Should You Buy Virtuals Protocol in 2025?

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At HelloSafe, our expert has been monitoring the evolution of the Virtuals Protocol cryptocurrency for over three years. Each month, hundreds of thousands of users in South Africa trust us to analyse market trends and identify the best investment opportunities. Our analysis is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. In accordance with our ethical guidelines, HelloSafe has never purchased Virtuals Protocol nor received any compensation from entities associated with its ecosystem.

Virtuals Protocol in brief

How much does 1 Virtuals Protocol cost?

The price of Virtuals Protocol is up this week. As of today, VIRTUAL is trading at R34.98, showing a 24-hour increase of 11.01% but a 3.15% dip over the last 7 days. The current market capitalisation stands at R22.82 billion, with an average 3-month daily trading volume of R7.06 billion and a circulating supply of 654.7 million VIRTUAL, ranking it number 56 in the crypto market and covering 0.11% market dominance. These figures reflect the dynamic nature of the crypto space in South Africa, making VIRTUAL an asset to watch—its volatility brings both risks and opportunities for savvy investors.

Our complete review of the Virtuals Protocol crypto

Have we reached a pivotal inflection point for Virtuals Protocol after analyzing the protocol’s latest on-chain dynamics, technical signals, and overall sector momentum over the last three years? Harnessing a blend of proprietary analytics—combining real-time on-chain activity, multi-indicator technical frameworks, market microstructure, and competitive positioning—our findings paint a detailed picture for discerning crypto investors. So, why could Virtuals Protocol, at this stage of the AI-driven blockchain revolution, emerge again in 2025 as a strategic entry point within the decentralized AI protocol sector?

Recent Performance and Market Context

Price Evolution and Short-Term Dynamics

Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL) has been nothing short of a phenomenon since its 2024 launch, posting annual gains of +1,789.6% over the past 12 months and recently stabilizing at $1.87 after a sharp correction from its $5.07 all-time high (ATH) seen in January 2025. Over the past week, the token retreated modestly by -3.15%, reflecting both healthy market consolidation and profit-taking, yet demonstrated strong resilience with an intraday rebound of +11.01%—a sign of robust buyer interest on dips.

Despite the pronounced volatility characteristic of the early-stage AI protocol sector, VIRTUAL’s six-month rally of nearly +10% underscores market confidence in its long-term thesis, especially when compared to broader market drawdowns in the first half of 2025.

Recent Positive Drivers

• Successful Multi-Chain Expansion: The seamless rollout on Solana and Base, in addition to Ethereum, reinforces both accessibility and network composability, a decisive advantage as cross-chain DeFi ecosystems accelerate.
• Strategic Partnerships: The May 2025 collaboration with Kaito, a key player in decentralized search and AI, creates potential for new on-chain synergies and unlocks further experimentation within the AI agent vertical.
• Platform Innovations: The Genesis launchpad has already enabled the creation of over 11,000 unique AI agents, facilitating monetization and co-ownership—metrics rarely matched among peers.

Sector and Macro Tailwinds

Crypto markets in 2025 continue to see capital rotation into sectors with tangible Web3-utility, notably decentralized AI and agent-based protocol layers. The exponential growth (+$680M sector TAM as of May 2025) and rising demand for off-chain-to-on-chain AI automation create a structurally favorable backdrop. Amid ongoing regulatory innovation in key jurisdictions such as the US, Singapore, and South Africa, these specialized, utility-driven tokens are garnering increasing institutional attention. This macro context sets the stage for renewed capital flows into projects like Virtuals Protocol that align perfectly at the intersection of AI, blockchain, and programmable finance.

