NFTs—non-fungible tokens—are revolutionizing how we perceive ownership in the digital world. These unique digital assets, secured by blockchain technology, represent everything from digital art and collectibles to virtual real estate and in-game items. Unlike traditional digital files that can be endlessly copied, NFTs provide verifiable proof of authenticity and ownership, making each token one-of-a-kind.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about NFTs: from their foundational technology and standards to how they're traded on leading platforms like OKX NFT Marketplace.
Understanding NFTs: The Basics
At its core, an NFT (Non-Fungible Token) is a digital certificate of ownership stored on a blockchain. Unlike fungible assets such as Bitcoin or USDT—where each unit is identical and interchangeable—each NFT is unique and cannot be replicated.
NFTs can represent a vast range of digital or physical items:
- Digital artwork
- Music tracks
- Virtual fashion
- In-game assets
- Real-world property deeds
Because they are built on decentralized networks, NFTs offer transparent, tamper-proof records of provenance and transfer history.
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NFT vs. FT: What’s the Difference?
To fully grasp NFTs, it's essential to understand fungible tokens (FTs).
- Fungible Tokens (FTs): Interchangeable units like cryptocurrencies. For example, 1 ETH is always equal to another 1 ETH.
- Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs): Unique tokens with distinct values and attributes. No two NFTs are exactly alike—even if they appear similar.
Think of FTs like dollar bills: one $10 bill can be swapped for another with no difference in value. NFTs, however, are more like rare trading cards or original paintings—each has its own story, scarcity, and worth.
How Are NFTs Built? Exploring Key Standards
Most NFTs are created using specific smart contract standards on blockchains like Ethereum. Two of the most widely used standards are ERC-721 and ERC-1155.
ERC-721: The Original NFT Standard
Introduced in 2018, ERC-721 is the first widely adopted standard for creating non-fungible tokens. It enables developers to issue unique tokens, each with its own metadata and ownership details.
Use cases include:
- Cryptokitties (one of the first NFT projects)
- Digital art collections (e.g., Bored Ape Yacht Club)
- Tokenized real estate or luxury goods
Each ERC-721 token must be individually tracked because no two are the same. This makes them ideal for representing rare or exclusive assets.
ERC-1155: The Multi-Token Innovation
While ERC-721 works well for single, unique items, ERC-1155 introduces greater efficiency by supporting both fungible and non-fungible tokens within a single smart contract.
Key advantages:
- Reduced gas costs
- Bulk transfers of mixed token types
- Flexible supply models (some items can be limited edition, others mass-produced)
This standard is especially popular in gaming ecosystems where players may own both unique weapons (NFTs) and common in-game currency (fungible tokens).
Where to Buy, Sell, and Create NFTs
With millions of NFTs across dozens of blockchains, navigating the market can be overwhelming. That’s where platforms like OKX NFT Marketplace come in—offering a streamlined experience for creators and collectors alike.
The OKX NFT platform operates across two primary markets:
- Ordinals Market: For trading BRC-20 tokens and Bitcoin-based NFTs (BTC NFTs).
- NFT Market: A multi-chain aggregator supporting creation, collection, and trading across 17 major blockchains—including Ethereum, Solana, BNB Smart Chain, and OKC.
One standout feature? Zero service fees on trades, making it more accessible for new entrants.
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Why Choose OKX for NFT Trading?
OKX stands out in the competitive NFT landscape thanks to its powerful tools, broad compatibility, and user-first design.
Aggregated Data & Real-Time Pricing
Instead of checking multiple marketplaces separately, OKX pulls live pricing and order data from leading platforms such as OpenSea, MagicEden, Blur, and LooksRare. This means you always see the best available prices—no matter where the listing originates.
Leaderboards & Market Insights
Stay ahead of trends with real-time rankings of high-performing NFT collections. Whether you're tracking volume spikes or identifying emerging artists, OKX’s analytics help inform smarter investment decisions.
You can even purchase multiple NFTs at once using the cart checkout feature—streamlining bulk acquisitions across different collections.
Primary Launchpad Access
OKX collaborates with artists, creators, and brands to launch exclusive drops through its NFT Launchpad. These curated events give early access to limited-edition pieces before they hit public markets.
Orderbook Mode for Precision Trading
Advanced traders will appreciate the orderbook mode, which supports limit orders and market orders for both single and bulk NFT purchases. This level of control is rare in most NFT marketplaces and brings DeFi-like precision to digital collectibles.
Built-In Support for BTC Ordinals
OKX Wallet is one of the few major wallets that support inscribing BTC NFTs and BRC-20 tokens directly on the Bitcoin blockchain. This opens up new possibilities for Bitcoin enthusiasts looking to participate in the growing Ordinals ecosystem.
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Trading
Buy or sell NFTs directly with other users via a secure, multi-chain P2P platform. With zero slippage and no fees, this option offers maximum flexibility and cost efficiency.
Core Features of OKX NFT Marketplace
OKX NFT isn’t just a marketplace—it’s a full ecosystem designed to empower creators and collectors.
Here are the five key tools available:
- Crypto P2P Trade: Set your own price when buying or selling crypto assets peer-to-peer.
- Ordinals Hub: A one-stop destination for minting, trading, and managing BRC-20 and BTC NFTs.
- Multi-Chain Marketplace: List or bid on NFTs across 17 supported chains with unified interface controls.
- Rankings & Analytics: Access comprehensive on-chain data to track performance metrics and discover trending projects.
- Launchpad Program: Launch your own NFT project through OKX’s exclusive initial offering platform.
These features make OKX a go-to destination for both beginners and experienced Web3 users.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are NFTs only digital art?
A: No. While digital art is a popular use case, NFTs can represent music, videos, virtual land, domain names, event tickets, and even real-world assets like cars or property.
Q: Can I make money with NFTs?
A: Yes, but it involves risk. You can earn through buying low and selling high, creating your own NFTs (minting), or participating in exclusive drops. Always research before investing.
Q: Is minting an NFT free?
A: Not usually. Minting typically requires paying a gas fee to record the transaction on the blockchain. However, some platforms offer "lazy minting," where fees are paid only upon sale.
Q: How do I verify an NFT’s authenticity?
A: Blockchain records provide immutable proof of ownership and origin. Always check the contract address and transaction history before purchasing.
Q: Can I sell my NFT on another marketplace?
A: Yes, if the platform supports the same blockchain and token standard. Cross-marketplace compatibility is a key advantage of using open blockchain networks.
Q: What makes OKX different from other NFT marketplaces?
A: OKX combines zero fees, multi-chain support, real-time aggregation from top platforms, and native Ordinals integration—all in one intuitive interface.
Final Thoughts
NFTs are more than just digital collectibles—they’re redefining ownership in the digital age. From artists monetizing their work directly to gamers owning rare in-game items, the applications continue to expand.
Platforms like OKX NFT Marketplace make it easier than ever to enter this space with powerful tools, low barriers to entry, and robust security.
👉 Join the next wave of digital creators and collectors today.