ALT season" (short for Altcoin Season) is a period in the cryptocurrency market when altcoins — all cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin — significantly outperform Bitcoin in terms of price appreciation and market gains.
Why It's Called "ALT Season"
- "ALT" = Alternative cryptocurrencies to Bitcoin (like Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, etc.).
- "Season" = A temporary period where a trend dominates (like summer, winter... so here it's a market trend).
- So, ALT season means a time when altcoins gain more value and attention than Bitcoin.
During this time:
- Bitcoin either consolidates (moves sideways) or grows slowly.
- Altcoins experience rapid growth, often delivering higher returns.
- Retail and speculative investors shift focus from BTC to altcoins for potentially higher profits.
How BTC Dominance (BTCDOM) Controls or Signals ALT Season
BTC Dominance (BTCDOM) is the percentage of total crypto market capitalization that belongs to Bitcoin.
It's a metric:
BTCDOM=(Market Cap of BTC / Total Crypto Market Cap)×100
When BTCDOM is high or rising:
- Bitcoin is gaining or maintaining market strength.
- Investors are focused on Bitcoin (often during bear markets or early bull markets).
- Altcoins underperform or remain flat.
- Not an ALT season.
When BTCDOM is falling:
- Altcoins are gaining market share relative to Bitcoin.
- Money is flowing from BTC into altcoins.
- Often signals or coincides with the beginning or peak of ALT season.