Technical Analysis

On-Chain and Market Indicators

• RSI (14D): Currently neutral, reinforcing the notion of a mature, balanced market phase after the spike-and-correct cycle visible earlier in the year; this gives the protocol “room to run” if new catalysts materialize.
• MACD: Recent bullish crossovers have sparked renewed accumulation zones, especially as MACD momentum diverges positively from median price action, confirming accumulation by strategic market participants.
• Moving Averages: While the overall trend is neutral, the stabilization above crucial supports (notably $1.68 and $1.87) demonstrates that downside price action is met consistently by demand absorption, suggesting a well-defined accumulation range respecting both structural and psychological price levels.

Key Support and Resistance

• Major Support: $1.68 has repeatedly served as a “floor,” with significant on-chain buying density at this price. Short-term traders are monitoring this area for lower-risk entries.
• Secondary Support: Immediate defense at $1.87 (current price)—prevents rapid downside extension, serving as the delineation point for trend continuation.
• First Target Resistance: $2.50 represents the first “air pocket” toward which upward momentum could quickly accelerate if surpassed, with the main macro resistance/historical high at $5.00—the previous ATH.

Momentum Profile

Short to medium term, Virtuals Protocol’s volatility profile combines liquidity with high convexity: a rapid gain potential balanced by solid defensive zones. This enhances its attractiveness for swing traders while also opening a window for patient long-term allocation strategies seeking asymmetric upside.

Fundamental Analysis

Growing Adoption and Ecosystem Expansion

• User and Developer Growth: Over 11,000 unique AI agents created, over $35M in fees generated—these metrics are exceptional for a protocol less than 18 months live, reflecting vibrant usage and clear product-market fit.
• Strategic Partnerships: Kaito partnership expands protocol utility, integral for engaging both crypto-native and institutional actors exploring AI agent monetization.
• Multi-Chain Presence: Solana and Base integrations multiply addressable user base and facilitate seamless agent interoperability, a critical differentiator as DeFi and on-chain AI merge.

Attractive Valuation and Tokenomics

• Market Cap: $1.22B (as of 7 June 2025), with a circulating supply of 654.7M out of a 1B max, leaving ample room for further supply-driven upside as adoption widens.
• Volume/Liquidity: 24-hour trading volumes exceeding $377M signal institutional-grade liquidity, critical for professional investors. High turnover rates reinforce short-term tradability without significant slippage.
• Relative Value: While off ATHs by -63% post-January 2025, VIRTUAL’s ability to stabilize and attract secondary market interest suggests the token is trading at an attractive entry zone for investors who missed the first cycle.

Structural Advantages

• Technological Leadership: As the first truly decentralized protocol for AI agent commerce and co-ownership, Virtuals Protocol has a defensible competitive moat, especially in programmable and cross-chain agent execution.
• Active Community: Engagement metrics on mainnet and governance platforms outpace several direct competitors, reflecting a sticky user and developer base.
• Differentiation: Unique alignment with AI monetization and on-chain revenue sharing—at a time when traditional DeFi tokens face diminishing marginal utility—makes Virtuals Protocol stand out.

Volume and Market Position

• High Volume Flows: $377M+ in daily turnover is rare for a token this early in its life cycle and market cap segment, evidencing both strong conviction buyers and active secondary rotation.
• Top-Tier Exchange Listings: Availability on Binance, Bitget, Bybit, Gate.io, and Upbit ensures deep order books and broad global access.
• Market Cap Leadership: VIRTUAL consistently ranks among the top AI-focused Dapp tokens, often outperforming sector indices during positive macro cycles.

Positive Catalysts & Future Upside

• Platform Upgrades: The upcoming protocol update (Q2 2025) is widely anticipated to expand agent customization, unlock new verticals (e.g., gaming, metaverse), and reduce operational friction.
• Regulation/Institutional Support: Progressive jurisdictions (SG, ZA, US) continue to clarify digital asset frameworks, removing structural barriers to institutional capital.
• Ecosystem Growth: With continuous expansion into DeFi, NFT, and layer integrations, Virtuals Protocol’s reach and network effects are primed for exponential growth.

