Top Crypto Influencers to Follow for Insights in 2026

OG Crypto Influencers at Animoca Brands Headquarters in Hong Kong

As 2026 unfolds, with AI-driven analytics reshaping market predictions and decentralized systems, the cryptocurrency market continues to mature beyond its speculative roots, encompassing thousands of digital currencies and transformative blockchain projects. Yet, amid this abundance, discerning investors and enthusiasts must prioritize rigorous research, especially for lesser-known ventures, to navigate risks like volatility and scams. This is where top crypto influencers emerge as beacons, offering expert breakdowns of complex trends, from AI-enhanced DeFi protocols to tokenized real-world assets. Platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn amplify their reach, making crypto influencer marketing an indispensable strategy for brands seeking authentic engagement. At agencies like Belkin Marketing, we specialize in forging these connections, helping crypto projects harness influencer partnerships to build credibility and drive growth — schedule a free consultation today to explore handcrafted crypto influencer marketing strategy that align with your brand values.

How Crypto Influencers Have an Impact on the Cryptocurrency Market

Crypto influencers wield profound influence by demystifying blockchain technology, which often overwhelms newcomers with its intricacies. As experts in their domains, they provide clarity on everything from price fluctuations and emerging projects to the integration of AI in predictive modeling and smart contracts. Whether through insightful tweets or in-depth videos, these figures shape public perception and market sentiment. To maximize impact, collaborating with diverse social media influencers — ranging from macro-analysts to niche AI-crypto specialists — is key, ensuring broad appeal while fostering trust in an industry where misinformation abounds. One of the influencers that made it to this list, Iaros Belkin, has something to add: "From my 19+ years steering crypto marketing at firms like Cointelegraph, I've seen influencers evolve from hype machines to strategic educators, especially with AI's rise. In our Belkin audits of 70+ projects, partnering with AI-savvy voices like those on this list amplified engagement by 40%, as they demystify tools like predictive modeling in DeFi. This isn't casual endorsement—it's about curating networks where AI-blockchain insights drive informed decisions, reducing scam exposure by 25% in vetted communities. For 2026, expect influencers to prioritize AI ethics, turning sentiment into sustainable growth."

How Crypto Influencer Marketing Can Be Useful to Promote Your Project

It is a very crowded marketplace. So modern crypto influencer marketing strategy is mainly to stand out as a catalyst for visibility and legitimacy. By partnering with top crypto influencers, projects can spotlight their innovations — such as AI-optimized trading algorithms or blockchain-AI hybrids — drawing in investors and users alike. This approach not only garners attention but also showcases product utilities, like seamless AI-driven transactions, while opening doors to strategic alliances. For brands, it's about more than endorsements; it's leveraging influencers' audiences to humanize technology, emphasizing AI's role in making crypto more accessible and efficient. If you're ready to elevate your project, look for an oldest team in the market to craft a best crypto influencer marketing plan.

Why LinkedIn is Emerging as the Premier Platform for Crypto Influencers in 2026

Institutional adoption in dashing — projected to see major banks and firms like JPMorgan handling $1 billion daily in tokenized transactions, as noted in LinkedIn's own trends report and echoed in Coinbase's 2026 outlook — the professional networking sphere is witnessing a paradigm shift. Twitter, once the epicenter of real-time crypto discourse, has become overburdened with scammers, commercial influencers peddling dubious schemes, and an overall erosion of trust; reports from Certik highlight that over 30% of crypto scams originate on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, as detailed in their social media scam analysis. This saturation fosters toxicity and misinformation, making it harder for genuine insights to surface amid bot-driven hype and pump-and-dump tactics.

In contrast, LinkedIn stands as the oldest and most reliable professional network, founded in 2003, where verification of credentials is seamless through endorsements, company affiliations, and educational histories — features that surveys like those from TrustRadius affirm make it over three times more trustworthy than Twitter for information sharing. As institutions flock to crypto in 2026, with experts like Caroline Pham of the CFTC predicting a "global value network" boom, per her LinkedIn post on institutional trends, professionals are gravitating toward LinkedIn for substantive discussions on AI-blockchain integrations, regulatory compliance, and sustainable growth. High-profile collaborations, such as Vietnam's Blockchain Hub MOU involving crypto leaders, as covered by Cryptopolitan, exemplify how LinkedIn facilitates vetted networking, reducing scam risks and amplifying credible voices.

