Bitcoin Retail Interest Drops to Yearly Low Amid Lingering Market Fear

Global Google search interest in “crypto” has hit its lowest point in over a year, with Trends data showing worldwide volume at 26 on the 0-100 scale—near the yearly low of 24—and U.S. interest reaching a one-year bottom amid market crashes and fading retail enthusiasm.

• Worldwide “crypto” search volume at 26/100, just two points above one-year low of 24 per Google Trends.
• U.S. “crypto” demand drops to its lowest level in over a year, mirroring global decline.
• Triggered by April market crash from tariff policies and October flash crash with $20 billion in liquidations, per market data.

What is the current crypto search interest on Google Trends？

Crypto search interest worldwide has fallen to 26 on Google Trends 0-100 scale, the lowest in over a year and just two points above the yearly bottom of 24. U.S. interest has similarly hit its one-year low, indicating sharply reduced public engagement with digital assets. This downturn reflects broader retail disinterest following recent market shocks.

Why has retail interest in crypto collapsed？

Retail faith in crypto has eroded significantly, as evidenced by the sharp drop in search volumes. Interest plunged globally during the April market crash, partly linked to U.S. President Donald Trumps tariff policies, with U.S. Trends data echoing the pattern to a one-year low. Mario Nawfal, commenting on X, stated: “There is close to no retail interest in crypto right now. Do we need to start pumping the dino coins again to get retail to come back？ After the Trump-Melania memecoin drama, it seems that retail lost a lot of faith in the space.” He added, “None of my normie friends or family ask me anything about crypto anymore,” underscoring the shift after Trump family memecoins lost over 90% from peaks.

The subdued sentiment persists as markets recover from Octobers flash crash—one of the worst single-day drops—with nearly $20 billion in leveraged liquidations and some altcoins falling 99%. Bitcoin dropped from above $125,000 to around $80,000 in November, consolidating between $80,000 and $90,000 since. The Crypto Fear and Greed Index hit a yearly low of 10 in November, signaling “extreme fear,” according to CoinMarketCap data, and stood at 20—“extreme fear”—as of late December, down from prior months but still cautious.

Bitcoin traded at $87,520 recently, down 8% year-to-date from January 1, 2025. Market mood remains weak, though some improvement shows in sentiment indicators. Jan3 founder Samson Mow posted on X that 2025 marked the bear markets start, potentially leading to a bull run lasting into 2035.

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat caused the October 2025 crypto market crash？

The October crash stemmed from heightened market volatility, resulting in $20 billion in leveraged liquidations and altcoin drops up to 99% in a day. It pushed Bitcoin from over $125,000 to $80,000 lows, with ongoing consolidation reflecting lingering fear, per CoinMarketCap Fear and Greed Index data showing “extreme fear” levels.

Will Bitcoin reach $150,000 in 2026？

Several analysts project Bitcoin above $150,000 by 2026, driven by institutional demand and supply dynamics. Geoff Kendrick of Standard Chartered and Gautam Chhugani of Bernstein forecast $150,000, while Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson predicts $250,000, citing rising adoption despite current fear signals.

Key Takeaways

• Crypto search interest at multi-month lows: Google Trends shows “crypto” at 26 worldwide and U.S. one-year bottoms, down sharply from earlier peaks.
• Retail sentiment crushed post-crashes: April tariff-related drop and October $20B liquidation event, plus memecoin implosions, have sidelined everyday investors.
• Bullish 2026 forecasts persist: Experts like Kendrick, Chhugani, and Hoskinson eye $150,000-$250,000 Bitcoin targets amid institutional inflows.

Conclusion

Crypto search interest and retail interest in crypto have plummeted to over-a-year lows on Google Trends, driven by April and October crashes, memecoin failures, and persistent “extreme fear” on the Crypto Fear and Greed Index. Despite Bitcoins year-to-date decline to $87,520 and subdued volumes, analysts anticipate strong 2026 gains from institutional momentum. Investors should monitor Trends data and sentiment shifts for signs of renewed engagement.