What Is a Non-Fungible Token (NFT)?

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are assets that have been tokenized via a blockchain. Tokens are unique identification codes created from metadata via an encryption function. These tokens are then stored on a blockchain, while the assets themselves are stored in other places. The connection between the token and the asset is what makes them unique. NFTs can be traded and exchanged for money, cryptocurrencies, or other NFTs—it all depends on the value the market and owners have placed on them. For instance, you could draw a smiley face on a banana, take a picture of it (which has metadata attached to it), and tokenize it on a blockchain. Whoever has the private keys to that token owns whatever rights you have assigned to the token. Cryptocurrencies are tokens as well; however, the key difference is that two cryptocurrencies from the same blockchain are interchangeable—they are fungible. Two NFTs from the same blockchain can look identical, but they are not interchangeable. KEY TAKEAWAYS NFTs (non-fungible tokens) are unique cryptographic tokens that exist on a blockchain and cannot be replicated. NFTs can represent digital or real-world items like artwork and real estate. "Tokenizing" these real-world tangible assets makes buying, selling, and trading them more efficient while reducing the probability of fraud. NFTs can represent individuals' identities, property rights, and more. Collectors and investors initially sought NFTs after the public became more aware of them, but their popularity has since waned. History of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) NFTs were created long before they became popular in the mainstream. Reportedly, the first NFT sold was "Quantum," designed and tokenized by Kevin McKoy in 2014 on one blockchain (Namecoin), then minted on Ethereum and sold in 2021. NFTs are built following the ERC-721 (Ethereum Request for Comment #721) standard, which dictates how ownership is transferred, methods for confirming transactions, and how applications handle safe transfers (among other requirements). The ERC-1155 standard, approved six months after ERC-721, improves upon ERC-721 by batching multiple non-fungible tokens into a single contract, reducing transaction costs. How NFTs Work NFTs are created through a process called minting, in which the asset's information is encrypted and recorded on a blockchain. At a high level, the minting process entails a new block being created, NFT information being validated by a validator, and the block being closed. This minting process often entails incorporating smart contracts that assign ownership and manage NFT transfers. As tokens are minted, they are assigned a unique identifier directly linked to one blockchain address. Each token has an owner, and the ownership information (i.e., the address in which the minted token resides) is publicly available. Even if 5,000 NFTs of the same exact item are minted (similar to general admission tickets to a movie), each token has a unique identifier and can be distinguished from the others Many blockchains can create NFTs, but they might be called something different. For instance, on the Bitcoin blockchain, they are called Ordinals. Like an Ethereum-based NFT, a Bitcoin Ordinal can be bought, sold, and traded. The difference is Ethereum creates tokens for the asset, while Ordinals have serial numbers (called identifiers) assigned to satoshis—the smallest bitcoin denomination. Blockchain and Fungibility Like physical money, cryptocurrencies are usually fungible from a financial perspective, meaning that they can be traded or exchanged, one for another. For example, one bitcoin is always equal in value to another bitcoin on a given exchange, similar to how every dollar bill of U.S. currency has an implicit exchange value of $1. This fungibility characteristic makes cryptocurrencies suitable as a secure medium of transaction in the digital economy. For this reason, NFTs shift the crypto paradigm by making each token unique and irreplaceable, making it impossible for one non-fungible token to be "equal" to another. They are digital representations of assets and have been likened to digital passports because each token contains a unique, non-transferable identity to distinguish it from other tokens. They are also extensible, meaning you can combine one NFT with another to create a third, unique NFT—the cryptocurrency industry calls this "breeding." Examples of NFTs Perhaps the most famous use case for NFTs is that of cryptokitties. Launched in November 2017, cryptokitties are digital representations of cats with unique identifications on Ethereum’s blockchain. Each kitty is unique and has a different price. They "reproduce" among themselves and create new offspring with other attributes and valuations compared to their "parents".
Benefits of NFTs

Perhaps, the most apparent benefit of NFTs is market efficiency. Tokenizing a physical asset can streamline sales processes and remove intermediaries. NFTs representing digital or physical artwork on a blockchain can eliminate the need for agents and allow sellers to connect directly with their target audiences (assuming the artists know how to host their NFTs securely).

How Can I Buy NFTs?
Many NFTs can only be purchased with cryptocurrency supported by the exchange you're using. So, you'll need a digital wallet and some crypto to make a purchase. For instance, OpenSea accepts ETH, WETH, AVAX, USDC, and DAI.
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You can purchase NFTs via other online NFT marketplaces like Rarible and SuperRare.

Are NFTs Safe?
Non-fungible tokens, which use blockchain technology like cryptocurrency, are generally impossible to hack. However, the weak link in all blockchains is the key to your NFT. The software that stores the keys can be hacked, and the devices you hold the keys on can be lost or destroyed—so the blockchain mantra "not your keys, not your coin" applies to NFTs as well as cryptocurrency. NFTs are safe as long as your keys are properly secured.

What Does Non-Fungible Mean?
Fungibility describes the interchangeability of goods. For example, say you had three notes with identical smiley faces drawn on them. When you tokenize one of them, that note becomes distinguishable from the others—it is non-fungible. The other two notes are indistinguishable, so they can each take the place of the other.

The Bottom Line
Non-fungible tokens are an evolution of the cryptocurrency concept. Modern finance systems consist of sophisticated trading and loan systems for different asset types, from real estate to lending contracts to artwork. By enabling digital representations of assets, NFTs are a step forward in the reinvention of this infrastructure.