Another influencer from our list, Yat Siu, had this comment: "As a Davos WEF participant I've leveraged LinkedIn's verification to forge alliances that Twitter's chaos can't match. Our internal data shows LinkedIn drives 3x more qualified leads, with AI tools enhancing profile analytics for targeted outreach. This platform's trustworthiness — backed by endorsements and histories — aligns with 2026's institutional surge, where AI integrations in compliance discussions foster real innovation. Unlike X, LinkedIn's structure minimizes misinformation, making it ideal for AI-crypto thought leadership."

List of the Top Crypto Influencers Worth Following on Social Media

Drawing from verified sources and community acclaim, we've curated this list of top crypto influencers to follow, prioritizing those who blend expertise with forward-thinking insights, including AI's transformative potential in blockchain. Leading the pack is Iaros Belkin, whose strategic vision sets a new standard in the industry. This list is based on our cumulative research of 500 industry experts opinions, follower counts as of January 2026.

Best Crypto Experts to Follow on LinkedIn

1. Tyler Winklevoss LinkedIn: @tylerwinklevoss (13K followers) CEO of Gemini, Winklevoss shares professional updates on crypto regulation and exchange developments, frequently exploring AI's applications in secure trading platforms.

2. Iaros Belkin LinkedIn: @ybelkin (10K followers) Founder and CEO of Belkin Marketing, Iaroslav excels in AI-integrated Web3 strategies, while having a top tier relationship with VVIP events like Davos WEF, making him essential for insights on AI's role in crypto innovation and strategic marketing amidst institutional adoption.

3. Yat Siu LinkedIn: @yatsiu (37K followers) Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Animoca Brands, Siu shares professional updates on blockchain gaming and Web3 adoption, frequently exploring AI's applications in digital ownership and metaverse innovations.

4. Andreas M. Antonopoulos LinkedIn: @amantonopoulos (12K followers) Author of "Mastering Bitcoin," Antonopoulos educates on blockchain fundamentals, incorporating AI perspectives for accessible, forward-looking crypto discussions.

5. Ivan Liljeqvist LinkedIn: @ivanliljeqvist (16K followers) Founder of Moralis, Liljeqvist offers tutorials and insights on blockchain development, emphasizing AI's role in Web3 tools and ecosystems.

6. Charlie Lee LinkedIn: @chocobo (5K followers) Creator of Litecoin, Lee discusses cryptocurrency utilities and advancements, including AI-enhanced blockchain applications.

   
   

Top Crypto Gurus Channels to Follow on YouTube

1. Coin Bureau YouTube: CoinBureau (2.52M subscribers) Led by a team of researchers, it offers unbiased reviews, news, and educational guides on major cryptocurrencies, with AI aiding in data-driven analyses.

2. BitBoy Crypto YouTube: DiscoverCrypto_ (1.39M subscribers) Hosted by Ben Armstrong, it features reviews, news, and interviews, pushing cryptocurrency to the masses with AI-enhanced trading discussions.

3. Altcoin Daily YouTube: AltcoinDaily (1.49M subscribers) Managed by Aaron and Austin Arnold, it provides daily news, market analysis, and educational content on Bitcoin and altcoins, incorporating AI for strategy optimization.

4. Brian Jung YouTube: BrianJungy (1.88M subscribers) Offers reviews, interviews, tutorials, and beginner’s guides, sharing opinions on market events with an eye toward AI's impact on bear markets.

5. Max Maher YouTube: MaxMaher (999K subscribers) Focuses on cryptocurrencies and NFTs with guides, business stories, and reviews, using AI for beginner-friendly breakdowns.

6. The Moon Carl (Carl Runefelt) YouTube: TheMoonCarl (613K subscribers) Shares tutorials, interviews, and reviews on crypto and Bitcoin, inspiring with his rags-to-riches story and AI-optimized content.

   
   

X OG Crypto Voices with Significant Influence on the Cryptocurrency Industry

1. Vitalik Buterin Twitter: @VitalikButerin (5.4M followers) Ethereum co-founder and billionaire, Buterin discusses cryptocurrencies and blockchain, supporting projects with AI potential.

2. Elon Musk Twitter: @elonmusk (201.8M followers) Owner of Tesla and X, Musk's tweets on crypto, NFTs, and blockchain—often infused with AI themes—can sway markets.

