I think most crypto exchanges requires a large amount of fee to list new coin/token on their exchange.
Other requirements are required too, such as general information about the project, coinomics, roadmap, team, etc.
With a proper strategy like good marketing and good timing in exchange listing, the coin price can rise quickly.
Judging by how many exchanges added absolutely useless and unknown to anyone PEPE coin to their listing, it is safe to say that most exchanges are only looking at the amount of money that developer can offer this exchange. You may have a strong project, but not enough money and you will not get to some OKX or Binance, though, at the same time, you may have an empty project, but a lot of liquidity and hype and you will be accepted right away. In cryptocurrencies, as in the usual world, money decides everything in the first place.