- Ethereum’s creator count has dropped below 300, down from its peak of over 500 in 2021.
- Total value locked on Ethereum has fallen by 38%, showing reduced trust in the network.
- Competing blockchains with faster speeds and lower fees are attracting builders and users away from Ethereum.
Ethereum, a leader in blockchain technology, is now experiencing a decline in both technological contributions and total value locked. Recent data reveals a decrease in active developers alongside reduced commit volumes, indicating probable challenges for the market.
Developers Leave as Activity Drops
The number of developers contributing to the coin has fallen steadily, dropping below 300 as of 2025 after peaking at over 500 between 2019 and 2021. Code commits, which reached 18,000 annually at their height, have now decreased to less than 12,000.
This drop signals a loss of interest among developers who previously helped it dominate the blockchain space. Newer blockchains that are faster and more affordable are drawing developers, while Ethereum’s transition to proof-of-stake may have added uncertainty.
During its peak years, Ethereum thrived as autonomous investment and non-fungible tokens attracted wide attention. However, current trends suggest that sustaining this dominance will be a growing challenge for the platform.
TVL Declines by 38% from Peak
Ethereum’s total value locked, which measures the value of assets within its environment, has fallen by 38% since its 2021 peak. This drop raises concerns about its ability to retain user trust and sustain its leading position in distributed finance.
Fewer wallets holding large amounts of ETH, particularly over 1,000 tokens, are being observed. This suggests that shareholders and businesses are losing interest , further adding to the platform’s struggles.
Competing blockchains, such as Solana and Binance Smart Chain, are capturing user attention through faster trade speeds and lower costs. This competitive pressure has made recovery even more uncertain as users and developers explore alternatives.
The Challenge Ahead
Ethereum’s dominance in blockchain technology is being questioned as developer activity and total value locked continue to decline. These trends pose important challenges that require urgent attention.
The question remains whether it can overcome these issues and regain its growth momentum in an increasingly competitive blockchain market.