What Are The Next Big NFTs?

With the cryptocurrency market pushing past $2 trillion, the talk of altcoin gains has grown from a gentle whisper in the cubicle to an all out raucous around the water cooler. And why not? With big name crypto projects like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) doing so well lately, the world is growing more comfortable with blockchain technology. 

But the real gains your coworkers are experiencing have likely come from offerings found a bit further down the list of cryptocurrencies arranged by market cap. Projects like Cardano (ADA), Solano (SOL) and Polkadot (DOT) have recently made headlines as they strip market share from their larger competitors — namely ETH. 

There are likely a number of factors to account for, when asking why these Ethereum killer projects are doing so well. One of those reasons may be related to the skyrocketing popularity of NFTs minted on their platforms.

But what are NFTs anyway? And what makes them so popular? 

What Are Non Fungible Tokens?

If you've paid any attention to the latest trends in digital art, you've probably come across an article or 2 regarding non fungible tokens (NFTs). Perhaps you've heard of the artist, Beeple, who sold his work Everydays: The First 5000 Days for $69.3 million. Or maybe you read about the $4.4 million-dollar CryptoPunks NFT.

From memes to music (and all art forms in-between) NFTs have been making the headlines as collectors and investors outbid one another for a piece of the action. And while this emerging technology seems to have captivated the world with a number of high price auctions, most of the click-bait advertisements you've likely come across remain a bit shy on the details.

An NFT, quite simply, is a tradable digital asset with a distinct value separate from other tokens in the collection. To the consumer, this is often a piece of art stored in the collectibles section of their cryptocurrency wallet. 

However you define them, a number of investors have seen tremendous gains in their portfolios over the last year as more and more people enter the space with money to spend.

Popular NFT Projects

As the digital art market continues to attract the attention of serious collectors, institutional players have entered the space to take advantage of the growing trend. Marvel comics, The NFL and WWE have all stepped up their collections as demand grows for NFTs.

Some notable artist collections that have exploded in popularity recently include offerings on Ethereum, like CryptoPunks, Bored Ape Yacht Club and Pudgy Penguins. Each of these recent NFT projects have broken the bank with recent sales, surpassing the expectations of creators and traders alike.

While these collections remain desirable to traders with plenty of ETH to spare, many investors are looking for new entrants to maximize the potential of their purchase. But how does an interested party find the next big NFT, anyway?

How to Find the Next Big NFT

There are a few great ways to begin your search for the next big NFT. And social media is probably the best place to start. Twitter, for example, is an incredibly popular platform for showcasing new art. 

But watching the Twitter feed is by no means the only way to keep abreast of new projects. As OpenSea continues to expand their NFT collections, tracking sales on the platform has become a tried-and-true method for savvy traders to test investor sentiment. OpenSea has the largest offering of NFT collections available and boasts the highest volume of NFT sales in the game.  

Finally, getting involved in a few Discord channels and listening in on the thoughts of successful traders is a terrific idea if you’ve decided to delve into the NFT space. Often, popularity is generated in these discussion groups before sales take place.

So now that you know how to find them, what are the next big NFTs?

NFTs with the Potential to Explode

While purchasing NFTs that have already made the news cycle may remain out of reach for most retail traders, many new and exciting collections are making their way onto popular platforms everyday. 

Despite the incredible FOMO experienced in the market, there are still a few projects with great potential priced below 1 ETH and available to traders and collectors right now. Collections from 24px, Bored Bananas and Vogu Collective are great examples of NFTs that have started to gain traction!

But as tastes change and the whims of the market rapidly favor one collection over another, it may be less anxiety causing for you to trust your own intuition. Consider buying an NFT because the artwork spoke to your own sense of creativity and style. The chances are, if you like it, someone else will too.  

Where to Buy NFTs

Verifiable digital assets are traded regularly on online platforms like OpenSea and Rarible. With a huge array of collections, these platforms offer something for everyone. For specific releases by a number of top artists, try NIfty Gateway. 

Wherever you decide to look for your 1st NFT, you’ll probably be spending ETH. And to buy ETH, you’ll need a reputable trading platform.

Cryptocurrency Exchanges for Ethereum

As cryptocurrency explodes higher, so does the number of exchanges for traders to purchase them. Along with increased availability comes an increase in trading options for investors ready to dive headfirst into the altcoin sea. Whether you prefer a decentralized exchange (DEX) or traditional platform, picking a secure and reputable company is the key to successful trading in the crypto market.

Purchasing ETH to start an NFT collection has never been easier. Coinbase, Gemini and eToro are 3 great options available to U.S. consumers. While each platform has its own strengths to consider, these exchanges may represent the most reputable and secure options for trading.    

Crypto Price Movements

The crypto markets have been moving quickly as top-tier altcoins continue to make huge gains for investors. Lifted almost entirely by Cardano (ADA) and Binance Coin (BNB), the market continues its surge past $2 trillion. ADA is trading above $2.80 as it wrestles BNB for the No. 3 spot in the list of cryptocurrencies by market cap.

Bitcoin dominance stands at 43.6% and is trending downward as the world’s 1st blockchain project’s own gains are overshadowed by the altcoin market.

Ethereum vs. NFTs

Trading any cryptocurrency is risky. The NFT market is no exception. The high volatility in the space can quickly become hazardous to investors chasing a frenzy of speculation. 

If the research and risk involved in the NFT space seems daunting at first, you’re not alone. For most traders, buying ETH and holding may be a better investment strategy. Afterall, ETH is what these assets are priced in, right?

Remember, NFTs are only worth what someone else will pay for them. You don’t want to get caught holding an overvalued piece of pixelated kitsch when the market drops. If you're not careful, you may end up selling that NFT at a loss just to avoid seeing it in your wallet after a while.

Frequently Asked Questions