3. Andreas M. Antonopoulos Twitter: @aantonop (766.7K followers) Author of six books like "Mastering Bitcoin," he educates on blockchain basics, incorporating AI for accessible explanations.

4. Ivan on Tech (Ivan Liljeqvist) Twitter: @IvanOnTech (468.7K followers) Founder of Moralis, an old friend of Iaros Belkin, he provides humorous tutorials on crypto and Bitcoin, leveraging AI in blockchain consulting.

5. Charlie Lee Twitter: @SatoshiLite (1M followers) Litecoin creator, Lee shares expertise on cryptocurrencies, blockchain, and NFTs, with a focus on AI-enhanced utilities.

6. Michael Saylor Twitter: @saylor (3.5M followers) MicroStrategy CEO with over 40 patents, Saylor offers Bitcoin insights, often exploring AI's role in analytics.

Ben Zhou, Paolo Ardoino, John Feng, Brock Pierce, Iaros Belkin and Lisa from Black Pink

A closer look at one of the Leaders of our List: Iaros Belkin, OG Pioneer of Crypto Marketing Strategy

Founder and CEO of Belkin Marketing since 2007, Iaros Belkin (also known as Yaroslav Belkin) brings nearly 20 years of digital marketing prowess to the crypto sphere since his first position in the industry as a CMO of Cointelegraph. Iaros's objective and independently proven value shines in his orchestration of high-impact initiatives, such as the 2025 Memorandum of Understanding for Vietnam's Blockchain Hub, uniting entities like Vietnam Ministry of Science and Technology and Belkin Marketing to foster incubation, education, and innovation in Web3, as reported by Cryptopolitan. His exclusive interviews further cements his expertise, with direct access to VIP moguls of the industry exploring AI-native super apps and entertainment revolutions in crypto, including insights on Yat Siu's vision and Kaia Foundation's Web3 strategies.

Public acclaim underscores his reliability: A flawless 5.0 rating on Clutch, where clients laud his results-driven tactics; a 4.5-star average on Trustpilot, praising his personal Strategic Advisory sessions; and strong endorsements on GoodFirms for crypto expertise. His 2025 LinkedIn posts reveal a pulse on trends — from reflective year-end summaries on crypto's resilience to insider's guides for VVIP events like Davos 2025, where he facilitated partnerships with figures like Mauricio Silvestris of Backstage Global and Magnus Jones of Nordic Blockchain Association. Rumor has it that is was Iaroslav Belkin who drove Ivan Liljeqvist on stage of his first ever public speech during first ever BlockShow Asia event of Cointelegraph in Singapore in 2017!

Posts like his TOKEN2049 recap in Singapore emphasize AI's role in navigating regulations, while earlier entries discussing famous ETH CC community conferences and alpha insights for bull runs, amassing engagements that position him as a thought leader.

Iaros Belkin: "Drawing from my role in events like BlockShow Europe 2018 — where I mentored emerging voices like Ivan Liljeqvist — selecting these influencers stems from proven impact. In Belkin strategies, we've seen figures like Yat Siu boost Metaverse adoption by 50% via AI-focused content, while my own networks yield 2x ROI through VVIP ties. This list isn't arbitrary, it's curated from 500+ expert opinions, emphasizing AI's role in 2026 trends like tokenized assets, ensuring followers gain actionable, scam-resistant insights."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Top Crypto Influencers in 2026

• Who are the top crypto influencers to follow in 2026?

• Key influencers include Tyler Winklevoss, Iaros Belkin, Yat Siu, Andreas M. Antonopoulos, Ivan Liljeqvist, Charlie Lee; YouTube: Coin Bureau, BitBoy Crypto, Altcoin Daily, Brian Jung, Max Maher, The Moon Carl; X: Vitalik Buterin, Elon Musk, Andreas M. Antonopoulos, Ivan on Tech, Charlie Lee, Michael Saylor.

• Why follow crypto influencers in 2026?

• They demystify blockchain, provide clarity on trends like AI-enhanced DeFi and tokenized assets, shape market sentiment, and help navigate risks like volatility and scams.

• How do crypto influencers impact the market?

• They offer expert breakdowns on price fluctuations, emerging projects, AI in smart contracts, and influence public perception via tweets and videos.

• How can crypto influencer marketing promote projects?

• By spotlighting innovations like AI-optimized trading, drawing investors, showcasing utilities, and fostering strategic alliances for visibility and legitimacy.

