A Look at Bitcoin Bull Run History: What's Next After 2024?

Looking at Bitcoin’s current situation, trading around $87.01K in 2024 and heading towards all-time high of ($126.08K) is quite interesting. So where does this movement come from? And when might the next major bull run begin?

2024-25: Spot ETFs and the Power of Halving

The foundation of the last bull run was built on two main factors:

1. Approval of Spot Bitcoin ETFs (January 2024)
Imagine institutional investors can now invest directly in Bitcoin without opening accounts on crypto exchanges. After SEC approval, over $4.5 billion flowed into ETFs. Giants like BlackRock hold over 467,000+ BTC, which naturally pushed the price upward.

From $40,000 in January to $93,000 in November — a 132% gain. We haven’t yet reached the previous ATH of $126.08K, but progress has been made.

2. April 2024 Halving
Bitcoin’s issuance rate has halved again. This event, repeating every four years, restricts Bitcoin’s supply and, when demand increases, sends prices soaring. Historically:

• Post-2012 halving: +5,200%
• Post-2016: +315%
• Post-2020: +230%

The same logic is at work this time.

Past Bull Runs: Is History Repeating?

2013: The First Major Surge ($145 → $1,200, +%730)
Bitcoin became a widely discussed investment vehicle for the first time. It skyrocketed from May to December. Catalyst? Cyprus banking crisis directed some investors toward Bitcoin. But Mt. Gox collapse (2014) caused 70% of transactions to be lost, marking the start of a bear market.

2017: Media Frenzy ($1,000 → $20,000, +%1,900)
ICO boom, user-friendly exchanges, daily Bitcoin news in the media. Retail investors flooded in. Daily trading volume jumped from 200 million to 15 billion. But SEC investigations began, China banned ICOs, and an 84% drop occurred in 2018.

2020-2021: Institutional Era ($8,000 → $64,000, +%700)
A new narrative emerged: “Digital gold.” Major companies added Bitcoin to their balance sheets. Post-COVID economic uncertainty, zero interest rates… Bitcoin was seen as an inflation hedge. Institutional inflows $10 moved into billions$28 .

What’s the Current Situation?

Bitcoin’s position at the end of 2024 is intriguing:

• Spot ETF inflows (surpassed billions, overtaking gold ETFs
• Companies like MicroStrategy continue accumulating thousands of BTC
• Bitcoin supply on exchanges has dropped to unprecedented levels )meaning holding power increases(
• The new issuance market is very, very active

But there are risks: retail investors buy with FOMO, leveraged positions increase volatility, regulatory uncertainty persists.

When Will the Next Bull Run Start?

It’s impossible to give an exact date, but there are signs to watch:

1. Recognition of Bitcoin as a Strategic Asset
   Some countries are considering adding Bitcoin to national treasuries. This indicates massive institutional demand.

2. Layer-2 Solutions and OP_CAT Upgrade
   If Bitcoin’s speed issues are resolved, it could compete with Ethereum in DeFi. New use cases = new demand.

3. Next Halving )2028
   The current rally is driven by the 2024 halving. In 2028, technological advances + supply scarcity could trigger a potential mega rally.

4. Macroeconomic Factors
   Interest rates, inflation, monetary policy shifts will influence Bitcoin. As uncertainty rises, demand tends to grow.

Practical Tips for Preparation

If you want to jump into the next rally:

• Learn Bitcoin fundamentals: Understand the whitepaper, technology, economic model
• Analyze past cycles: What triggered 2013, 2017, 2021?
• Define your strategy: Are you a long-term holder or a trader? What’s your risk tolerance?
• Diversify your portfolio: Don’t put all eggs in one basket
• Prioritize security: Use hardware wallets, enable 2FA
• Stay emotionally disciplined: Avoid panic selling, FOMO buying
• Plan for taxes: Know your tax obligations if gains occur

Final Words

Bitcoin’s volatility offers great opportunities but also significant risks. Past bull markets followed bear markets ending with 80-84% declines. If you want to profit from this, be prepared, stay informed, and always manage your risk.

While history doesn’t repeat exactly, cycles continue. Watch for signs: ETF inflows, halving events, institutional news, regulatory developments. When one of these stands out, it could signal a new rally.

When will Bitcoin’s next bull run start? No one knows for sure. But looking at its history, each cycle begins anew before the previous one fully ends.