Tether's Origins and Enduring Position
- •Tether launched in 2014 as Realcoin, later rebranded.
- •It’s still the most used and traded stablecoin today.
- •Liquidity, adoption, and network support drive its success.
Tether, originally launched as Realcoin in 2014, has come a long way in shaping the stablecoin landscape. Rebranded to Tether later that same year, it became the first widely adopted stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the US dollar. Over a decade later, it still leads the market, boasting billions in daily trading volume and unmatched liquidity.
While newer stablecoins like USDC and DAI have entered the scene with transparency and decentralization narratives, Tether stablecoin dominance remains largely unchallenged. But what exactly has kept it at the top for so long?
The Key to Staying Power: Liquidity & Accessibility
The core reason behind Tether’s continued dominance is liquidity. As the most traded stablecoin, Tether (USDT) is deeply integrated across nearly every major centralized and decentralized crypto exchange. Its presence on multiple blockchains—including Ethereum, Tron, Solana, and others—also makes it one of the most accessible digital dollars globally.
Additionally, many traders and institutions choose Tether due to its reliable USD peg, simple onboarding process, and widespread exchange pairings. These features make it the go-to stablecoin for cross-border trading, arbitrage, and as a hedge against crypto volatility.
Controversy, Yet Continued Usage
Despite periodic controversies around transparency and reserves, Tether continues to thrive. Part of its resilience comes from being first to market, earning a trust-by-familiarity status among global crypto users. Over time, it has improved its reserve audits and compliance practices to maintain confidence in the token.
As the stablecoin space becomes more regulated, Tether’s adaptability and existing global infrastructure may help it retain its edge. Its dominance isn’t just historical—it’s strategic.