DeFiLlama Guide: Find AI & Crypto Hidden Gems
🚀 Unlock AI Crypto Gems: A Visual Guide to Mastering DeFiLlama
Is the AI & Crypto narrative the next big thing? Instead of just listening to hype on social media, let's follow the money. Smart capital leaves footprints, and the best place to find them is on DeFiLlama.
This guide will show you, step-by-step, how to use this powerful free tool to track "Total Value Locked" (TVL) and spot the most promising AI projects.
🤔 What is DeFiLlama & Why is TVL So Important?
DeFiLlama is a free data aggregator that tracks the Total Value Locked (TVL) across hundreds of blockchains and decentralized applications (dApps).
What is TVL? TVL represents the total amount of assets currently staked or locked within a specific protocol or blockchain. Think of it as a measure of trust and user adoption. When TVL goes up, it means more money is flowing in.
Tracking TVL helps you:
- ✅ See which sectors are getting hot (like AI!).
- ✅ Identify projects with real, growing momentum.
- ✅ Avoid projects that are losing capital and user trust.
🔎 A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding AI Gems on DeFiLlama
Ready to become an on-chain detective? Let's go!
Step 1: Navigate to the Categories Dashboard
First, head over to
https://defillama.com. On the left-hand sidebar, click on the "Categories" tab.
This is your mission control for narrative and sector analysis.
Step 2: Filter for the "AI" Category
You'll see a list of every crypto category imaginable. Scroll down or use the search bar to find and click on "AI".
This simple click filters out all the noise and shows you only protocols tagged within the Artificial Intelligence narrative.
Step 3: Analyze the AI Dashboard
You'll now see a dashboard listing all AI-related projects. This is where you can spot trends at a glance.
Here’s what the key columns mean:
| Column | What It Tells You 🤔 | What to Look For 👀 |
|---|---|---|
| Name | The name of the project. | Projects you recognize or new names showing promise. |
| TVL | Total Value Locked in the protocol. | High TVL indicates established trust. |
| 1d / 7d / 1m Change | The percentage change in TVL over time. | Positive % shows strong, recent capital inflow. |
| Mcap/TVL | Market Cap divided by TVL. | A low ratio (<1.0) can sometimes suggest undervaluation. |
💡 Pro Tip: Sort by Change!
Click on the "7d Change" or "1m Change" column header to sort the list. Projects at the top with high positive percentages are experiencing rapid growth and are worth investigating immediately.
Step 4: Dive Deeper into a Specific Project
Found a project with surging TVL? Click on its name. Let's imagine we clicked on a project like Fetch.ai (FET).
On the project's dedicated page, pay close attention to the TVL Chart.
- 📈 Is the chart showing a steady, organic uptrend? That's a great sign!
- 📉 A flat or declining chart might be a red flag, indicating stalling growth.
📊 Beyond TVL: Other Key Metrics to Watch
TVL is your starting point, not your finish line. A truly savvy investor looks at the whole picture.
- Active Users: Is anyone actually using the protocol? Some tools on DeFiLlama or Dune Analytics can show this.
- Revenue & Fees: Is the project generating real income? Check the "Fees/Revenue" tab on DeFiLlama.
- Chain Presence: Is the project only on one chain, or is it expanding to multiple blockchains to capture more users?
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This guide is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research (DYOR) and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Cryptocurrency investments are subject to high market risk.
✅ Conclusion: Your New Research Superpower
Congratulations! You no longer have to rely on hype. By mastering DeFiLlama, you can track the flow of smart money and make data-driven decisions.
Key Takeaways:
- Follow the Money: TVL is a powerful indicator of trust and growth.
- Use Categories: DeFiLlama's category filter is perfect for narrative investing (like AI).
- Analyze Trends: Look for consistent, positive changes in TVL over time.
- Dig Deeper: TVL is just one piece of the puzzle. Always complete your full due diligence.
Now go ahead, open up DeFiLlama, and start hunting for your next hidden gem!