What is copy trading and how does it work?

6
min read

What is copy trading and how does it work?

6
min read
A 3D illustration of stacked transparent screens displaying red financial charts and data, symbolising layered trading strategies.
Lesson
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minutes

Navigating the financial markets can be overwhelming, but what if you could shortcut your way to better trading by following the moves of seasoned pros? That’s where copy trading comes in!

If you're looking to refine your trading strategy and tap into the expertise of others, copy trading might be just the tool you need. Let’s break it down.

What is copy trading?

Copy trading (also called social trading or mirror trading) allows you to automatically replicate the trades of experienced traders. Think of it as following a financial mentor—except their trades are mirrored in real-time in your own account.

Analogy: Learning from the masters

Imagine an aspiring artist studying a renowned painter’s techniques. By observing and replicating their brush strokes, color choices, and composition, the student gradually develops their own artistic flair. Copy trading works the same way: by tracking skilled traders, you gain hands-on market experience while refining your own approach.

How does copy trading work?

It’s surprisingly simple! Here’s how you can get started:

Step What to Do
Choose a Platform Pick a trusted copy trading platform like Deriv cTrader. It acts as a bridge between skilled traders (signal providers) and those who want to copy their trades.
Select Your Traders Browse available traders, evaluate their track records, risk levels, and styles. Choose those that match your financial goals.
Allocate Funds Decide how much of your capital to allocate to each trader. Your platform will mirror their trades in real time.

Copy trading with Deriv cTrader

Getting started with Deriv cTrader is easy:

Deriv cTrader dashboard menu with the Copy tab highlighted

Step 1: Set up your account

  • Sign up on Deriv and verify your account.
  • Open a Deriv cTrader account.
  • Navigate to the cTrader Copy section from the main menu.

Step 2: Find a strategy provider

Deriv Trader dashboard displaying option to find a strategy provider
  • Browse through expert traders.
  • Use filters like performance, risk level, and trading style.


Step 3: Start copying

Copy trading performance chart showing a 146.75% gain with an option to start copying the trader.
  • Allocate funds and start mirroring trades.
  • Adjust settings or stop copying anytime.


Benefits of copy trading

Benefit Why It Matters
Faster learning curve Learn from experienced traders instead of starting from scratch.
Portfolio diversification Spread your funds across multiple traders to reduce risk.
Time-saving No need for constant market analysis—just copy and go!

Best practices for beginners

  • Pick reputable traders – Research their success rate and risk tolerance.
  • Diversify – Don’t put all your funds into one trader.
  • Set risk limits – Use stop-loss settings to manage potential losses.
  • Monitor performance – Keep track of your copied trades and adjust as needed.

Potential risks of copy trading

While copy trading offers great advantages, it’s not without risks:

  • Even experts make mistakes – No trader wins 100% of the time.
  • Less control – You rely on someone else’s strategy.
  • Market volatility – Unpredictable swings can still impact trades.
  • Platform reliability – Technical issues can affect trade execution.

To mitigate these risks, always research your chosen traders, diversify your funds, and set proper risk management rules.


Is copy trading worth it?

Copy trading is a powerful tool, but it works best when paired with your own research and risk management strategies. With the right approach, it can be an excellent way to grow your trading skills while making informed financial moves.


Deriv cTrader dashboard showcasing a selection of available copy trading providers.

Ready to explore copy trading? 

Open a Deriv cTrader demo account and practice with $10,000 virtual funds-risk-free!

Quiz

What’s another name for copy trading?

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Shadow trading
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Mirror trading
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Clone investing
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Trade tagging

FAQs

Do I need trading experience to start copy trading?

Not necessarily. Copy trading is beginner-friendly, but having some basic knowledge of trading can help you make smarter decisions.

Can I lose money in copy trading?

Yes, like any trading method, losses can occur. It’s important to choose traders carefully and set risk limits.

Can I stop copying a trader anytime?

Absolutely! Most platforms, including Deriv cTrader, allow you to stop or adjust your copy trades whenever you want.

Is copy trading legal?

Yes, but regulations vary by country. Always check your local laws before trading.

How do I choose the best trader to copy?

Look for consistent performance, reasonable risk levels, and a trading style that aligns with your goals.