Investment Strategies (Depending on Horizon)

Short-Term (Active Traders)

• Range Trading Opportunity: With a defined support at $1.68 and resistance at $2.50, traders can seek to capitalize on swings around these levels, especially as volatility compresses and preparatory order books indicate potential breakout momentum.
• Catalyst Rotation: Ahead of upcoming protocol enhancements or major partnership reveals, tactical entries may offer rapid convexity.

Medium-Term (Swing/Position Holders)

• Accumulation Zone: Current price action (~$1.87) offers a classic “buy the dip” window, particularly for investors anticipating a mean reversion to prior highs or breakout beyond immediate resistances.
• Integration-Driven Upside: Monitoring for completion of Base and Solana ecosystem integrations, medium-term holders may see tangible gains as transaction counts and revenue climb.

Long-Term (Strategic Allocators)

• Sector Leadership Play: Amid surging global demand for decentralized AI infrastructure, Virtuals Protocol serves as a direct levered play on this mega-trend—backed by proven growth metrics and network effects.
• Early-Stage Entry: With the protocol’s market cap still at $1.22B—relatively modest in the context of $680M+ sector TAM and rapid adoption cycles—long-term holding strategies could benefit disproportionately from network value accretion.
• Technical re-tests or periods of consolidation near key supports can offer ideal entry points for both medium and long-term horizons. Entry just prior to major protocol upgrades or ecosystem milestones also historically delivers favorable risk/reward setups.

Price Projections for Virtuals Protocol

Is Now the Right Time to Consider Virtuals Protocol?

Virtuals Protocol demonstrates an exceptional combination of structural growth drivers, robust technical and fundamental underpinnings, and a unique position at the crossroads of AI, blockchain, and multi-chain innovation. Key points justifying renewed attention include:

• Deep ecosystem integration across top L1s (Ethereum, Solana, Base) and early mover advantage among decentralized AI agent protocols.
• Exceptional growth metrics (11,000+ AI agents created, $35M+ in fees, rapid developer adoption) showcasing robust network effects and increasing real economy use cases.
• Institutional-grade liquidity and consistent listing among top crypto exchanges, validating market confidence and facilitating major capital inflows.
• Fresh cycle for re-accumulation, as evidenced by recent technical stabilizations post-correction and anticipation of major upgrades.
• Alignment with 2025’s top investment narratives—AI, interoperability, programmable money—and positive regulatory support in forward-looking jurisdictions.

Given these converging elements, Virtuals Protocol appears to offer an excellent opportunity for investors seeking exposure to the next frontier of decentralized AI. The fusion of early-stage growth, innovation, and scalable revenue models creates the prospect of a powerful new uptrend—especially as the next wave of protocol upgrades and adoption-related catalysts unfold.

Virtuals Protocol remains a high-volatility digital asset but presents outstanding opportunities for dynamic investment approaches, requiring rigorous risk management. The recent price consolidation underscores its capacity for rapid, powerful upward movements, yet the shifting macro context calls for a selective, well-considered entry. Key technical zones to monitor are $1.68 as immediate support and $2.50 as a short-term resistance. Notably, the protocol upgrade slated for Q2 2025 could be a decisive catalyst shaping the future trajectory of Virtuals Protocol.

How to buy the Virtuals Protocol?

It's easy and secure to buy Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL) cryptocurrency online directly from a regulated platform—provided you choose one that is registered and recognised in your country. In South Africa, retail investors have two main ways to get exposure: spot purchase (owning the crypto asset directly in a wallet) or trading with crypto CFDs (speculating on the price without direct ownership). Both approaches offer distinct advantages depending on your preferences, and each comes with its own cost structure. You’ll find a detailed comparison of popular platforms and their conditions further down this page.

Spot Purchase

Buying VIRTUAL “spot” means you directly own the token, which is then stored in your wallet on the platform or in a personal wallet. You become the real owner of the coin, with full control to hold, transfer, or sell it at any time. Most South African-friendly exchanges charge straightforward, fixed commissions per trade—typically around 0.5%–1% of the amount, plus a small one-off transaction fee (around R90–R150 depending on the platform).

