An NFT is a blockchain-based digital asset (similar to a cryptocurrency, but with some important differences). NFTs are most commonly associated with digital collectibles and artwork that can be minted by an artist or designer, and sold exclusively to a single buyer (often using cryptocurrency). But NFTs have a much broader set of applications than just art and collectibles.
In this article, we’ll define NFTs and some common uses of them. We’ll also explain how NFTs are created, purchased, and sold. And, finally, how you can get in on the action.
What’s an NFT, and how does it differ from other digital assets?
NFT is an abbreviation that stands for non-fungible token. NFTs can be used to indicate ownership of any unique, or non-interchangeable item (sort of like saying “this car” rather than “any car”). Let’s break down each of the root terms to explain more:
What is fungibility?
Most often used in relation to currency, fungibility simply means something that can be exchanged for something else of like value, because it’s defined by a preset value rather than uniqueness. For example, one US dollar can be exchanged for any other US dollar, because it’s this preset value ($1) that defines it. For all intents and purposes, each dollar is identical and interchangeable.
Note: A US dollar might be considered non-fungible if it was defined by its unique serial number or unique artwork, rather than its currency value.
What does it mean to be non-fungible?
By contrast, something non-fungible is defined by a unique set of properties (an ID number, for example, or an image) rather than its value. In this case, one painting could not be exchanged for another painting, because each has individual properties, and may have a different value (depending on the quality of the artwork, its condition, and valuation by experts). It’s unique and non-interchangeable.
What’s a token?
A token is an indicator of ownership. NFTs allow people to tokenize (or “mint”…more on that later) things like digital artwork and collectibles, but also things in the “real” world like cars, houses, even physical paintings. In this regard a token can be thought of as a certificate of authenticity and a deed of ownership, all rolled into one.
What are some examples and use cases of NFTs?
As discussed above, NFTs can be used for almost anything, even unique items in the physical world. But it’s still the early days of NFTs and blockchain, so for now they’re mostly used with digital collectibles. Here are a few examples of what NFTs can represent:
- Digital artwork (like images, songs, videos, and more)
- An original tweet, social media post, or social video
- In-game assets for Web3 gaming
- Certain website addresses (specifically decentralized domains like .ETH or .crypto)
- Licenses and certifications
- Real estate
- Tickets to a concert or sporting event
How are NFTs created, purchased, and transferred using blockchain technology?
NFTs are predicated on blockchain technology. Volumes have already been written about blockchain, so we won’t try to recreate all of that here. But here’s the basic idea:
An NFT is created (or “minted”) when its creator first enters its unique identifier in a publicly available blockchain. NFTs can only have one owner at a time, so once the creator sells the asset (or transfers ownership in some other way), a new record is listed in the blockchain designating this transfer. The new owner becomes the sole owner, and can do with the asset what they please. This ownership is designated by the unique ID and other metadata specific to that token, and only that token, and the current owner must be verifiable.
The owner of an NFT can prove they own the original copy of the asset, and then choose to hold it, sell it, or license it (for example, as a reprinted piece of artwork). In some cases, a licensed asset (like artwork) will earn royalties for the creator, the owner, or both.
Interested in learning more about blockchain? Read our introductory guide to the technologies powering Web3.
Deriving NFT value from scarcity
It’s also important to remember that NFTs are dependent on the concept of scarcity. In the real world, there is generally only one copy of a famous painting; its value comes from its uniqueness, and the fact the creator only made one version of it.
In the world of digital assets, this scarcity also depends on the creator. But it lets the creator choose how many versions to mint, and thus to determine the scarcity. With concert tickets, a creator might mint 500; with digital art, the creator may choose to mint only a single copy. In both cases, the value comes from the asset’s scarcity.
Are NFTs a good investment?
As with items in the real world, many factors determine whether a digital asset has value and maintains that value, including:
- The current market for that asset
- The quality of the asset
- The popularity of the creator or artist
- The scarcity of works by that creator or artist
Art can be fickle, and so can NFTs. And remember: Some NFTs are tied to physical assets (like the deed to a house) or experiences (like concert tickets), rather than digital ones, presenting a new wrinkle on forecasting whether to invest in NFTs. Also remember that some assets might be worth buying just because they mean something to you, rather than for their appreciation potential.
If you do decide to get into NFTs, it’s important to do so using a secure crypto wallet that secures your NFTs.
Where can I buy NFTs?
Almost any crypto wallet will give you the option to buy, store, send, or swap NFTs. They’ll also give you access to NFT marketplaces like OpenSea, Rarible, Foundation, SuperRare, and more.
Brave Wallet, for example, is a great option. It’s built directly into the Brave privacy browser, rather than being a downloadable extension. Browser extensions are easily-spoofed, exposing users to asset theft, phishing, and data leaks. Browser-native is much less vulnerable to these schemes. Want to learn more? Check out this great TedTalk about NFTs and what they can do for you. And download Brave for secure, built-in NFT storage.