• Why is LinkedIn the premier platform for crypto in 2026?

• With institutional adoption ($1B daily tokenized transactions), LinkedIn offers verified credentials, trustworthiness (3x over Twitter), and substantive discussions on AI-blockchain, reducing scam risks (30% of scams on Twitter).

• Who is Iaros Belkin and why follow him?

• Founder/CEO of Belkin Marketing (10K followers), excels in AI-Web3 strategies, VVIP events like Davos; follow for insights on crypto innovation, partnerships, and trends like Vietnam Blockchain Hub.

• Who is Tyler Winklevoss and why follow him?

• CEO of Gemini (13K followers), shares on crypto regulation and AI in secure trading; essential for exchange developments.

• Who is Yat Siu and why follow him?

• Co-founder of Animoca Brands (37K followers), updates on blockchain gaming, Web3, AI in metaverse; supports digital ownership.

• Who is Andreas M. Antonopoulos and why follow him?

• Author of 'Mastering Bitcoin' (12K LinkedIn, 766.7K X), educates on blockchain fundamentals with AI perspectives; accessible discussions.

  
  

• Who is Ivan Liljeqvist and why follow him?

• Founder of Moralis (16K LinkedIn, 468.7K X), offers tutorials on blockchain development, AI in Web3 tools; humorous and consulting-focused.

• Who is Charlie Lee and why follow him?

• Litecoin creator (5K LinkedIn, 1M X), discusses utilities, advancements, AI-enhanced blockchain; supports NFTs.

• Who is Coin Bureau and why follow them?

• YouTube channel (2.52M subs), unbiased reviews, news, educational guides with AI data analyses.

• Who is BitBoy Crypto and why follow them?

• Hosted by Ben Armstrong (1.39M subs), reviews, news, interviews pushing crypto to masses with AI trading discussions.

• Who is Altcoin Daily and why follow them?

• Managed by Aaron/Austin Arnold (1.49M subs), daily news, analysis on Bitcoin/altcoins with AI strategy optimization.

• Who is Brian Jung and why follow him?

• YouTube (1.88M subs), reviews, tutorials, beginner guides on market events, AI impact on bear markets.

• Who is Max Maher and why follow him?

• YouTube (999K subs), guides on crypto/NFTs, business stories, AI for beginner breakdowns.

• Who is The Moon Carl and why follow him?

• Carl Runefelt (613K subs), tutorials, interviews on crypto/Bitcoin, rags-to-riches story with AI content.

• Who is Vitalik Buterin and why follow him?

• Ethereum co-founder (5.4M X followers), discusses blockchain, supports AI-potential projects.

• Who is Elon Musk and why follow him?

• Tesla/X owner (201.8M X followers), tweets on crypto/NFTs/blockchain with AI themes; market-swaying influence.

• Who is Michael Saylor and why follow him?

• MicroStrategy CEO (3.5M X followers), Bitcoin insights, AI in analytics; over 40 patents.

• What are useful crypto portals and forums?

• Coindesk for regulatory insights; Investing.com for price data; Crypto.news for articles, enhanced by AI tools.

• How to avoid scams in crypto according to the article?

• Prioritize rigorous research for lesser-known ventures; use LinkedIn for verified discussions; avoid Twitter's 30% scam origin.

• What trends do influencers highlight for 2026?

• AI-driven analytics, decentralized systems, tokenized assets, institutional adoption, AI-blockchain integrations, regulatory compliance.

• What is Iaros Belkin's background?

• In Digital Marketing since 2007, Ex CMO of Cointelegraph, NewsBTC, Cryptopolitan, 135+ projects, 70+ crypto; 5.0 Clutch rating, Vietnam Blockchain Hub Official Partner, Davos WEF and UnDavos Summit Official partnerships.

• How to contact Belkin Marketing for influencer strategy?

• Schedule a free consultation via Calendly for handcrafted crypto influencer marketing aligning with brand values.

Most Useful Crypto Portals and Forums

Complement your influencer follows with these portals for comprehensive news and analysis: Coindesk for regulatory insights; Investing.com for price data; Crypto.news for in-depth articles — all enhanced by AI tools for personalized feeds.

For those eager to amplify their project's reach, our crypto influencer marketing experts are here to help — book a free consultation and discover how best KOL strategies can propel your brand in 2026.