Momentum Graph
Visualizing how narratives spread across clusters over time
The Momentum tab displays a streamgraph showing how discussion of a project spreads across different clusters over time. Unlike price charts that show market outcomes, momentum graphs show narrative formation as it happens.
Key concepts: clusters and momentum.
Want more depth?
This page summarizes key concepts from our detailed article Momentum Graphs: A Guide to Narrative Visualization. Read the full article for deeper analysis and examples.
What You're Looking At
The graph uses a streamgraph format where:
- Horizontal axis shows time progression
- Vertical thickness of each layer shows relative mention volume from that cluster
- Colors represent different clusters (communities of X accounts)
- Overall shape shows how total attention rises and falls
Each colored layer is a distinct cluster. When a layer expands, that cluster is discussing the project more. When multiple layers stack up simultaneously, the project is gaining cross-cluster attention.
Reading the Graph
What to Watch For
Graph height reflects total mention volume, but the number of colors matters more. A project discussed by 15 clusters carries more weight than one with higher mention volume confined to 2-3 clusters. Look for new colors appearing over time. This indicates the narrative is spreading to previously uninvolved communities.
Momentum Patterns
Expanding: New clusters joining the conversation, existing layers growing. The narrative is gaining traction.
Sustained: Consistent layers without significant growth or decline. Established attention, stable interest.
Contracting: Layers shrinking, fewer active clusters. Attention fading, narrative cooling off.
Spike: Sharp vertical expansion followed by rapid decline. Event-driven attention (announcement, listing, incident) that doesn't sustain.
Signal Indicators
White dots along the bottom of the graph mark days when signals were detected for the project. Hover over a dot to see what events occurred on that date. This helps correlate narrative spread with concrete developments.
Controls
Toggle between 30d and 90d views in the top-right corner. Cluster names appear as badges below the graph. Hover to highlight a layer, click to pin it for comparison.
Why Momentum Graphs Matter
Price and volume are lagging indicators. By the time market metrics move, the narrative has already formed. Momentum graphs show that formation process:
- Which communities discovered the project first
- How quickly awareness spread to other clusters
- Whether attention is sustained (multi-cluster engagement) or temporary (single-cluster spike)
- When narratives peaked and began to fade
Cross-cluster convergence often precedes market recognition. When independent communities start discussing the same project without apparent coordination, it carries more weight than mention volume alone.