Crypto Market Cycles & Bitcoin Bull Runs: A Historical Perspective

Bitcoin, the world’s leading cryptocurrency, has been through multiple bull runs over the years, each setting new all-time highs and expanding mainstream adoption. Understanding crypto market trends and Bitcoin bull market cycles is essential for making informed decisions in cryptocurrency investing. Every Bitcoin bull run has been influenced by factors like Bitcoin halving effects, macroeconomic conditions, and technological advancements in the blockchain ecosystem. With Bitcoin touching new ATHs in 2024, surpassing $93,000, investors and traders are once again turning their attention to Bitcoin price prediction and speculating about the Bitcoin future in 2025 and beyond. In this article, we’ll explore the history of Bitcoin bull runs, analyze what causes them, and discuss strategies for investing in Bitcoin during these cycles. Additionally, we’ll highlight the importance of secure wallets like Guarda Wallet and the role of crypto exchanges in preparing for the next bull run.

Bitcoin’s First Major Bull Run (2013)

The first major Bitcoin bull run took place in 2013, marking Bitcoin’s debut into the mainstream financial conversation. At the beginning of the year, Bitcoin was trading below $20, but as more people recognized its potential, the price skyrocketed to $1,100 by December 2013. This dramatic Bitcoin value increase was fueled by:

  • Increased merchant adoption.
  • The rise of early Bitcoin exchanges.
  • Media coverage and growing public interest.
  • The first signs of institutional curiosity.

Despite this impressive rally, Bitcoin’s price crashed shortly after, falling below $200 in 2015, illustrating the risks of Bitcoin investing and the cyclical nature of the market.

Bitcoin Bull Run in 2017 Saw a High of Over $15,000

Bitcoin’s next bull run took place in 2017, marking its transition from a niche asset to a widely recognized store of value. This bull cycle saw Bitcoin’s price soar from $1,000 in early 2017 to over $15,000 by December 2017—eventually peaking at $20,000 on some exchanges.

Factors contributing to the Bitcoin value increase included:

  • Bitcoin for beginners: More retail investors entered the market.
  • Bitcoin vs altcoins: Ethereum and other altcoins gained popularity.
  • Crypto regulations impact: Governments worldwide started recognizing and regulating cryptocurrencies.
  • Crypto technical analysis: Traders leveraged price charts and patterns to maximize gains.

However, crypto regulations and the bursting of the ICO (Initial Coin Offering) bubble led to a prolonged bear market in 2018-2019.

Bitcoin Touches an All-Time High of Around $69,000 in the 2021 Bull Run

The Bitcoin bull market of 2020-2021 was one of the most remarkable in history, driven by institutional interest, corporate adoption, and post-pandemic economic stimulus. Bitcoin started 2020 at around $7,000 and climbed to an astonishing $69,000 by November 2021.

Several key factors played a role in this meteoric rise:

  • Bitcoin halving effect: The 2020 Bitcoin halving reduced mining rewards, limiting supply.
  • Institutional adoption: Companies like Tesla, MicroStrategy, and Square purchased Bitcoin.
  • Future of blockchain technology: DeFi and NFTs exploded in popularity.
  • Bitcoin trading strategies: Long-term holders and whales accumulated Bitcoin.

However, the market corrected sharply in 2022 due to tightening macroeconomic policies, increased crypto regulations, and the collapse of key players like FTX.

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Bitcoin Touches New ATHs in 2024 - Bitcoin Has Reached a Record High of Over $93,000

The crypto bull run 2024 has shattered expectations, with Bitcoin reaching an all-time high of over $93,000. This rally is largely attributed to:

  • Bitcoin ETFs approval: Institutional funds have flooded into Bitcoin.
  • Bitcoin market sentiment: Increased confidence in Bitcoin as a store of value.
  • Bitcoin Ethereum comparison: Ethereum’s continued growth in DeFi and NFTs has fueled investor interest in crypto markets.
  • Altcoin season indicators: While Bitcoin surged, many altcoins have also followed suit.

This Bitcoin value increase reflects the cyclical nature of the market, with new investors entering the space and institutions continuing to accumulate.

What to Expect in Future Bitcoin Bull Runs

Looking ahead, Bitcoin future 2025 and beyond will likely be shaped by:

  • Regulatory Developments: Governments worldwide are working on clearer guidelines for digital assets.
  • Next Bitcoin Halving (2028): Historically, halvings have led to Bitcoin bull markets within 12-18 months.
  • Growing Institutional Adoption: With asset managers like BlackRock and Fidelity entering the crypto space, Bitcoin’s legitimacy as an investment vehicle continues to grow.
  • Blockchain Technology Advancements: Future of blockchain technology will drive scalability, security, and real-world applications.

Although Bitcoin price predictions are speculative, many analysts believe Bitcoin could surpass $150,000 or more in the next bull cycle.

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How to Prepare for the Next/Upcoming Bull Run

Preparing for the next Bitcoin bull run involves strategic planning, security measures, and staying informed. Here are some essential cryptocurrency investing tips:

1. Secure Your Holdings with a Reliable Crypto Wallet

Using a secure wallet like Guarda Wallet is essential to safeguarding your assets. Features include:

  • Non-custodial storage: You control your private keys.
  • Multi-currency support: Store Bitcoin, Ethereum, and altcoins in one place.
  • Integrated crypto trading: Buy and swap crypto within the wallet.

2. Choose the Right Crypto Exchange

A lucrative crypto exchange with high liquidity, low fees, and strong security is key for Bitcoin trading strategies.

3. Stay Informed with Crypto Market Analysis

Keeping up with crypto news today helps anticipate trends and opportunities. Consider:

  • Following Bitcoin technical analysis to identify entry/exit points.
  • Tracking Bitcoin Ethereum comparison to assess market cycles.

4. Diversify Investments (Bitcoin vs Altcoins)

While Bitcoin remains the dominant cryptocurrency, altcoin season indicators suggest that investing in promising altcoins can offer high returns.

5. Understand Risks of Bitcoin Investing

Even in a bull market, risks remain:

  • Market volatility can lead to sharp corrections.
  • Crypto regulations impact could introduce unexpected challenges.
  • Security risks such as exchange hacks and scams.

By following best practices, investors can navigate market cycles effectively and capitalize on future growth.

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Final Thoughts

The history of Bitcoin bull runs shows a clear pattern of rising peaks, followed by corrections and renewed growth. As Bitcoin recently hit a new all-time high of $93,000 in 2024, the question remains: What’s next for Bitcoin in 2025 and beyond?

By staying informed, securing assets with tools like Guarda Wallet, and utilizing crypto technical analysis, investors and traders can better navigate the evolving crypto market trends. Whether it’s investing in Bitcoin, monitoring Bitcoin price prediction, or preparing for future of blockchain technology, the potential for growth remains strong.

The next Bitcoin bull run is just around the corner—are you ready?

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