The blockchain industry has witnessed significant growth in 2025, primarily driven by real user engagement and technological advancements. This year, blockchain expansion is measured against active user numbers—defined as unique wallet addresses conducting transactions. Notable increases in decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and stablecoin usage are bringing millions of new users onto platforms. Key players like Solana and Near Protocol have emerged, offering low-cost transactions and integrations with mainstream applications. However, challenges such as inflated user metrics, regulatory scrutiny, and competition among layer 1 (L1) and layer 2 (L2) solutions remain. The top contenders identified based on monthly active users include Solana, Near Protocol, BNB Chain, and several others, each leveraging unique drivers for growth like partnerships and technical innovations. While the rapid adoption underscores blockchain's potential, the path forward requires addressing scalability and regulatory issues to maintain momentum.

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