Nearly any data relating to DeFi exists on DeFiLlama, meaning that oftentimes, the hardest part is deciding how to get started.

Here are some interesting ways to use it:

• Perform Custom Analysis with XLS Data: Download raw TVL, revenue, yield, and stablecoin data from DeFiLlama to run custom analyses in Excel or Google Sheets. This allows for deeper insights, such as identifying high-growth protocols, tracking capital movements across chains, and spotting liquidation risks before they happen.
• Analyze DeFi trends: Monitor TVL shifts, protocol growth, and blockchain adoption to spot emerging opportunities. For instance, comparing 2020’s rapid growth to more immediate upward or downward trends.
• Track Cross-Chain Liquidity Shifts: The Bridges dashboard helps monitor which chains are attracting capital. If large amounts of ETH or stablecoins are moving to a particular blockchain, it could signal an upcoming DeFi boom on that network.
• Analyze Which Protocols Are Actually Generating Revenue: Many DeFi projects have high TVL but generate little to no fees. By checking the Fees & Revenue section, you can filter for protocols with sustainable, real income, which can be useful for identifying potential long-term winners.
• Follow the Smart Money in Fundraising: The Fundraising tracker shows which DeFi projects are securing new investments. If a protocol just raised funding from top VCs, it may indicate strong upcoming development, partnerships, or token launches.
• Find the Cheapest Swaps with LlamaSwap: Instead of manually checking different DEX aggregators like 1inch or Odos, use LlamaSwap, which compares the best routes across all major aggregators. This ensures lower fees and better swap rates than relying on a single platform.

The best way to learn the above is to visit DeFillama.com and to start playing around.