The cryptocurrency world is no stranger to sudden market movements, viral trends, and unexpected surges—especially when influential figures like Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the founder of Binance, weigh in. Recently, CZ sparked renewed debate about meme coins after a seemingly casual clarification ignited a firestorm in the market, propelling the obscure $TST token from an educational demo to a top trending asset.
This article explores CZ’s evolving stance on meme coins, the surprising rise of Test (TST), and what it all means for investors navigating the volatile yet exciting corners of the crypto ecosystem.
CZ Speaks: “I’m Not Against Meme Coins”
Changpeng Zhao has long been a polarizing figure when it comes to meme coins. Known for his focus on utility-driven projects and regulatory compliance, many assumed he was dismissive of joke-based tokens like Dogecoin or Shiba Inu. But in a recent tweet that went viral, CZ set the record straight:
“Is CZ against meme coins? No. Not ‘into’ something doesn’t mean I am against it. I am not into sports cars; I don’t collect art; I haven’t bought any NFTs; I also haven’t bought most altcoins (I hold BTC and BNB). But I am not against any of the above.”
His message was clear: personal preference doesn’t equate to opposition. As the former CEO of Binance, CZ emphasized his consistent support for innovation across the crypto space—even in sectors he doesn’t personally invest in.
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This nuanced take helped calm speculation and reassured meme coin communities that Binance’s listing decisions aren’t driven solely by CZ’s personal portfolio choices.
Binance Lists TST and 1000CHEEMS: A Surprise Move?
In a move that caught many off guard, Binance announced the listing of two new tokens: Test (TST) and 1000CHEEMS. Given CZ’s past skepticism toward non-utility tokens, the decision raised eyebrows.
However, Binance clarified that while CZ did not personally approve or request the listing, the exchange operates with a decentralized evaluation process. The inclusion of TST was based on technical merit, community interest, and adherence to listing standards—not executive influence.
CZ reiterated:
“Neither I nor Binance has any direct involvement with TST.”
He also noted a broader trend—many investors are shifting toward meme coins as regulatory pressure mounts on traditional altcoins. With increasing scrutiny on projects claiming utility without real-world use cases, some see meme coins as a form of financial expression or cultural commentary rather than pure investment vehicles.
From Tutorial Token to Trading Sensation: The $TST Origin Story
What makes the TST story so fascinating isn’t just its price surge—it’s how it began.
The $TST token originated not as a real project, but as a placeholder in an educational video released by the BNB Chain team. The video walked viewers through using Four.Meme, a token creation platform popular among developers launching meme coins on BNB Smart Chain.
At the 1:18 mark, the tutorial displays “$TST” as a sample token name during a step-by-step guide on deploying a new coin. It was never meant to be traded—just a fictional example.
But someone noticed.
A developer minted an actual $TST token using the same name and symbol, deployed it on-chain, and began promoting it within crypto communities. As awareness grew, traders flocked to buy in—especially after spotting CZ’s comments defending meme coins.
The result? A perfect storm of virality, timing, and speculation.
Why Did TST Explode? Understanding the Hype Cycle
Within minutes of Binance’s announcement, $TST surged over 4,700%, briefly reaching a market cap in the hundreds of millions. While the price eventually corrected, the event highlighted key dynamics in today’s crypto markets:
- Narrative power: A compelling backstory (tutorial token turned real) fueled FOMO.
- Exchange credibility: Being listed on Binance provided instant legitimacy.
- Influencer effect: CZ’s neutral-but-supportive stance gave traders psychological confidence.
- Low entry barrier: Meme coins often start with tiny valuations, enabling rapid percentage gains.
Yet, behind every meteoric rise lies significant risk.
Are Meme Coins Worth Investing In?
Meme coins occupy a unique space in crypto. They’re often criticized for lacking fundamentals but celebrated for fostering community engagement and onboarding new users.
Pros of Meme Coins:
- Low price allows broad participation
- High volatility offers potential for outsized returns
- Strong communities drive organic growth
- Serve as entry points for crypto newcomers
Cons of Meme Coins:
- Often lack utility or long-term vision
- Vulnerable to pump-and-dump schemes
- Highly speculative with limited regulatory oversight
- Price movements heavily influenced by social media trends
While $TST started as a joke, its journey reflects a deeper truth: in crypto, perception often shapes reality faster than fundamentals do.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the $TST token?
$TST, or Test Token, began as a fictional example in a BNB Chain educational video. It was later minted as a real token and gained traction after being listed on Binance and linked to CZ’s public statements about meme coins.
Did CZ create or endorse $TST?
No. CZ has explicitly stated that neither he nor Binance created or endorsed $TST. The listing was handled independently by Binance’s asset review team.
How did $TST gain value so quickly?
Its surge was driven by a mix of viral storytelling, exchange listing news, and speculative trading. The narrative—that a tutorial token became real—resonated strongly with online communities.
Is $TST built on BNB Chain?
Yes. $TST operates on the BNB Smart Chain network, making it compatible with wallets like MetaMask and decentralized exchanges such as PancakeSwap.
Should I invest in meme coins like $TST?
Meme coins are highly speculative. Only invest what you can afford to lose. They may offer short-term gains but rarely provide long-term stability or utility.
Can a demo token become a real cryptocurrency?
Technically, yes. If someone mints a token using a name from a tutorial (like $TST), registers it on-chain, and builds community interest, it can become tradable—even if it wasn’t originally intended to be real.
Final Thoughts: Volatility, Virality, and Value
The $TST phenomenon underscores a defining trait of modern cryptocurrency markets: narrative-driven value creation. In an environment where tweets move markets and tutorials inspire million-dollar tokens, investors must remain vigilant.
While CZ’s openness to meme coins doesn’t signal a shift in Binance’s overall strategy, it does reflect an understanding that different segments of the crypto economy serve different purposes. For some, crypto is about revolutionizing finance. For others, it's about fun, community, and speculation.
And sometimes—as with $TST—it’s about both.
As the line between education, entertainment, and investment continues to blur, tools that offer transparency, real-time analytics, and secure trading environments will become increasingly vital.
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Core Keywords:
- Meme coins
- CZ
- Binance listing
- $TST token
- Crypto volatility
- BNB Chain
- Test Token
- Cryptocurrency education
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