What is NFT Minting?
NFT minting definition is the process of writing a unique digital asset onto a blockchain. The user who mints the Non-Fungible Token (NFT) becomes the first owner in an immutable provenance record.
NFTs are tokenized digital assets that are uniquely made, which creates an immutable record of ownership and effectively creates a stamp of authenticity on the token.
While often associated with digital art, the act of minting is more concerned with assigning metadata to the asset. This typically involves information about the user minting the NFT, a description of the NFT, and any other important information regarding its utility.
Key Takeaways
- Minting NFTs can be done for free.
- NFTs provide immutable provenance (history of ownership).
- NFTs are easy to mint.
- There is an expanding list of use cases for NFTs.
- The user that mints an NFT becomes the genesis owner of it.
Why Mint an NFT?
NFTs were initially devised as a means for creators and brands to create unique digital products. The individuality and uniqueness of NFTs mean they are not as liquid or easily exchangeable (fungibility) as other coins or tokens.
The lack of fungibility can be a problem if you are trying to trade or sell NFTs because you require a willing buyer on the other side of the trade. However, the lack of fungibility is useful for anyone looking to establish unique individual digital assets with exclusivity.
How NFT Minting Works
Minting NFTs is relatively straightforward, and even people without prior knowledge of crypto can accomplish it easily
- Create an NFT Collection.
- Customize the metadata and select the preferred blockchain to list on.
- Customize the graphics for the collection and set profit margin parameters.
- Upload the digital asset you wish to turn into an NFT and select the preferred collection.
- List the NFT on the marketplace.
How Much Does NFT Minting Cost?
The cost of minting an NFT can vary a lot based on a number of factors.
Primarily, the price will be based on which marketplace a user chooses to mint in. Some charge a minting fee, while others only charge a listing fee when the NFT is sold. The blockchain a user chooses to mint with and the current gas fees at the time of minting both impact the cost of minting an NFT.
How Do You Sell an NFT After Minting It?
After minting an NFT, the creator should find it deposited within the Web3 wallet they attached to the platform they minted on. The NFT should also be listed on the marketplace where it was minted, but it is up to the creator to draw attention to and direct potential customers towards their NFT collection.
Once someone has agreed to purchase an NFT on the marketplace, the platform will act as an intermediary and facilitate the transaction. However, when listing, creators should be aware of the potential spike in gas fees. Depending on the chosen blockchain and sold price, an NFT could potentially end up costing the creator to sell it.
NFT Minting Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easily accessible
- Easy to understand
- Minting can be free
- Growing use cases
Cons
- Gas fees can end up costing the creator more
- No regulatory body to monitor plagiarism
- Rug-pulls
Future of NFT Minting
Since NFTs effectively act as a stamp of authenticity onto an immutable blockchain, any industry that deals in unique or exclusive individual assets is interested in leveraging the technology.
Token-gating for artists allows performers the ability to tier ticket sales with unique perks and offer repeat customers additional rewards. Web3 gaming is one of the most significant beneficiaries of NFTs, allowing games to integrate NFTs so users can fully own their digital assets and leverage them in an open marketplace.
The Bottom Line
Many people still associate NFTs with the 2021 crypto bull run. Nothing more than speculative assets that ended up losing most of their value.
However, even though art and branding still make up a significant part of the use cases for NFT minting, more and more use cases are beginning to emerge. Parts of the crypto industry, such as gaming, real estate, and Decentralized Finance (DeFi), are showing innovative solutions for leveraging fractionalized ownership through NFT minting.
They remain an excellent entry point for people into the crypto industry due to how easy the minting process is to grasp. However, this has the potential for malicious actors to take advantage of real-world artists’ assets by minting NFTs in their names.
FAQs
What is NFT minting in simple terms?
Does minting an NFT require money?
What is the difference between minting and selling an NFT?
Do you own an NFT after minting?
What happens after minting an NFT?
Can You Mint an NFT for Free?
References
- No title found (Opensea)
- Rarible – NFT Marketplace for Brands, Communities and Traders (Rarible)