Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have exploded onto the crypto scene as one of the hottest emerging trends. In 2021, the NFT market reached a staggering $41 billion in sales volume. But why exactly are people paying millions for NFTs representing digital art, music, videos, tweets, and more?
For a complete introduction to NFTs, check out my article “What are NFTs and How Do They Work” below
This article will explore the compelling reasons to buy NFTs and how they are creating value in diverse new ways. By understanding the power of NFT technology, you can decide if collecting NFT art and culture is right for you. Let’s dive in!
Owning a Unique Digital Asset
One of the main reasons people buy NFTs is the concept of digital ownership. An NFT represents a unique asset that you can purchase, own, sell, trade, and display like any other property. This gives you exclusive rights supported by blockchain technology.
While anyone can view or download a copy of the art or media an NFT links to, only the holder has the original with verified ownership. This scarcity and proof of authenticity is why people pay big money to own exclusive original NFTs, just like physical art and memorabilia.
Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind CryptoPunk, NBA highlight video on NBA Topshot, or personalized digital landscape, owning an NFT gives you membership and bragging rights in that community.
Supporting Artists and Causes
For creators, selling NFTs represents a powerful new monetization stream for their digital content. This is especially empowering for independent artists, musicians, journalists, photographers, and video producers.
When you buy NFTs directly from artists, you become both a collector and a patron supporting their work. The royalty programming in smart contracts also means the artist gets a cut every time the NFT is sold or traded in the future.
In a similar vein, NFT drops tied to charities or social causes fundraise for these organizations. Buying them helps the charity while giving you a collectible representing your values.
Gaining Access and Utility
Some NFTs act as more than just collectibles by unlocking access, memberships, discounts, event tickets, and other benefits.
For example, the Bored Ape Yacht Club provides access to an exclusive community. Other NFTs like Cryptoys offer part ownership of revenue streams. NFT “smart tickets” can optimize live events and prevent scalping.
As more businesses explore NFTs, they can create new utility-driven value. By owning these types of utility NFTs, you gain access to what they offer.
Playing and Earning in Games
NFTs have become integral in blockchain-based games like Axie Infinity and The Sandbox. Not only can in-game assets like avatars, power-ups, real estate, and items become NFTs, the games themselves run on NFT systems.
Gamers can purchase, win, or unlock rare NFTs that gain value on marketplaces. Top players even earn income from selling high-demand NFTs won in competitions.
This play-to-earn model represents the evolution of gaming where players have ownership through NFTs. They are not just buying power and status in a closed system, but real digital assets.
Reselling for Profit
Like with traditional collectibles, the ability to resell NFTs creates speculative value based on perceived future demand and price appreciation.
Savvy collectors aim to get in early on promising NFTs before they gain mainstream adoption. If they pick wisely, they can sell for big profits later during price spikes.
Timing the market is difficult, but some flip NFTs quickly while buzz is high. Limited supply drops seen as undervalued are also a target to scoop up and resell once more people discover them.
While risky, the potential to gain substantial returns is an incentive that makes NFTs enticing bets for investors and collectors alike.
Showing Off Collections
Let’s be honest, owning impressive collections of valuable assets feels good. Just like physical art and memorabilia, people enjoy showing off their NFTs as a flex and status symbol.
NFT profiles have become a new way to showcase who you are, what you value, and your importance in Web3 communities.
Whale NFT collectors flaunt bundles worth millions. Thought leaders represent with iconic historical NFTs like Einstein. Supporters sport NFTs repping social movements.
And artists promote their community of collectors by sharing their works proudly displayed and traded. The social clout drives desirability nearly as much as finances.
Joining Exciting Communities
The vibrant communities forming around NFT projects take collaboration, networking, and socializing to new levels. Joining exclusive clubs grants you insider access.
Discord groups, meetups, and in-person events create valuable connections in fields like art, finance, music, sports, crypto, web3, gaming, and more. Holding certain NFTs serves as your access pass.
Like finding your tribe, these communities create bonds around shared passions. Friendships, relationships, and career opportunities can grow via NFT communities just as easily as around any other niche hobby.
Sparing Some Fun Money
At the end of the day, participating in the NFT craze can simply be a fun way to spend some discretionary income. Even putting in $50 to mint and trade NFTs allows you to take part risk-free.
The novelty and buzz around NFT marketplaces feel exciting, making it enticing to join. This gets amplified by the fear of missing out (FOMO) when hype grows.
With proper expectations and responsible spending, dabbling in NFTs can be an engaging hobby and learning experience at low cost and risk.
Conclusion
NFTs enable digital ownership, support artists, offer utility, unlock gaming perks, enable profits, confer status, build community, and provide entertainment. While highly speculative, their uniqueness, scarcity, and cultural significance create tangible value that makes collecting rewarding.
This guide covered the main benefits of participating in this budding market. Depending on your interests and financial means, buying NFTs could be a compelling new way to grow your digital portfolio. Thanks for reading and happy NFT collections
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