Understanding the difference between meme coin and crypto is essential in 2024 as investor interest shifts across categories. Memecoins like Dogecoin (DOGE) and Shiba Inu (SHIB) are driven largely by online communities and social media trends, often lacking core utility or development support. In contrast, altcoins such as Ethereum (ETH), Cardano (ADA), and Polkadot (DOT) offer real-world use cases, including smart contracts, DeFi platforms, and cross-chain interoperability. While memecoins thrive on hype cycles, altcoins gain traction through sustained technological innovation and adoption.