The new Web3 narrative transforming information and attention into tradeable assets: AI-powered content evaluation, yap-to-earn models, and the attention economy.
On January 15, 2026, X announced a ban on applications that financially reward users for engagement. This policy change directly targets the InfoFi "Yap-to-Earn" model, causing significant market disruption.
InfoFi (Information Finance) is an emerging crypto narrative that transforms information and attention into tradeable, monetizable assets. This concept uses AI technology to process information while leveraging blockchain tokenization and transparency to align incentives and provide trading capabilities.
It aims to convert traditionally difficult-to-quantify non-price information—such as project attention, social reputation, and opinion trends—into priceable, tradeable financial assets. Through decentralized incentives, InfoFi rewards everyone who creates, spreads, or evaluates information.
In crypto, being early = profits. InfoFi rewards the people who bring early insights to light. It shifts power from centralized algorithms to decentralized reputations.
The InfoFi ecosystem is built on AI-powered content analysis, blockchain-based point/token distribution, and attention economy metrics. Platforms like Kaito award users "Yap" points based on their contributions to Crypto X. These points are used in leaderboard rankings, and projects distribute tokens to top contributors.
Earn rewards by sharing crypto insights. Kaito pioneered this space by tokenizing attention through "Yaps" - points awarded based on content volume, engagement quality, and insight depth on Crypto X. Projects distribute airdrops to top contributors.
AI-powered market intelligence platforms. ElfaAI tracks 10,000+ traders and influencers, providing AI-driven insights. Arkham leads in on-chain data analysis and wallet tracking.
Speculate on project attention trends. Noise enables users to trade and speculate on mindshare (attention share) without purchasing tokens. It uses Kaito's data as an oracle.
Credibility scoring systems. Ethos introduced a credibility scoring mechanism combining peer reviews and staking to evaluate projects and influencers on-chain.
Platforms for speculating on diverse outcomes. Polymarket offers prediction markets on various topics from elections to sporting events. Part of the financialization of information and predictions concept.
| Project | Category | Market Cap ↓ | 24h | Chain | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ar Arkham $ARKM | Data Analytics | $450M | -8.2% | Ethereum | 4.6 |
Ka Kaito $KAITO | Yap-to-Earn | $180M | -15.2% | Ethereum | 4.5 |
Ga Galxe $GAL | Quest Platform | $120M | -5.4% | Multi-chain | 4.4 |
Co Cookie DAO $COOKIE | Content Curation | $45M | -22.8% | Base | 4.2 |
El ElfaAI $ELFA | Data Analytics | $35M | -18.5% | Solana | 4.3 |
No Noise $NOISE | Attention Markets | $28M | -25.1% | Ethereum | 4 |
Et Ethos $ETHOS | Reputation | $22M | -12.3% | Ethereum | 4.1 |
Po Polymarket No token | Prediction Market | N/A | - | Polygon | 4.8 |
InfoFi Pioneer
Pioneer of the InfoFi space. Awards "Yaps" points based on contributions to Crypto X. Used for Yapper Leaderboard rankings and project airdrops.
Content Curation
If Kaito is for content creators, Cookie is for curators. It rewards people who surface, amplify, and distribute valuable information.
The sudden crash of InfoFi tokens in January 2026 serves as a stark reminder of "platform risk" in the Web3 ecosystem. Building a decentralized economy on top of a centralized platform like X proved to be a fragile strategy.
On January 15, 2026, X's Head of Product Nikita Bier updated the developer API policies.
The new policy banned applications that financially reward users for posting content.
This change was aimed at curbing automated replies, low-quality engagement, and AI-generated spam.
All InfoFi tokens, especially KAITO and COOKIE, lost 20-50%+ of their value.
InfoFi projects must develop alternative strategies to reduce dependence on centralized platforms. Decentralized social networks like Lens Protocol, Farcaster, or native platforms could be solutions.
To participate in the InfoFi ecosystem, you first need to create an account on a crypto exchange and set up a wallet. Here are our recommended exchanges with exclusive bonuses:
You need an active X account. Having existing crypto-related posts is an advantage.
Create an account at kaito.ai and connect your X account. Start tracking your Yap points.
Share valuable insights about crypto projects. Avoid spamming - quality matters more than quantity.
As you climb the Yapper Leaderboard, you become eligible for airdrops from projects. Keep your wallet ready.
While X's policy change dealt a short-term blow to the sector, InfoFi's core concept remains valid. The valuation, tokenization, and trading of information and attention will play an important role in Web3's evolution.
Trends to watch: migration to decentralized social networks (Farcaster, Lens), better quality assessment with advancing AI models, and platform-agnostic InfoFi protocols.
Industry analysts predict
Start by creating an account on crypto exchanges and become part of the InfoFi ecosystem. Transform your knowledge and attention into value.
Putem câștiga comisioane din link-uri affiliate. Criptomonedele implică riscuri substanțiale—efectuați întotdeauna propria cercetare înainte de a investi.