Why These Altcoins Are Trending Today — January 9

AI-related altcoins AI16Z, LLM, and VIRTUAL are capturing significant attention today. AI16Z has faced a steep correction, down 20% in the last 24 hours and 36% over the week, while LLM, a newly launched token, has surged 138%, reaching a market cap of $120 million.

VIRTUAL remains a leading AI coin, undergoing a significant correction but still holding its position among the top 50 altcoins by market cap. As these coins follow divergent trends, the market closely monitors for signs of further losses or potential recoveries.

ai16z (AI16Z)

AI16Z, a prominent AI-focused coin, has gained significant traction by capitalizing on the rising interest in crypto AI agents. At the start of 2025, its market cap soared to $2.7 billion as its price reached $2.5. However, the coin has now been down nearly 20% in the last 24 hours and 36% over the past week.

The technical outlook indicates the correction could persist, with the possibility of a new death cross forming soon. This bearish signal could lead to further declines, making the $1.40 support level critical. If AI16Z breaks below this threshold, it could face a steeper drop, potentially falling to $0.75.

AI16Z Price Analysis. Source: TradingView.

On the other hand, a reversal in the current trend could spark renewed bullish momentum. If AI16Z defends its support and rises to test the $1.74 resistance, breaking above this level could signal a strong recovery. Such a move might push AI16Z back toward $2.5, possibly reaching new all-time highs.

Large Language Model (LLM)

Launched just a day and a half ago on Pumpfun and quickly graduating into Raydium, LLM has become one of the most trending altcoins in the past 24 hours. The artificial intelligence coin has surged an impressive 138% during this period, pushing its market cap to approximately $120 million.

A notable highlight involves a single wallet that purchased 23 million LLM during its Pumpfun phase for just $269. According to X account OnchainLens, the user sold the coins four hours later for $507,000, realizing a staggering 1,887x return.

LLM Price Analysis. Source: Dexscreener.

From a technical perspective, LLM has a critical support level at $0.086, with further declines possible to $0.069 if bearish momentum persists. Conversely, a resurgence in momentum could see LLM challenge resistances at $0.141 and $0.156, potentially setting new highs.

Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL)

VIRTUAL remains a dominant force among AI coins, consistently ranking between the 1st and 3rd spots by market cap within the category. After reaching nearly $5 billion in market cap during the first days of 2025, the coin has entered a strong correction phase, though it continues to hold its place among the top 50 altcoins.

Over the last 24 hours, VIRTUAL has dropped 5.4%, extending its seven-day losses to almost 30%. The last 24 hours were not good for the VIRTUAL price despite the news about its partnership with the crypto game Illuvium.

VIRTUAL Price Analysis. Source: TradingView.

Price analysis suggests that the correction may deepen, as its short-term EMA lines are approaching a potential death cross formation by crossing below the long-term EMAs. This bearish signal could push VIRTUAL price to test the key support level at $2.81, with a further decline to $2.23 if the support fails. However, the ongoing enthusiasm surrounding AI coins presents an opportunity for a reversal.

If renewed hype for AI projects takes hold, VIRTUAL could regain its bullish momentum and challenge the resistance at $3.73. Breaking above this level could open the door for further gains, with the next target at $4.59, marking a potential recovery to previous highs.