Top 5 Web 3 Trends to Watch in 2025 There is no denying that Web 2, the version of the internet we are using today, is on the verge of becoming obsolete at least for forward-looking users. Just see the numbers, in 2024, web 3 has been growing at a meteoric rate of 28%, attracting investments from tech giants and presenting new and exciting opportunities for startups, SMEs, or even everyday users. The De-centralized Finance (DeFi) and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) have proven that Web 3 is not just a theoretical blockchain technology, it is very practical and has huge transformative and disruptive potential.
As we have entered 2025, you need to keep a close eye on major web 3ntrends that are set to emerge this year. In this article, we will discuss briefly some important trends that can play a decisive role in the growth and development of business across industries or domains.
Before we move ahead to highlight these trends, it would be relevant here to see what is web 3 and how it is different from Web 2.

What is Web 3?

As the name indicates, web 3 is the next generation of the internet, emphasizing centralization through blockchain technology and token-based economics. Unlike the centralized nature of Web 2, web 3 would be open and user-centric, providing greater control, and more security against various cybersecurity threats that are undermining various platforms and tools of Web 2.
The salient features of Web 3 are:

Decentralization

It is the major feature, wherein, efforts are being made to transfer data ownership and control away from Big Tech companies like Meta, X, Google, etc. to common users. Technologies such as blockchain and distributed ledger systems are helping to de-monopolize data ownership.

Smart Contracts

Smart contracts are also becoming the face of Web 3. These are self-executing contracts wherein the terms of agreements are embedded directly into codes, making sure that transactions are secure and transparent.

Blockchains & Cryptocurrencies

Peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries are the common features. In which web 3 developers are coming up with blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and non-fungible tokens to mainstream these de-centralized and largely unregulated transactions.

User Ownership & Control

The emergence of DAOs or Decentralized Autonomous Organizations has made sure for ordinary users to exercise greater control over the data and participate directly in the governance and development of various Web 3 platforms.
Having discussed some highlighted features, we now look at some Web 3 trends that are set to dominate the year 2025 and beyond.

Top 5 Web 3 Trends to Watch

Let’s discuss these trends one by one that is going to influence Web 3 development in the coming months.

01: Web 3 in Finance

The Web 3-based financial services, products, and platforms continue to impact mainstream banking, insurance, and other financial institutions. In 2025, we will see the growing acceptance of cryptocurrency as a legitimate medium of exchange. For instance, Mastercard has announced that it is trying to bridge the gap between fiat and virtual currencies through partnerships with central banks.
Web 3-based banking also becoming a popular choice because it is capable of providing all services that conventional banks can provide without any intermediary. Moreover, there is growing use of Smart Contracts in Web 3-based banking, featuring more secure and transparent transactions. DeFi Decentralized Apps or DeFi Dapps are relevant examples that help borrowers or lenders borrow or lend capital based upon some predetermined benchmarks. Uniswap and Aave are two Dapps that are offering peer-to-peer transactions.

02: Integration of AI & Web 3

Imagine the smartest tech tools powered by AI are merged with the most transparent and centralized web3-based product. The outcome will be simply amazing, improving user experience, enhancing efficiency, and strengthening decentralized governance.
The integration of AI and Web 3 is already well underway. The share of incorporation of AI tools in various Web 3-based projects and services has risen from 27% in 2023 to 34% in 2024 and that jump is set to gain further traction in 2025 and beyond.

Here are some areas where AI is amplifying the transformative impacts of Web 3.

• Fetch AI is one Decentralized Autonomous Organization or DAO where AI agents are being deployed to automate logistics management, token distributions, and the like tasks. Other organizations can benefit from the capabilities of AI to analyze user and community behaviors to suggest customized and personalized recommendations to offer more suitable services or strengthen internal governance.
• NFT Marketplaces is another area where AI is making its deep impact. AI-powered chatbots can manage NFT marketplaces, making them personalized by suggesting high-value networks based on users’ preferences and behaviors. SingularityNET is one such firm that has deployed successfully AI chatbots to ensure the seamless execution of centralized transactions.
• AI is also found in growing applications in various Decentralized Finance or DeFi areas such as Smart Contracts wherein AI-based tools are helping business managers adjust interests.

03: Central Bank Digital Currencies

Recently, central banks of various countries have started building digital versions of their physical currencies, dubbed Central Bank Digital Currencies or CBDCs. CBDS is not a web3-based cryptocurrency in principle, but it can incorporate some Web3 technologies such as blockchain to enhance its efficiency, financial inclusivity, and security.

There are estimated more than 130 national banks that are developing their digital currencies. The CBDCs would be either retail or wholesale. Retail CBDCs would be used for everyday transactions by individuals and businesses and wholesale CBDCs would be used by financial institutions. Similar to physical currencies, digital currencies would be issued by central banks and could be used as a store of value, unit of account, and means of payment.

Nigeria, The Bahamas, Jamaica, and Eastern Caribbean Currency Union are some nations that have already issued digital currencies. Other countries are also in the process of issuing CBDCs such as the e-rupee in India, the digital yuan in China, the digital real in Brazil, the digital euro in the European Union, digital pound in the UK are also under the development stage or at the pilot stage.

04: Growing Use of Web 3-based Social Media Platforms

The overarching presence of big tech companies and monopolization of data ownership have led to a sudden rise in the popularity of Web 3 social media platforms. These platforms are open and community-driven. Users can create content and monetize it without relying upon the third-parties. They also provide added advantages.
First blockchains address the concerns of privacy, it helps protect the assets and make data breaches and privacy violations next to impossible.
Second, there will be no chances of service outages and slowing down of services, making sure that these platforms continue to function under all kinds of circumstances.
Open-source nature, interoperability, in-app payment, and suitable environment for monetizing sources are advantages, responsible for making Web 3-based social media platform popular.
Here are some examples of Web 3 social media platforms.

• Steemit
• Lifetoken
• WUBITS
• Minds
• Mastodon
• Peepeth
• Lens Protocol
• DiamondApp
• Chingari
• Taki
• Mirror
• SoMEE
• Torum
• Damus
• DSCVR

05: Increasing Popularity of DAO Development

Decentralized Autonomous Organizations or DAOs are gaining popularity. These organizations operate without central authority, use blockchain for recording transactions, deploy smart contracts to automate various processes and procedures, and members hold tokens that represent voting rights and ownership.

The governance of these DAOs is participatory wherein every member has a stake in decision-making and can influence the overall operations of the organizations. Some famous DAOs are:

• Uniswap DAO
• Curve DAO
• BitDAO
• Aragon DAO
• Maker DAO
• Decred DAO

Here are some trends related to DAOs that you need to watch in 2025.
First, many large enterprises are exploring the options of deploying DAO governance models to improve transparency and efficiency.
Second, there is growing interoperability among DAOs to boost innovations and increase the outreach of these organizations. You will notice more and more DAOs are sharing resources and aligning their goals to achieve their objectives.
Third, modular DAOs are also emerging fast. Modular DAOs come with flexible governance structures that can address to dynamic needs of organizations in this age of digital transformation.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, web 3 has become the most promising area for businesses to secure enhanced security, improve resource efficiency, and promote financial and social inclusion. The above-mentioned trends show clearly that the era of Web 2 is fast ending and Web 3 with all its opportunities is knocking at the door. Organizations, both private and public, and individuals must know these changes that Web 3 is bringing about. The better we align our lives and business models with these changes, the better.