Do KOLs Still Work in Crypto? The Harsh Truth

Everyone wants a KOL in their corner. It sounds like an easy win. Get a big name to tweet your project and wait for the buy pressure. But here is the truth: 99 percent of KOLs and Telegram callers in crypto are a waste of money. Most of them are outdated, overhyped, or flat-out scams. At Degen.io, we have spent over 14 years in the trenches of this space. We know exactly who delivers results and who just drains your budget.

What Went Wrong With KOLs and Callers?

The influencer model in crypto is broken. Here is why:

• Engagement is Artificial

  Most of the social traction is fake. Likes, comments, reposts, and call group traffic are often generated through bots or recycled echo chambers. It looks busy but converts nothing.

  
  

• Audiences Are Numb

  Investors have seen the same faces post the same content for years. The hype feels forced and the impact is gone.

  
  

• No Real Accountability

  KOLs and callers post once and disappear. There is no strategy, no follow-up, and no care for outcomes. It is just a quick payday.

  
  

• Too Many Middlemen

  Projects often go through Telegram brokers, fake agents, and third-party resellers. Each one takes a cut while providing no real value or insight.

The Celebrity and Politician Scam Effect

Retail is waking up. More and more people are becoming aware of how influencers and public figures are used to pump fake projects, only to dump shortly after launch.

• The Hailey Welch “Hawk Tuah” Rug

  Hailey Welch, known from the viral Hawk Tuah meme, was used as the face of a meme coin that quickly surged and then rugged. There was no team transparency or serious development behind it. Just empty hype and exit liquidity.

  
  

• The $LIBRA Scandal – President Javier Milei of Argentina

  In early 2025, Argentina’s President Javier Milei promoted the $LIBRA token to his massive following. It spiked rapidly before crashing, wiping out investor funds. The token’s devs vanished, and public backlash was swift. It exposed how even political figures can become tools in coordinated pump-and-dump schemes.

These high-profile failures have eroded public trust in influencer-driven promotions. Investors now demand more than a viral tweet. They want legitimacy, transparency, and proof of value.

Tips for Choosing KOLs and Callers

Not all KOLs and callers are bad actors. Here are some tips to help you identify genuine partners:

• Beware of Generic Handles

  Avoid KOLs with usernames like “CryptoGuru” or “Web3Expert.” These often indicate a lack of authenticity and a generic approach.

  
  

• Check for Sudden Follower Spikes

  If an account has rapidly gained followers without corresponding engagement, it may have purchased fake followers.

  
  

• Assess Content Quality

  Genuine influencers provide insightful content. Be wary of those who only post promotional material without any educational or analytical value.

  
  

• Look for Verified Accounts

  While not foolproof, verification can add a layer of credibility. Cross-reference their activity across multiple platforms.

  
  

• Avoid Overly Glamorous Profiles

  Influencers who focus more on lifestyle than crypto-related content may lack the necessary expertise and commitment to your project’s success.

  
  

• Request Performance Metrics

  Ask for case studies or data showcasing their previous successful promotions. Transparency is key.

  
  

• Engage in Direct Communication

  Ensure you’re communicating directly with the influencer or their official representative, not through multiple intermediaries.

The Degen.io Difference

We have tested hundreds of KOLs, Telegram callers, and promoters. We track traction, study conversion, and only work with partners who actually deliver.

• We Use a Vetted Network

  If someone does not move volume or create real interest, we cut them. No compromises.

  
  

• KOLs Are Just One Part of the Plan

  A single post will not carry a project. We use KOLs and callers as part of a wider strategy—shilling, raids, AMAs, and strong community activation that creates multi-platform exposure.

  
  

• No Markups Ever

  The prices we negotiate are exactly what our clients pay. We do not add hidden fees, and we do not resell overpriced slots. Our rates are real and discounted.

  
  

• We Protect Budgets

  Most clients come to us after getting burned. We clean up the mess and build results from tested sources, not hype machines.

Telegram Callers Also Need Filtering

Callers used to drive real traffic. Now, many are low-effort, botted, or just chasing payouts. We only work with caller groups that are still respected, still relevant, and still move charts.

Conclusion

KOLs and Telegram callers are not dead—but the landscape has changed. Used recklessly, they will burn your project. Used strategically, they still have power. At Degen.io, we have already done the filtering for you. With over a decade of experience, we deliver real reach without the risk. No fake hype. No markups. Just execution that works.