As long as you’re digitally inclined, you must have come across NFTs multiple times. These virtual assets have gone from being inconsequential to a hot topic among crypto enthusiasts. You even have gaming platforms like Chainers.io that offer a fun and engaging way to win these tokens.
So, what is NFT, and why is almost everyone talking about it? What value do they hold, and how do they affect our modern world? Let’s discuss the basics of these digital assets and explain the reasons for their popularity.
NFT Explained
Imagine holding a piece of digital art, a viral meme, a captivating video, or even a historic tweet as a precious possession. With non-fungible tokens (NFTs), this imagination can become a reality.
NFTs are like digital deeds that grant you exclusive ownership of a digital asset. Just like Bitcoin, they reside on the blockchain, but with a twist: they’re non-fungible. This means they’re one-of-a-kind, unique, and cannot be divided like cryptocurrencies.
These tokens have been particularly revolutionary in the art space, as they provide creators with more control over their work. However, they’ve also been applied in different industries, from real estate to precious stones.
Why the Hype Around NFTs?
Owning a virtual token doesn’t always mean that the public doesn’t have access to it. In fact, copies of this art or asset might be easily gotten on the internet. That brings us to the question, “What’s the point of NFTs?”
To answer this, let’s briefly look at how they came to be. NFTs made their debut in 2017 when Kevin McCoy and Anil Dash co-created the first NFT known as “Quantum.” Another major launch was Cryptokitties, a game where players can buy and sell NFTs, which are virtual cats.
Initially, NFTs remained relatively under the radar, known primarily within tech-savvy circles and the blockchain community. However, in 2021, they burst onto the global stage, capturing the attention of artists, collectors, and investors.
NFTs possess a range of distinctive features that set them apart from traditional digital assets. These features contribute to their uniqueness, security, and value. They include:
- Indivisibility
- Immutable ownership history
- Scarcity and Rarity
- Smart Contracts
- Interoperability
- Programmability and utility
Indivisibility
Unlike cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum, NFTs are non-fungible. Each NFT represents a whole, singular unit, meaning that it cannot be divided or broken down into smaller parts. This indivisibility adds to the exclusivity and uniqueness of NFTs.
Immutable Ownership History
Every transaction involving an NFT is recorded on the blockchain, creating an immutable ownership history. This transparent and traceable record ensures the integrity and authenticity of the asset’s ownership chain. Buyers can verify the legitimacy of their assets and trace their provenance back to their original creator.
Scarcity and Rarity
Since each NFT is unique and cannot be replicated, their limited supply makes them more appealing. The scarcity factor also makes some assets worth several million.
Smart Contracts
Non-fungible tokens are powered by smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts with predefined rules and conditions. Smart contracts facilitate the automatic transfer of ownership and let creators receive royalties or commissions from subsequent sales of their NFTs. This provides artists and creators with more control over their intellectual property.
Interoperability
These tokens are interoperable across different platforms. This means that one can buy, sell, and trade these digital works on various marketplaces. With this, developers and collectors can engage with a broader audience and expand the reach of their NFTs.
Programmability and Utility
Non-fungible tokens can have embedded functionalities, allowing them to serve a purpose beyond mere ownership. They can represent access to exclusive content, grant privileges within digital ecosystems, or even unlock special features in virtual worlds and games.
What Do People Do With NFTs?
People from diverse fields are leveraging NFTs in remarkable ways because of their features. So, if you’re wondering, “What do people do with NFTs?” here’s what you should know:
Digital Art and Collectibles
NFTs have revolutionized the art world by providing artists with a new medium to showcase and sell their digital creations. Artists can mint their artwork as NFTs, so their buyers can own a unique, verifiable piece of art. From digital paintings to animations and sculptures, this technology opened doors to a whole new art market.
Music and Entertainment
Musicians and content creators are embracing this technology as a means to connect directly with their fans and easily monetize their work. Through NFTs, artists can release limited edition albums, concert tickets, and exclusive music tracks.
Gaming
NFTs have transformed the gaming landscape, as they let players truly own and trade in-game assets. Virtual worlds, like decentralized metaverses, are thriving with NFT-powered economies. In these spaces, players can buy, sell, and trade virtual lands, avatars, weapons, and other digital items. So you don’t only play for fun but also make money from doing what you love.
Sports
Another industry that has embraced NFTs is sports. Fans can now own collectibles like athlete trading cards, highlight reels, and exclusive sports moments as virtual tokens. The value of this memorabilia can increase over time, and owners can sell it to make a profit.
Virtual Real Estate
With the rise of virtual worlds and metaverses, NFTs have found their place in real estate. Users can purchase virtual lands, buildings, and properties as non-fungible tokens. This allows them to build and monetize virtual businesses and social spaces.
Charity and Social Causes
NFTs are being used to drive positive change and support charitable causes. Artists and creators can auction or sell their NFTs, with a portion of the proceeds going to charity. A good example is Beeple, who donated over $1.5 million from the sale of his artwork to the Open Earth Foundation.
Conclusion
Non-fungible tokens have ushered in a transformative era of digital ownership and creativity. With their unique features, they’ve captured the world’s attention and impacted various industries. From art and entertainment to gaming and sports, NFTs have provided artists, creators, and enthusiasts with unprecedented opportunities. So the hype surrounding them is not a surprise.
