Bitcoin Whale Selling Hits Record Levels in 2025, Raises Concerns Over Further BTC USD Price Correction
Ali Charts, a popular on-chain analyst, said data shows that large Bitcoin holders, commonly known as whales, have been net sellers throughout the past year, as per a report. According to the analyst, whale holdings declined by 161,294 BTC over the last 12 months, a move he said typically appears before or during deeper market corrections rather than after prices have bottomed, as per a Zycrypto report.
He wrote in an X post, “The 1-year change in Bitcoin whale holdings is −161,294 $BTC,” adding, “That tells us whales have been net sellers over the last year. This behavior usually shows up before or during deeper corrections, not after bottoms,” as quoted by Zycrypto.
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Bitcoin Price USD Volatility Rises Despite New All-Time Highs in 2025
Despite posting multiple new all-time highs this year, Bitcoin’s performance has been uneven, with several sharp flash crashes linked to heavy selling by large holders. At current levels, the cryptocurrency is hovering around $87,000, but market sentiment has become increasingly fragile as bearish pressure returns.
How Much Bitcoin (BTC USD) Did Whales Sell in 2025
In total, whales are estimated to have sold about 161,294 BTC in 2025, worth roughly $15 billion, as per the Zycrypto report. Much of this selling occurred during key market moments, weighing on the bullish narrative. If the trend extends into 2026, analysts suggest it could be difficult for Bitcoin to achieve a sustained recovery.
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Why Whale Selling Is a Red Flag for Crypto Markets
Ali noted that heavy selling by whales often signals either an upcoming correction or the continuation of a bearish trend. In contrast, strong buying activity from large holders is typically associated with the early stages of bull markets, something that has been largely absent over the past year.
Sharks Accumulate Bitcoin (BTC USD) as Whales Exit Positions
However, not all large investors have been selling. Medium-sized holders, often referred to as “sharks” and defined as wallets holding between 100 and 1,000 BTC, have been net buyers throughout the year. Their accumulation has helped absorb some of the pressure created by whale selling and has fueled speculation that market influence is slowly shifting away from legacy whales toward a broader base of participants, as per the Zycrypto report.
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BTC USD Prediction: What Whale Behavior Could Mean for Bitcoin Price in 2026
Even after the sell-off, whales still control more than 2 million BTC, giving them significant influence over price movements. Still, there are limits to how much they can sell, and the market’s ability to withstand sustained distribution in 2025 has highlighted Bitcoin’s resilience.
Looking ahead to 2026, analysts are expected to closely monitor whale activity for clues about the market’s next direction. A slowdown in selling, even if temporary, could provide short-term relief for bullish investors, while continued distribution may keep pressure on prices in the months ahead.
FAQs
How much Bitcoin did whales sell in 2025?
About 161,294 BTC, worth roughly $15 billion.
How much Bitcoin do whales still control?
More than 2 million BTC.