A bull run is a period of explosive growth in the cryptocurrency market.

As of spring 2026, the cryptocurrency market is experiencing interesting changes. Bitcoin is trading at $69.91K, up +0.68% over the past 24 hours, reigniting the question: has a new bull run truly begun? To answer this, we need to understand the essence of this phenomenon.

What is a bull run and how does it differ from a bull market

A bull run is a phenomenon where the value of assets (especially cryptocurrencies) rises sharply and rapidly over a short period. It’s not just a price increase but an explosive acceleration fueled by a massive influx of capital and increased demand. When market participants believe in further growth, they actively buy, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of optimism.

There is an important difference between the terms “bull run” and “bull market,” although both describe upward trends:

Bull market — a prolonged period (months or years) during which assets systematically grow. It is characterized by overall investor confidence, stable demand, and steady price increases. This is a long-term trend affecting a large part of the sector.

Bull run — a shorter wave of intense growth that can occur within a bull market or independently. It’s a sharp jump over days or weeks, often triggered by a specific event or sudden surge of interest. If a bull market is a calm upward rise, a bull run is a rapid ascent.

Key signs of a bull run: what to watch for

Recognizing a bull run helps traders and investors identify optimal entry points. Main signals include:

Sharp increase in trading volumes and prices. A bull run is always accompanied by rising trading volume against a backdrop of significant asset price increases. New demand attracts new participants, creating a positive expansion cycle.

Wave of optimism in the community. Media begins to cover cryptocurrencies more actively, analysts publish positive forecasts, and search queries increase. Discussions about crypto topics become more intense on social media and specialized channels.

Institutional investor entry. When large funds, investment firms, and financial institutions start buying crypto assets, it creates a strong upward momentum. News of Bitcoin acquisitions by major corporations or approval of crypto ETFs often mark turning points.

Regulatory changes and technological breakthroughs. Protocol updates (e.g., changes in the Bitcoin network), new legislation, and regulatory support can catalyze a bull run, creating growth expectations and mass adoption.

Altseason and diversification of interest. A bull run usually begins with Bitcoin, then the demand wave spills over into altcoins. When smaller projects start showing strong growth, it indicates the market is at the peak of enthusiasm.

Has a new bull run started? Current market situation

Several factors suggest the potential development of a new bull run:

Upward trend on long-term charts. Since last year, Bitcoin has shown steady growth on monthly and weekly timeframes. This upward impulse often precedes a larger bull run.

Activity of institutional players. In recent months, major financial organizations have demonstrated renewed interest in cryptocurrencies. This creates a foundation for structural growth capable of supporting a significant bull run.

Expectations of regulatory shifts. Approval of new crypto ETFs and positive signals from regulators inspire confidence in the future of the technology. Analysts believe that expanding regulatory support will lead to widespread adoption of cryptocurrencies.

Growing interest in altcoins. Increased trading of altcoins, often called altseason, typically follows Bitcoin’s bull run. This phenomenon indicates that the market is in a phase of heightened enthusiasm.

Technical indicators confirm growth. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) for Bitcoin on high timeframes is at levels historically associated with the start of previous bull runs. Rising moving averages and increasing buy volumes also support a bullish scenario.

How to avoid mistakes: risks and false signals

A bull run attracts newcomers seeking quick profits, but a short-term price spike does not guarantee a sustainable growth start. Local surges caused by speculation or market manipulation often masquerade as a bull run but end with sharp corrections.

Before making trading decisions, investors should verify the fundamental market conditions, analyze news background, and confirm signals with multiple indicators simultaneously. Those buying at the peak of excitement often face losses during a pullback.

Current resistance levels for Bitcoin:

• $83,000
• $90,000

These targets, remaining untested in recent weeks of trading, can serve as benchmarks for long-term investors monitoring the development of a potential bull run.