Every now and then, I come across a familiar line on X, YouTube, or random forums:
“Hive is dead.”
Sometimes it’s in the comments of an old Hive video, sometimes it’s just a pointless comment in a thread about social blockchains. And if I’m being honest, I understand why some people say it… at least on the surface.
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Our active user base has definitely declined compared to previous years, and the main reason is pretty straightforward, the price. When Hive’s price is down for a long period of time, people slowly go on hiatus (either temporarily or for some is permanent). Historically, that’s what happens in every bear market, not just on Hive. When the hype disappears, so does a big chunk of user motivation.
It’s human nature.
When rewards look small in dollar terms, people assume the platform itself is failing, or worse, dying.
When Price Becomes the Only Signal
On Hive, rewards are a big part of the experience. You write, curate, and engage... and you see the results directly in your wallet. So when the token price go on a downtrend, it feels like your time is being devalued in real time.
For a lot of people, that’s the only signal they pay attention to:
- Price down = platform dying
- Rewards down = time wasted
- Fewer posts = “See? Told you it was dead.”
In their subconscious mind, it becomes a simple story: “Hive is going to die soon anyway, why bother posting?”
And once enough people think like that, activity drops further… which then “confirms” their belief. It becomes a loop.
But here’s the part that gets missed in that narrative.
What If “Small” Isn’t the Same as “Dead”?
Some people look at Hive and say, “Only a few thousand active users? That’s dead.”
To them, anything that isn’t operating at Facebook, TikTok, or X scale automatically looks like a ghost town.
But for me, it doesn’t feel that way at all.
In a typical day, I can only properly engage with maybe 10 to 20 people — reading their posts, leaving meaningful comments, replying to their thoughts. And honestly, I’m more than happy with that. That’s already a full social experience for my available time.
Do I really need millions of users commenting into my posts, with an algorithm deciding what I see? Not really.
I’d rather have:
- A smaller crowd,
- Real conversations,
- And usernames I actually recognize.
From the outside, Hive may look small. From the inside, it feels manageable and human.
Hive Is Not Just Another Web2 App With a Token
One big mistake is when people compare Hive directly with Web2 giants:
- “Is it as big as Facebook?”
- “Does it have TikTok-level engagement?”
- “Is it trending on X?”
But if you really think about it, that’s the wrong comparison.
Web2 platforms are built around ads, algorithms, and centralized control. Hive is built around ownership, censorship resistance, and community governance. That’s a completely different game.
People who come to Hive expecting another TikTok with instant virality will be disappointed. People who come to Hive because they value:
- Freedom
- True ownership
- The ability to earn without being at the mercy of an ad network
…will see something that Web2 can’t offer.
The truth is, most people won’t fully appreciate Hive until they experience the dark side of Web2:
- Being demonetized overnight
- Getting shadowbanned without explanation
- Having years of content removed or locked behind someone else’s rules
Only then does “small, decentralized social blockchain with real ownership” start to sound like a lifeline instead of a niche hobby.
The Hidden Advantages of a “Small” Hive
So what makes Hive’s size an advantage right now?
You can actually be seen.
A good post from a small account still has a chance to be noticed and curated. On Web2, your content is buried unless you’re already big or trending.You can form real connections.
It’s not just usernames scrolling by. Over time, you recognize people’s writing styles, their stories, their journeys.You help shape the culture.
On Hive, you’re not just a tiny voice in a giant crowd. The way you interact, engage, curate, and post actually influences how the platform feels.You build during the quiet years.
When the crowd is gone, the ones who stay accumulate both social capital and Hive Power. That compounds over time.
In other words, Hive feels small — but it also feels early.
Maybe It’s Just Too Early… and That’s Okay
Maybe it’s too early for Hive to gain massive public support. Maybe the broader market isn’t ready to care about digital ownership and decentralized communities yet.
But I believe that the future is bright for this platform.
Because when the next wave of people finally get tired of being deplatformed, demonetized, and shadowbanned, they’ll start looking for alternatives that actually respect them. And when that time comes, Hive won’t be starting from zero... it will already have:
- Years of content
- Battle-tested tech
- And a core community that stayed through every cycle
So yes, Hive feels small right now.
To me, that’s not a weakness. That’s a filter and an opportunity.
Those who remain are the ones who truly believe in what we’re building here. And if you ask me, that’s the kind of foundation you want for a Web3 future.
Hive on. 🐝
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A low Hive price has always had this result during a bear market, and we are used to it by now. But when the price starts to pump, the returnees become astounded to see how the stayers have grown their portfolios.
Such is life :)
Exactly… the quiet years reward the stayers. When the price moves, the growth really shows. 😊🔥
Keep it up mate!
Agreed, and onwards we go 👌
This post is what HIVE needed!
!PAKX
Thank you! Glad it hit the right note… I really meant to remind my fellow Hivers in case they get fearful about what's happening with price. 🙏🔥
I really like this mindset and framing. This is an excellent article and will be sharing it with my Hive friends in @shield-of-glory. Thank you so much for writing this. I feel the same way, that Hive is manageable enough for me to pick my own adventure without being overwhelmed or lost.
Thank you! Happy it resonated. Hive’s size really is its strength… appreciate you sharing it 🙏🔥
Your post increased my faith in Hive. Thanks for the pushup in this down time.
Glad to hear that! Hive has its cycles, but the core value is still strong. Stay steady 💪🐝
I am quietly building up my Hive power in all ways available including buying small batches of Hive about 3k at a time... Now is a great time to accumulate Hive Power.
That’s the spirit… slowly stacking HP now will pay off big later. Great approach! 💪🐝
Point made clear, sometimes I attach those negative feedback and energy from people to laziness, life in general is not fair, the previous year is better than current time, tho discernment is needed to understand the deep things, I will always stay around hive creating, engaging and enjoying.
True… negativity comes and goes, but staying consistent is what really matters. Glad you’re here 💛
Consistency is just the key
I think as long as there is supply and demand
this project will continue
small will attract whale to come and overtake the cheap
while the krill and small fish still gathered to building their castle in Hive
Like me i already build from 2 years ago and i can grow in Hive
even though the price goes down but the cycle is still same. Maybe Hive need adding burn mechanism or i dont know maybe another utilities that need to using Hive token instead so the price will steady.
CMIIW
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Small is actually good. It reduces risk appetite and allow people to build up
Yes! Yes! Yes!
ABSOLUTELY!!
The price will change, and the market will have its moment. It's time to embrace the opportunity (not necessarily that one should, but I will because I can).
Hive comes as a home to share something you love and believe in, or it is a place to find one.
You cleared it in nice way!! Cheers, bro.