The buzz around blockchain has reached a fever pitch in early 2025, sparking widespread discussions across tech, finance, and media circles. High-profile moves—like the launch of ChainDD by Tiamao founder Zhao Hejuan—have signaled a new era in blockchain journalism. Meanwhile, late-night chats in WeChat groups keep investors and influencers awake, and major players like NetEase’s Ding Lei have felt compelled to publicly deny personal involvement with Bitcoin.
Amid the noise, a quiet revolution is unfolding in media: the rise of blockchain-focused platforms. From Jinse Finance to Er Duo Caijing and Future Finance, new outlets are emerging rapidly. Established tech media are also stepping in—Tiamao’s bold move with ChainDD reflects a broader trend of mainstream tech publishers expanding into blockchain coverage. According to industry insiders, even traditional TMT media are preparing dedicated blockchain sections, gearing up for long-term content strategies.
👉 Discover how top blockchain platforms are reshaping digital content and investment trends.
Yet, despite the surge in quantity, quality remains scarce. As veteran blogger "Wanneng de Daxiong" points out, most blockchain media prioritize commercialization—especially token launches and community building—over genuine investigative reporting. This imbalance was highlighted recently when ChainDD and Jinse Finance clashed over alleged plagiarism, underscoring the industry’s struggle with original, high-value content.
Why Blockchain Needs Media
Just as the internet spawned TMT journalism and the P2P boom gave rise to fintech media, blockchain’s ascent demands its own information ecosystem. As Huxiu contributor Li Muyang observes, there's a strong media need within the crypto space: “Thousands of projects launching ICOs require branding and credibility—this is where media and influencer endorsements come in.”
Many traditional industries, facing stagnation, now look to tokenization as a revenue lifeline. The potential market size is massive—and highly lucrative. Rumors have circulated of a young entrepreneur earning enough from a single blockchain WeChat account to buy a Porsche Panamera, fueling FOMO among content creators.
Interest isn’t limited to financial or tech journalists. Even lifestyle and fashion influencers are hiring fintech reporters—just to “secure a spot” early. However, while curiosity runs high, caution prevails. Many media professionals remain hesitant, lurking in discussion groups rather than actively contributing, wary of regulatory gray zones and the complexity of this emerging field.
Key Challenges Facing Blockchain Media Startups
During discussions in a newly formed industry group, media entrepreneurs raised several critical concerns:
- How to verify information and avoid spreading false or manipulative market-moving news
- Understanding audience behavior and platform engagement
- Applying blockchain media to niche sectors like gaming or sports
- Overcoming talent shortages and securing funding
- Achieving sustainable profitability
- Navigating evolving regulatory landscapes
To address these, insights were gathered from two leading voices: Feng Jun, Partner and Content Editor-in-Chief at Biworld, and Shi Qingwei, Founder of Shared Finance and former senior financial journalist.
Content Strategy: Focus on Timeliness and Transparency
Feng Jun recalls how Bitcoin’s surge from November to January accelerated media entrepreneurship. “Back then, countless new自媒体 entered the space,” he says. He notes a shift in focus—from speculative coin circle chatter (prices, new tokens) toward more technical chain circle discourse, especially in communities like the famous “3 AM WeChat Group.”
But he advises new entrants not to position themselves as financial analysts. Instead, their core product should be timely news alerts and verified disclosures. “Our job is to gather credible signals and deliver them fast—helping users make informed decisions,” Feng explains. For this, real-time updates are the most effective format.
Shi Qingwei’s Shared Finance took a different path—emphasizing information disclosure tools. In May 2024, they developed a disclosure framework submitted to regulators, advocating for standardized transparency. “Any asset’s foundation is full disclosure,” Shi insists.
👉 Explore how transparent data platforms are transforming trust in digital finance.
Yet misinformation remains rampant. A reporter from Tuoniao Ventures shared concerns about malicious short-selling campaigns: fake headlines, unsigned articles, and emotionally charged narratives spread rapidly through private groups. These often trigger panic selling—hurting retail investors (“the韭菜”) who lack the experience to spot manipulation.
Talent and Funding: The Twin Bottlenecks
One of the biggest hurdles? Talent scarcity. There are almost no seasoned blockchain journalists. Most outlets recruit from traditional financial media—but many reporters remain cautious due to limited industry knowledge and uncertain regulations.
Training takes time—often six months or more—before a journalist can produce authoritative content. This shortage has triggered a fierce talent war, with salaries being inflated across the board. “Too many players in one vertical doesn’t make sense,” Shi Qingwei notes. “It’s unsustainable and fuels industry bubbles.”
While technically skilled product managers often outperform journalists in community engagement, most founders still come from media backgrounds. Feng Jun argues that despite the challenges, now is an ideal time to launch: capital is flowing in from diverse sources, and the ecosystem is expanding.
Professionalization is inevitable. Just like live streaming or paid content platforms evolved, blockchain media must refine editorial processes—selection, editing, review, distribution—with rigorous human oversight. At Biworld, new hires undergo training to reduce the risk of spreading false information.
Feng predicts only about ten major players will survive long-term—those that establish clear positioning, build loyal audiences, and maintain credibility.
Monetization and Long-Term Viability
Shi Qingwei believes that chain and coin are inseparable—despite public reluctance to say so. Most early blockchain companies have quietly pivoted to token-based models. “True innovation often requires a token,” he observes.
Shared Finance initially aimed to build a blockchain crowdfunding platform but found it too similar to ICOs. They shifted to media while investing in projects like NEO, QTUM, and VeChain. Today, the team has around 20 members—with plans to grow to 40–50.
Monetization remains tough. While some earn through ads or financial services skirting regulatory lines, Shi calls such models unsustainable. “Our revenue is barely enough to cover costs for 20–30 people,” he admits—calling it “meager.”
Instead, he emphasizes building independent platforms rather than relying solely on WeChat. Self-regulation is crucial: “With so many scam coins and marketing-heavy projects, one misstep can damage the entire industry’s reputation.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What drives demand for blockchain media?
A: The explosion of ICOs and token projects creates a need for visibility and credibility—media helps legitimize new ventures and informs investor decisions.
Q: Why is talent so scarce in blockchain journalism?
A: It’s a new field requiring both technical understanding and journalistic rigor. Few professionals have both skill sets, leading to high competition for qualified writers.
Q: Can blockchain media survive on advertising alone?
A: Not sustainably. Many rely on adjacent financial activities for revenue, but long-term success depends on product innovation and audience trust.
Q: How do fake news and market manipulation affect readers?
A: Misinformation spreads quickly in closed groups, often triggering panic selling. Retail investors are especially vulnerable due to lack of verification tools.
Q: Is regulation the biggest threat to blockchain media?
A: Not necessarily. While policy uncertainty exists, self-regulation matters more—maintaining integrity protects both the platform and the broader ecosystem.
Q: How many blockchain media outlets will survive long-term?
A: Industry experts estimate only around 10 will endure—those with strong positioning, user bases, and professional standards.
👉 Learn how leading platforms are setting new standards in blockchain content and compliance.