Bittensor (TAO) Outperforms the Crypto Market to Become Today’s Top Gainer: Here’s Why

Bittensor’s TAO token climbed nearly 8% to become the top gainer after Upbit, South Korea’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, announced its listing.

The rally enabled TAO to outperform the broader crypto market, which remained under pressure as the total market capitalization declined 2.53% over the past 24 hours.

Upbit Introduces TAO Trading Pairs Amid Turbulent Market Conditions

Upbit confirmed that TAO will be available for trading against three trading pairs: Korean won (KRW), Bitcoin (BTC), and Tether (USDT). Trading is scheduled to begin on February 16 at 16:00 Korean Standard Time (KST). Furthermore, deposits and withdrawals will open within approximately 90 minutes of the announcement.

“Deposits and withdrawals are supported only through the specified network (TAO – Bittensor Network). Deposits and withdrawals via EVM networks are not supported. Please verify the network before depositing,” the notice read.

As is standard for new listings on the platform, Upbit will implement temporary trading safeguards at launch. The exchange will restrict buy orders for approximately five minutes after trading begins.

During that same window, it will block sell orders priced more than 10% below the previous day’s closing price. For roughly two hours after the listing, Upbit will permit only limit orders.

The listing triggered a price surge for TAO, reinforcing a pattern commonly observed when tokens secure new exchange support. Following the announcement, the token advanced nearly 8%.

At the time of writing, the altcoin was trading at $207.6. Moreover, TAO’s rise pushed it to become the largest gainer among the top 100 cryptocurrencies on CoinGecko.

The latest rally builds on the token’s recent momentum. TAO has gained more than 21% over the past week after trending predominantly downward since the beginning of the year.

TAO Price Prediction: What Comes Next?

Meanwhile, analysts remain optimistic about the artificial intelligence-focused blockchain. Analyst Michaël van de Poppe signaled a bullish outlook for Bittensor’s token. He projected at least a “mean reversion” toward approximately $300.

“I think that protocols working on AI <> Crypto are a must have in every portfolio and I’m glad I’ve added funds into this position. I think that we’re going to see more strength going forward from here,” Van de Poppe wrote.

Looking ahead, TAO’s short-term trajectory will likely depend on whether the listing-driven momentum converts into sustained trading volume and continued buyer interest. If broader sentiment stabilizes and participation remains elevated, the token could extend its recovery.

However, weakening momentum or renewed market pressure may temper gains. As exchange accessibility improves, overall crypto market conditions will also be a key factor.