How KOLs orchestrate the cryptocurrency market together with the big players

In the cryptocurrency industry, the collaboration between KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders) and major forces follows a well-defined pattern: “secret planning – momentum creation – profit realization – strategic exit.” This cycle mainly relies on exploiting informational asymmetries and FOMO among small investors. Here’s how this market coordination system works in practice.

The preliminary phase: hidden agreements and strategic positioning

Before any major price movement, big players distribute tokens to KOLs at very favorable prices, often even lower than those offered to venture capitalists. This creates a mutual interest bond. Meanwhile, the major forces begin transferring large volumes of tokens to exchanges about 48 hours before the public “call,” preparing for massive selling. Simultaneously, KOLs complete content preparation, waiting for the coordinated signal to activate their dissemination plan.

Building momentum: the amplifying role of KOLs

When big players start to push the token price slightly upward, creating an illusion of a positive trend, KOLs immediately take action. They tweet on Twitter, host live AMA sessions, energize Telegram groups, and multiply messages across various channels. They systematically exaggerate project partnerships, technical breakthroughs, and all positive aspects.

Coordination among KOLs at different levels is crucial: top influencers shape the narrative, mid-level ones spread it to their followers, while grassroots KOLs create a viral effect within community groups. All this collectively amplifies FOMO, attracting thousands of retail investors to buy and further push the price upward.

The wash trading cycle: programmed volatility

When the token price reaches artificially inflated levels, big players begin their strategic exit. They sell large quantities of tokens, leveraging the positive momentum maintained by KOLs through their continuous messaging. Some agreements specify certain unlock points where both KOLs and major players can realize profits. Once both have completed their sales, the price crashes under selling pressure, and retail investors who chased the trend become the last buyers at inflated prices.

If retail investors hold many positions during this phase, big players can also orchestrate a temporary price collapse while KOLs simultaneously spread false or exaggerated news about potential negative regulations or technical flaws. This creates panic, forcing retail investors to sell at a loss. After collecting tokens at low prices, big players release positive news as agreed, reigniting the rally and completing the manipulation cycle.

How to recognize and protect against these schemes

In late February 2026, BTC stands at $67,340 with a neutral 0.00% change, while BNB is at $622.20 with -0.17% over 24 hours. These seemingly ordinary movements often conceal coordination between KOLs and major operators.

Warning signs include: sudden activity spikes on social media coinciding with price movements, coordinated messages from multiple KOLs during the same period, promises of significant collaborations without concrete details, and especially widespread FOMO. Informed investors should be skeptical of exaggerated narratives and remember that coordination between influencers and big players remains one of the greatest risks in the cryptocurrency market.