Concrete example

Let’s assume the price of Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL) is $1.87 (≈R35 at a USD/ZAR rate of 18.7). With a ZAR 20,000 investment (about $1,070), minus an estimated ZAR 100 trading fee, you could buy around 538 VIRTUAL coins:
- (ZAR 20,000 – ZAR 100) ÷ ZAR 35 = ≈ 538 coins

Gain scenario

If the VIRTUAL price rises by +10%, your investment’s value grows to approximately ZAR 22,000.
- Result: +ZAR 2,000 profit (10% gross return).

Trading via Crypto CFD

Trading VIRTUAL through a CFD (Contract for Difference) allows you to speculate on the price movement without holding the actual asset. Here, you open a position reflecting the price direction—going long (buy) or short (sell). The main costs are the bid/ask spread (difference between buy-sell prices) and, if you hold your CFD beyond a day, a daily overnight funding fee.

Example with leverage

You open a CFD position worth ZAR 20,000, but with 5x leverage, your market exposure is ZAR 100,000.
- If VIRTUAL rises by 8%, your gain is 8% × 5 = 40%
- Profit: 40% of ZAR 20,000 = ZAR 8,000 (excluding fees; leverage amplifies both gains and loss risks)

Final Advice

Before investing, it’s essential to compare the fees, safety measures, and terms of each platform—as costs and risks can differ significantly. Whether you opt for direct ownership of VIRTUAL or prefer faster, leveraged strategies via CFD trading depends on your investment goals and experience level. For a clear and up-to-date comparison of the main platforms available in South Africa, review our comparison table further down this page.

Our 7 tips for buying Virtuals Protocol

The latest news from the Virtuals Protocol

Virtuals Protocol maintains strong exchange activity, with over $377 million traded and listing on Binance, Bitget, and Gate.io. This high trading volume points to sustained investor interest and liquidity, a key factor for South African (ZA) traders who primarily access major global exchanges for crypto-asset purchases. Notably, Binance and Bybit, two of the largest platforms available to ZA residents, both list VIRTUAL, simplifying accessibility and integration for local retail and professional investors seeking to trade or hold the token.

Recent multi-chain expansion onto Solana and Base networks broadens infrastructure flexibility for African developers and institutional users. The addition of Solana and Base support not only diversifies on-chain environments beyond Ethereum, but also potentially reduces transaction costs and increases network efficiency for users in bandwidth- and cost-sensitive regions such as Southern Africa. This multi-chain approach aligns with growing demand among ZA Web3 teams for lower-latency, affordable platforms to deploy AI agents and smart contracts.

Virtuals Protocol has cemented its position as a global leader in decentralized AI agents, with over 11,000 agents created and $35 million in fees generated. This market leadership positions the project favorably in the fast-growing global sector for agent-based artificial intelligence. As South African blockchain and AI startups rapidly expand, partnerships or integrations with Virtuals Protocol could offer novel business models and use cases in local sectors such as fintech, customer service automation, and logistics.

The recent +11% intraday price jump, alongside bullish MACD signals, suggests renewed short-term momentum despite weekly volatility. While the token’s price dipped slightly over the week, the combination of strong daily performance and technical indicators such as a bullish MACD (moving average convergence divergence) may offer confidence to South African market participants tracking short-term trading opportunities or building systematic trading strategies.

The sentiment among international analysts remains optimistic in the long term, underpinned by sector growth and ecosystem innovation. The ongoing expansion of the agent-based AI sector (now valued at $680 million) and the launch of new initiatives such as the Genesis platform and Asynchronus infrastructure reinforce Virtuals Protocol’s outlook. For South African institutional investors and digital asset innovators, this positive sentiment—despite recent income contraction—signals continued relevance and partnership potential, especially as the domestic technology ecosystem pursues advanced blockchain applications.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.