As of January 12, 2026, AI-linked cryptocurrencies continue to dominate market performance. Fetch.ai (FET), Bittensor (TAO), and emerging tokens like Venice (DIEM) posted double-digit gains in recent sessions, while DePIN infrastructure projects rose in tandem. Meanwhile, meme coins and Layer 2 scaling solutions (Arbitrum, Optimism, Polygon) underperformed amid broader altcoin consolidation. This guide analyzes why AI & DePIN tokens are surging, which projects are leading, and what traders should watch next on Tapbit.
Why AI Tokens Are Outperforming in Early 2026
AI cryptocurrencies have become the strongest narrative in the first weeks of 2026, driven by renewed investor interest in decentralized AI infrastructure, on-chain data marketplaces, and machine learning protocols. Key drivers include:
- Continued hype around decentralized AI networks vs. centralized giants
- Institutional & retail rotation into high-beta AI plays
- Strong on-chain metrics: rising TVL, developer activity, and usage
- Positive spillover from broader tech/AI sector sentiment
Top AI Tokens Leading the Rally
| Token | Recent Performance | Current Price (approx.) | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fetch.ai (FET) | +10–15% recent sessions | $2.15–$2.30 | AI agent economy & data marketplace |
| Bittensor (TAO) | +12–18% recent sessions | $520–$560 | Decentralized machine learning network |
| Venice Token (DIEM) | Double-digit advances | $0.45–$0.60 | Emerging AI privacy & inference focus |
These tokens have consistently outperformed the broader market, with FET and TAO acting as sector benchmarks.
DePIN Tokens Rise Alongside AI Assets
Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) — projects building real-world infrastructure via blockchain — have benefited from the AI surge. As AI models require massive compute, storage, and bandwidth, DePIN plays are seen as complementary infrastructure.
Notable movers:
- Render (RNDR) & Akash (AKT): GPU compute networks
- Helium (HNT) & Filecoin (FIL): Wireless & storage infrastructure
- IOTX & others: Edge computing & IoT support
DePIN tokens typically move in tandem with AI assets, creating a powerful dual-narrative rotation.
Why Meme Coins & Layer 2 Tokens Are Lagging
While AI/DePIN shine, other sectors struggle:
Meme Coins:
- Profit-taking after late-2025 pumps
- Fading retail hype & liquidity drain
- Shift toward “utility” narratives (AI, DePIN)
Layer 2 Scaling Solutions:
- High transaction volume but weak price momentum
- Focus on scalability overshadowed by AI/DePIN excitement
- Arbitrum, Optimism, Polygon, zkSync: modest or negative moves
Technical Outlook for AI & DePIN Leaders
| Token | Support Zone | Resistance | Short-Term Bias |
|---|---|---|---|
| FET | $1.90–$2.00 | $2.40–$2.60 | Bullish |
| TAO | $480–$500 | $580–$620 | Strong Bullish |
| RNDR (DePIN) | $9.50–$10.00 | $12.00–$13.50 | Bullish |
Short-term bias: Bullish for AI/DePIN while broader alts consolidate. Breakouts above resistance could trigger next leg higher.
Risks to the AI/DePIN Rally
- Profit-taking after strong run
- Broader market correction (BTC/ETH weakness)
- Regulatory scrutiny on AI tokens
- Overheating narrative → sharp pullbacks
Use tight risk management on leveraged positions.
How to Trade AI & DePIN Tokens on Tapbit
- Sign up on Tapbit → Create Account
- Deposit USDT or BTC
- Search FET, TAO, RNDR, AKT pairs (spot & futures)
- Trade with low fees and up to 125x leverage
- Set alerts for key levels & news
Tapbit offers deep liquidity and fast execution for AI/DePIN tokens.
FAQs – AI Tokens Surge January 2026
Why are FET and TAO pumping?
Renewed AI narrative + strong on-chain metrics + investor rotation.
Are DePIN tokens correlated with AI?
Yes — infrastructure demand for AI compute/storage drives DePIN strength.
Is now a good time to buy AI tokens?
Momentum strong but high-risk — use proper position sizing.
Conclusion
AI-linked tokens (FET, TAO, Venice) and DePIN projects are leading crypto gains in early 2026, while meme coins and Layer 2 solutions lag. The narrative shift toward decentralized AI infrastructure continues to drive capital rotation and outperformance.
Track live AI/DePIN action and trade confidently on Tapbit — low fees, high liquidity, and fast execution.
Trade FET, TAO & DePIN tokens on Tapbit now →
Disclaimer: Not financial advice. Crypto prices are highly volatile. Always do your own research. Data as of January 12, 2026.
