An NFT, or non-fungible token, is a unique crypto token that is used to certify ownership and authenticity. Imagine you have a special, one-of-a-kind trading card, but instead of holding it in your hand, it exists online as a virtual asset.
Each NFT is distinct and has its own unique identifier, much like a serial number, making it different from all other NFTs. They’re often used to represent digital artwork, game items, music, videos, and other digital and physical assets.
The power behind NFTs lies in the blockchain technology. The blockchain keeps track of who owns what, providing proof of ownership for each NFT. Think of it like a certificate of authenticity for a painting but for digital items. The native token of a blockchain that is capable of supporting non-fungible tokens, like Ether for the Ethereum network, is often used to buy and sell these NFTs.
Now, let’s take a look at how NFTs can make you money and become an additional source of income.
1. Create and Sell Your Own NFT Art
The most direct way to make money with NFTs is by creating and selling them. As an artist or content creator, you can tokenize your work, turning it into a unique, tradeable asset on the blockchain.
Creating NFTs for profit is easy — here’s how you can get started:
- Choose your art medium. NFTs encompass a wide range of digital media, including images, videos, music, 3D models, and even virtual reality experiences. Pick the one you like the most and do it best.
- Create your asset. Spend time refining your digital creation, making it unique and visually appealing — something that collectors or investors would value.
- Select an NFT marketplace. There are numerous NFT marketplaces where you can mint and list your art, such as OpenSea, Rarible, and Foundation. Research each platform’s fees, user base, and supported blockchains before making your decision.
- Mint your NFT. Once you’ve chosen a marketplace, follow their guidelines for minting NFTs, upload your digital artwork, and create a token to represent it on the blockchain.
- List your NFT for sale. Set a price for your NFT and list it on the marketplace, either for a fixed price or as an auction.
- License your NFT. Artists can earn ongoing revenue through licensing agreements or royalties each time their NFT is resold. This can provide a continuous income stream beyond the initial sale.
2. Invest in NFT Collections
If you don’t want to create NFTs, you can go with another way to make money with NFTs: investing in digital collectibles and art. This involves purchasing non-fungible tokens that are part of a series or set, with the goal of selling them later for a higher price. Some well-known NFT collections include CryptoPunks, Bored Ape Yacht Club, and World of Women.
- Research popular and upcoming collections. Keep an eye on NFT marketplaces, social media platforms, and industry news to identify trending and potentially valuable releases.
- Analyze rarity and value factors. Assess the rarity of NFTs within a collection based on factors such as edition size, artist reputation, and unique traits. Higher rarity generally correlates with higher value.
- Set a budget. Determine how much you’re willing to invest in NFT collections and stick to your budget. Remember that investing in NFTs can be risky, and there’s no guarantee of returns.
- Purchase NFTs. Once you’ve identified a collection that aligns with your interests and investment goals, buy the NFTs on a trusted marketplace.
- Monitor the market. Keep track of the value of your NFTs, paying attention to trends and news related to the collection. When the time is right, consider selling your NFTs for profit.
3. Selling NFTs You Get from Playing NFT Games
Playing NFT games can be more than just a fun pastime; it can also be a lucrative opportunity to earn valuable NFTs and turn a profit. These games often reward players with unique digital items, which can range from in-game assets like special characters or equipment to exclusive artwork.
Here’s how you can make money with NFTs you get from playing games:
- Identify valuable NFTs within the game: As you play, keep an eye out for rare or sought-after items. These could be anything from limited edition characters to unique in-game artifacts. The rarer the item, the more potential it has to be valuable in the marketplace.
- Evaluate and flip undervalued NFTs: Sometimes, you may come across NFTs that are undervalued in the game’s marketplace. Buying these NFTs and selling them at a higher price, a practice known as ‘flipping,’ can be a smart way to earn a profit. Keep in mind that flipping NFTs requires a good understanding of the game’s economy and what other players are willing to pay.
- Transfer your NFTs to a compatible marketplace: Once you’ve acquired NFTs in a game, the next step is to transfer them to an NFT marketplace. Ensure that the marketplace you choose supports the blockchain on which your NFTs are built. Popular platforms for selling NFTs include OpenSea, Rarible, and Foundation.
- List your NFTs for sale: After transferring your NFTs, list them on the marketplace. You can set a fixed price or opt for an auction format, depending on what you think will attract the most buyers. Be sure to highlight the uniqueness and potential value of your NFTs to gain attention.
- Monitor the market for trends: The NFT market can be volatile, with the value of digital assets fluctuating rapidly. Keep an eye on market trends to understand when it’s the best time to sell your NFTs. Timing your sale right can significantly impact how much profit you make.
4. Trade NFTs on Secondary Markets
Trading NFTs on secondary markets can be a lucrative way to make money with NFTs. Secondary markets are platforms where users can buy and sell previously owned NFTs, often at fluctuating prices based on demand and rarity. Examples of secondary market platforms include OpenSea and Nifty Gateway.
To begin trading NFTs on secondary markets, follow these steps:
- Sign up on a secondary market platform. Create an account on a trusted NFT secondary market platform and connect your cryptocurrency wallet.
- Research the market. Study trends, prices, and popular NFTs on your chosen platform to identify potential trading opportunities.
- Buy low, sell high. Look for NFTs that are undervalued or have growth potential and purchase them with the intention of selling at a higher price later on.
- Monitor your portfolio. Keep an eye on your NFT investments and track their performance over time. Stay up to date with market trends and news to make informed decisions about when to sell.
Tip: Develop a trading strategy based on factors such as price patterns, market sentiment, and NFT rarity to increase your chances of success.
5. Earn Passive Income through NFT Staking
Earning passive income through staking NFTs is another way to make money with NFTs. Staking involves locking up your NFTs in a smart contract to earn rewards, typically in the form of the platform’s native cryptocurrency.
Here’s how you can get started with NFT staking:
- Find a suitable staking platform. Research various NFT staking platforms, considering factors such as supported NFTs, staking rewards, and platform reputation. Examples of NFT staking platforms include Unifty, NFT20, and Muse.
- Stake your NFTs. Follow the platform’s guidelines to stake your NFTs, locking them up in a smart contract for a specified period.
- Earn rewards. Collect staking rewards in the form of the platform’s native cryptocurrency or other incentives.
Unstake and sell. Once your staking period has ended, you can unstake your NFTs and either hold onto them or sell them on the market.