Meme coin searches hit a 5-year low! ChatGPT predicts DOGE and SHIB rebound explosion

ChatGPT latest version 5.2 provides price forecasts for XRP, DOGE, and SHIB, with XRP potentially returning to the $3-$5 range by 2026. DOGE benefits from a new meme coin cycle and broader risk appetite, with a target price of $0.35-$0.50. SHIB, due to network upgrades in 2026 increasing privacy layers, is forecasted to reach $0.00003-$0.000050.

Reversal Opportunity as Meme Coin Searches Drop to 5-Year Low

According to Google Trends data, meme coin search volume has just fallen to its lowest point in five years. Prices reflect this as well, with the sector’s value down 60% this year. This extreme market sentiment often signals a reversal opportunity in history. When everyone forgets meme coins, it’s the buildup phase for the next surge.

ChatGPT predicts that driven by a new meme coin cycle and broader risk appetite, DOGE will see strong upward momentum, reaching $0.35-$0.50 by 2026. From the current price of about $0.19, $0.35 represents an 84% increase, and $0.50 a 163% gain. This forecast is based on market cyclical rotation: after Bitcoin breaks out and hits new highs, funds tend to flow into high-risk, high-reward meme coins, with DOGE as the leader often immediately feeling this impact.

SHIB has even greater explosive potential. Launched in 2020 to challenge Dogecoin, its market cap now approaches $4.83 billion. Unlike Dogecoin, SHIB plans a network upgrade in 2026 that will add a privacy layer, likely becoming the main driver for its renewed growth momentum. ChatGPT forecasts SHIB will reach $0.00003-$0.000050, which from the current price of about $0.00001, implies a 3- to 5-fold profit potential.

ChatGPT 2026 Top 3 Cryptocurrency Forecast Overview

XRP Dual Scenario: Bearish crash to $1 (about 50% drop) vs Bullish surge to $3-$5 (60% to 166% increase)

DOGE Bullish Only: Target $0.35-$0.50, potential increase of 84% to 163%

SHIB Explosion Potential: Target $0.00003-$0.000050, up to 5x gains (400%)

Key Variables: Bitcoin breakout, meme coin cycle activation, regulatory clarity

XRP Polarized Forecast and Key Variables

(Source: Trading View)

ChatGPT presents the most extreme dual scenarios for XRP. The bearish scenario assumes declining adoption, tightening macro liquidity, and prices remaining below key resistance levels, leading to a complete crash to $1. This prediction is plausible; current XRP price is around $1.90, having broken multiple key EMAs, confirming a bearish trend technically. If legislative delays persist, the Bank of Japan’s hawkish rate hikes trigger arbitrage unwinding, and ETF funds shift outflows, the $1 target could be reached within months.

The bullish scenario assumes a series of positive catalysts. The launch of RLUSD stablecoin creates real demand for XRP, with institutions converting RLUSD into XRP for cross-border payments and liquidity operations. Ongoing integration means more banks and payment providers adopting Ripple’s network. Reports of increased adoption in Asia (especially Japan) indicate XRP gaining recognition in relatively clear regulatory markets. Strong ETF capital inflows also provide sustained buying support. If these factors converge in 2026, XRP returning to the $3-$5 range is not unrealistic.

XRP’s performance this year already demonstrates its explosive potential. After winning a key legal case against the US SEC, XRP hit a historic high of $3.65 in July. This explosive rise from a $0.50 low to $3.65 high shows XRP’s resilience driven by positive catalysts. If similar regulatory breakthroughs or application surges occur in 2026, replicating this rally is possible. However, ongoing regulatory uncertainty and market share erosion by competitors could lead to a collapse back to $1.

SHIB Privacy Layer Upgrade and Meme Coin Cycle Resonance

SHIB’s forecast is particularly attractive because it combines technological upgrades with market cycle catalysts. Technically, SHIB has yet to fully break out of the bullish flag pattern that appeared earlier this year. A bullish flag is a continuation pattern, often seen after strong upward moves, and a breakout usually continues the prior trend. If SHIB approaches the critical resistance at $0.000010 by the end of December, it will lay a technical foundation for its 2026 explosion.

The 2026 network upgrade adding a privacy layer is SHIB’s unique advantage. Privacy features are highly valued in crypto; privacy-focused coins like Monero and Zcash have maintained stable market caps long-term. If SHIB successfully integrates a privacy layer, it will upgrade from a pure meme coin to a privacy-meets-meme hybrid token with practical utility. This differentiation could attract privacy-conscious users and expand SHIB’s use cases.

Market focus remains on Bitcoin’s breakout. When Bitcoin surpasses $120,000 and hits new highs, funds tend to flow into high-beta meme coins. DOGE and SHIB, as the two largest market caps in this space, are likely to immediately feel this capital rotation. Historically, during the 2021 bull market, DOGE surged from $0.005 to $0.73, a gain of over 14,000%. SHIB rose from $0.000007 to $0.000088, a gain of over 1100%. If a similar meme coin frenzy occurs in 2026, ChatGPT’s forecast of 5x gains could even be conservative.

However, risks are also evident. Meme coins inherently depend on market sentiment and speculation, lacking cash flow and intrinsic value support. If Bitcoin fails to break out or the crypto market enters a bear phase, meme coins will be hit hardest, with declines often far exceeding mainstream coins. SHIB’s current market cap is $4.83 billion, and the sector has already fallen 60% this year, showing meme coins’ fragility without catalysts. Investors betting on ChatGPT’s bullish forecast should be prepared for significant volatility and even the risk of zeroing out.