Ethereum News Today: Ethereum Layer 2 Meme Coin Gains Steam as Shiba Inu's Potential Heir

Little Pepe (LILPEPE), a new meme token trading under $0.003, is gaining momentum as a potential successor to Shiba Inu (SHIB), with forecasts suggesting it could reach $1 by 2026. The project distinguishes itself through its Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain infrastructure, which aims to address common criticisms of meme coins by providing fast, low-cost transactions and enhanced security. Early performance metrics, including favorable tokenomics and rising community engagement, have drawn comparisons to the rapid success of Pepe (PEPE) in 2023.

Security and transparency are central to the project’s appeal. A full smart contract audit by CertiK has given the project a score of 95.49%, reinforcing investor confidence. The audit validates the project's smart contract safety and access controls, addressing concerns about scams and rug pulls that plague the meme coin sector. Additionally, the token is designed with zero transaction taxes, maximizing potential returns for holders and reducing barriers to entry for new investors.

Community traction is another key indicator of LILPEPE’s potential. Between June and August 2025, the project’s question volume on ChatGPT surpassed that of Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB), and Pepe (PEPE). This surge in interest mirrors the early stages of PEPE’s 2023 run, where viral adoption led to over 20,000% gains for early buyers. However, LILPEPE differentiates itself by integrating infrastructure and utility, including a sniper bot-resistant blockchain and a custom Layer 2 network tailored for meme tokens. These features are designed to ensure fairer token launches and scalable transaction throughput.

The project has also launched a $777,000 community reward program to further boost engagement, with giveaways and promotional incentives encouraging broader participation. This marketing strategy has helped maintain momentum and is expected to amplify awareness as the token approaches exchange listings. Analysts note that LILPEPE’s strategic combination of meme culture and technical innovation could provide a more sustainable model for future growth compared to traditional meme coins.

If the project maintains its current trajectory, LILPEPE could become a significant player in the meme coin space. With a market cap potential of $300 million, the token price could rise over tenfold from its current levels, assuming adoption mirrors that of top-performing meme coins. For investors, the current price represents a low-cost entry point before anticipated listings and potential mainstream exposure. The convergence of community enthusiasm, technological advantages, and investor trust is shaping LILPEPE as a strong candidate for the next major meme coin success.

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