’s New Creator Fee Framework

In response, Pump.fun is rolling out the first stage of a redesigned creator fee system. The new framework allows creators and Community Takeover administrators to split fees across up to ten wallets, define precise allocation percentages, transfer ownership of coins, and revoke update authority once a project reaches maturity.

These changes are designed to promote transparency and accountability, while ensuring that responsibility is shared among teams rather than concentrated in a single wallet.

No Fees for the Platform Itself

Cohen made it clear that Pump.fun will not collect creator fees under any circumstances. The system is intended exclusively for creators and active market participants, not the platform. Fees can be claimed at any time and will not expire if left unclaimed, offering flexibility without forcing rushed decisions.

Pump.fun’s Continued Dominance on Solana

Despite recent fluctuations in memecoin hype, Pump.fun remains the dominant launchpad on Solana. Its near-frictionless token creation process and standardized path to liquidity have made it the default destination for memecoin experimentation. Although a rival briefly overtook it in volume during the summer, aggressive PUMP token buybacks and incentive adjustments helped Pump.fun reclaim control of roughly 75% to 80% of Solana’s memecoin launches by late 2025.

A Broader Shift in the Crypto Market

Pump.fun’s redesign reflects a wider trend across crypto markets, where platforms are increasingly forced to rethink incentive models that prioritize short-term volume over sustainable growth. As speculation cools, traders are demanding better liquidity, clearer rules, and stronger market structure.

Why Traders Are Looking Beyond Launchpads

In this environment, many traders are turning to established platforms such as BYDFi, which offers deep liquidity, advanced trading tools, and robust risk management features. Unlike experimental launchpads, BYDFi provides a structured trading environment for both spot and derivatives markets, making it a preferred choice for users seeking exposure to crypto opportunities with greater stability.

What Comes Next for Pump.fun

As Pump.fun attempts to realign its ecosystem, the success of its new creator fee system will be closely watched across the industry. Whether the changes restore balance between creators and traders remains uncertain, but the message is clear: incentive design matters.

For traders navigating an evolving market landscape, combining early-stage opportunities with reliable platforms like BYDFi may prove to be the most sustainable strategy moving forward.

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