Retail traders have become increasingly visible in the futures market, according to trading volume pattern analysis. The data reveals a shift: while transaction volumes show more small-sized orders flowing through leveraged products, the spot market tells another story—dominated by larger players. It appears institutional and whale-level traders moved first on the spot side, with retail participants following their lead into the futures arena. This mismatch in participation levels across market segments highlights an interesting dynamic: retail money gravitating toward higher-risk, leveraged instruments while institutional capital focuses on core assets. The trend reflects both growing retail engagement in crypto derivatives and the challenge many newer traders face in resisting the allure of leverage.