One metric shows crypto is now in a bear market: Carl Moon

CoinTelegraph

by Ciaran Lyons

January 9, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Carl "The Moon" Runefelt, a prominent crypto influencer, asserts that the cryptocurrency market has entered a bear phase, citing significantly reduced views on crypto-related YouTube videos as evidence. During bullish periods like 2021, his channel and others saw millions of views per video, but now he struggles to reach 15-20k as Bitcoin remains stagnant around $90,000 and market sentiment weakens. Runefelt attributes this downtrend to the decline in altcoins and a lack of retail investor enthusiasm, noting that spikes in YouTube views could signal a potential "altcoin season." Runefelt's success in the crypto space is tied to his bull market content, which allowed him to amass over 82 million views on his personal channel and 657,000 subscribers through collaborations like *The Moon Show*. His journey began humbly in 2017, transitioning from a grocery job to full-time crypto creator. He credits his rapid growth to diverse revenue streams: affiliate links, sponsored deals, and YouTube ad revenue. Despite the current slowdown, Runefelt remains optimistic, encouraging aspiring creators to explore underdeveloped subsectors within crypto, emphasizing that opportunities still exist for those genuinely passionate about the space. Runefelt's insights highlight the importance of social media metrics in gauging market sentiment. While his content thrived during bull markets, the current bearish environment underscores the volatility and unpredictability inherent in cryptocurrency investing. His story also serves as inspiration for aspiring creators, demonstrating that crypto's potential extends beyond financial gains to include building a loyal audience and leveraging digital platforms effectively. For readers interested in crypto trends, Runefelt's analysis provides valuable context on how market sentiment can be tracked through alternative indicators like YouTube views. This perspective not only offers a unique angle on current market conditions but also underscores the evolving role of influencers in shaping crypto culture and investor behavior.

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Originally published on CoinTelegraph on 1/9/2026