It took just a single soft nudge from Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao to send parts of the BNB Chain memecoin market into a speculative frenzy.

Although CZ’s public interaction was far from a formal endorsement, the market interpreted it as a green light. Within hours, two tokens: PALU and 4, went on explosive rallies, posting triple-digit gains and injecting fresh excitement into what traders are calling the start of “BNB memecoin season.”

On-chain data, social activity, and trading volumes all point to a coordinated wave of retail and influencer participation, driven by the perception that CZ’s nod carries more weight than any formal marketing push.

PALU Rockets on CZ’s Meme Interaction

The standout gainer in this frenzy is PALU, a memecoin that positions itself as the unofficial “Binance mascot token.”

The spark came when CZ interacted with a meme depicting a cartoon version of himself, the same character that serves as PALU’s logo. Within minutes, the token’s market capitalisation shot past $100 million, before settling around $80 million as traders took quick profits.

Yet the data shows that this rally was far from accidental.
Analytics from X-Alpha reveal that several Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), including @Eljaboom, @Web3Annie and @Sibeleth had been engaging with PALU-related content and transactions days before CZ’s post. Their combined reach amplified the community buzz and likely positioned PALU for a premeditated run once CZ entered the conversation.

Supporting this, Bubblemaps data identified a whale wallet purchase of $100,000 worth of PALU tokens just prior to CZ’s interaction, suggesting inside anticipation.

At press time, PALU’s trading volume sits around $230 million, placing it among the most actively traded BNB Chain tokens of the week.

Analysts believe the coin still has legs. Given the strong mix of retail participation, influencer hype and deep liquidity within the BNB ecosystem, PALU could retest its previous high and even push beyond if momentum persists.

“The pattern mirrors early Dogecoin-style surges,” one analyst noted, “except it’s happening faster and with stronger on-chain signals.”

‘4’: CZ’s Favourite Number Becomes a Memecoin Phenomenon

If PALU’s rise was a meme-driven fluke, 4’s success is a testament to how deeply CZ’s online persona influences crypto culture.

4, a token named after the number CZ frequently references on social media has become the second major memecoin to skyrocket on the BNB Chain in recent days.

CZ’s followers know that “4” has long been his cryptic symbol for “ignore FUD.” The number also gained cultural resonance among traders after CZ served four months in prison, with some calling it a badge of resilience and comeback.

This combination of symbolism, humour and viral traction turned 4 into an instant hit.

The token’s market cap recently surpassed $200 million, fuelled by endorsement posts from Bitget Global, Binance’s four.meme launchpad and prominent crypto influencers such as @Aixbt_agent.

Even as social media mentions briefly cooled midweek, sentiment analysis shows a fresh spike in interest, a classic setup for another potential upward leg. 4’s trading volume has already crossed $100 million, confirming it as one of the BNB Chain’s most liquid meme assets.

Some analysts predict that continued momentum, coupled with the current “CZ-linked token” narrative, could send 4’s valuation toward the $1 billion mark, a milestone that would solidify its place among the top meme performers of the quarter.

The CZ Effect: A New Breed of Market Catalyst

CZ’s influence on crypto markets remains profound, even months after stepping down as Binance CEO. His subtle gestures, whether a meme like, an emoji reply, or a simple repost, often trigger market-wide speculation.

In the world of memecoins, where community sentiment outweighs fundamentals, “The CZ Effect” now functions as a high-powered market catalyst.

The recent rallies in PALU and 4 show how symbolism and timing can override traditional market logic. Retail investors interpret CZ’s online behaviour as implicit validation, while influencers and whales move quickly to capitalise on incoming liquidity.

This reflexive cycle, social signal, influencer amplification, retail frenzy, is rapidly becoming the defining dynamic of BNB Chain memecoins.

However, such rallies remain volatile. Analysts warn that while meme-driven price surges can generate spectacular returns, they are also notoriously short-lived. Once social buzz fades, price retracements can be steep and sudden.

BNB Memecoin Season: Speculation or Sustainable Trend?

The question now facing traders is whether this surge marks a short-term mania or the start of a lasting BNB memecoin cycle.

BNB Chain, bolstered by low transaction fees and a thriving retail community, has always been fertile ground for speculative assets. But the scale of recent rallies with two tokens collectively topping $300 million in market cap within days, suggests a wider shift in sentiment.

If liquidity continues to concentrate around CZ-linked projects and if new memecoins replicate PALU and 4’s viral success, BNB Chain could dominate the next wave of meme speculation, much as Solana did earlier this year.

Still, the market’s dependence on personality-driven catalysts like CZ poses a structural risk. Without sustained development or real-world utility, many of these tokens may struggle to hold long-term value.

For now, though, enthusiasm is winning. Memecoin traders across X (formerly Twitter), Telegram and BNB forums are calling this the start of “CZ SZN” shorthand for a renewed cycle of hype, humour and high-risk gains.

Conclusion: CZ’s Legacy Lives On

What began as a simple meme interaction from a retired CEO has snowballed into one of the BNB Chain’s most explosive weeks of trading in 2025.

PALU and 4 have shown that even in an increasingly mature crypto market, personality still moves capital. With retail traders chasing symbolism and influencers fanning the flames, CZ’s soft shill has once again demonstrated how crypto’s most powerful forces remain, not algorithms or regulations, but memes and momentum.

If history is any guide, the next viral post could send another token rocketing skyward. For now, the BNB Chain’s memecoin mania is in full swing and the market is listening closely for CZ’s next wordless cue.