NFTs have rapidly evolved from being a niche blockchain-based concept to becoming a multi-billion-dollar industry that has captivated startups, artists, and investors alike. According to market reports, the global NFT market size was valued at $24.9 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach a staggering $230 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33.9%. This remarkable growth presents an undeniable opportunity for startups looking to harness the potential of NFTs.
But how do NFTs make money? This article delves into how NFTs generate revenue, how startups can benefit from them, and actionable steps to kickstart your NFT journey in 2025.
Before that, let me give a glimpse of…
NFTs aka Non-Fungible Tokens, are unique digital assets verified on a blockchain network, making them unchangeable and impossible to replicate. Unlike cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum, NFTs are unique and non-interchangeable, which is why they are referred to as “non-fungible.” NFTs can represent anything from digital art and music to in-game assets and real-world properties.
Some noteworthy statistics from recent years highlight NFTs growing prominence,
- OpenSea, one of the leading NFT Marketplaces, recorded over $5 billion in monthly trading volume in January 2022.
- Sales of NFT art alone exceeded $4 billion in 2023.
- The NFT gaming industry is expected to grow from $3 billion in 2023 to over $12 billion by 2025.
These figures make it clear that NFTs are not just a passing trend but a transformative innovation balanced to shape the future of digital ownership and monetization.
Now, how do these tiny digital assets get popular? This is all because of branding and its profit-making capability. These tiny assets can make revenue and profits in millions and millions. Eventually, whoever creates or initiates a business with these NFTs, gets easily branded and becomes a billionaire.
So, now let us see…
NFTs offer a wide range of monetization opportunities for startups and cryptopreneurs. Below, let us explore five proven ways that NFTs generate income:
Royalties from Secondary Sales
One of the most attractive features of NFTs for creators is the ability to earn royalties from secondary sales. Once an NFT is sold, the creator can continue to earn a percentage (typically 5–10%) of the sale price every time the asset is resold in the marketplace. This ensures a continuous revenue stream for creators and incentivizes them to produce high-quality assets.
For example, the renowned digital artist Beeple earned over $6 million in royalties from the resale of his iconic “Everydays: The First 5000 Days” NFT.
NFT Flipping
NFT flipping is the process of purchasing NFTs at a low cost and reselling them at a higher value to generate profit. This strategy is particularly popular among investors who keep a close eye on emerging trends and undervalued collections. Timing and market research play a crucial role in successful NFT flipping.
Projects like CryptoPunks and Bored Ape Yacht Club have turned early investors into millionaires.
Exclusive Membership and Access
NFTs are increasingly being used as digital keys to unlock exclusive membership and access to communities, events, or content. For instance, the Bored Ape Yacht Club offers its NFT holders access to exclusive events, merchandise, and even private parties. Brands and creators are monetizing this exclusivity by offering premium memberships via NFTs.
Startups can adopt this model to create unique loyalty programs or gated content for their customers, thereby generating additional revenue streams.
NFT Staking
NFT staking is an emerging trend that allows NFT owners to lock up their digital assets in a blockchain protocol to earn rewards or tokens. By staking NFTs, users can generate passive income without selling their assets.
This model is particularly beneficial for startups in the DeFi (Decentralized Finance) sector, as it combines the appeal of NFTs with yield-generating mechanisms.
NFT-Based Gaming
NFT gaming has become a lucrative segment of the market. Games like Axie Infinity have demonstrated how players can earn real money by buying, selling, and trading NFT-based characters and items. These games often operate on a “PLAY-TO-EARN” model, making them immensely popular among both gamers and investors.
Startups entering the gaming space can capitalize on this trend by developing their NFT-based games or integrating NFT elements into existing platforms.
These are the most popular ways NFTs make money for startups like you. Thus creating or launching an NFT is not a boring one. If you are new to the field of crypto or NFT space, you can easily get connected with professional NFT Developers in the field. So that, they can easily give knowledge and guidance on creating such NFTs.
Now that you have learned how these NFTs make money, it’s time to know what these NFTs will reap in the future.
As you can see, the Bitcoin price is at an all-time high, which is above $100K. The crypto and digital space is undergoing a surge, reflected in the investments of business minds. Allow me to share some ways startups can leverage NFTs to their advantage:
Fundraising Through NFT Sales
NFTs provide an innovative way for startups to raise capital. By creating and selling unique digital assets, startups can attract investors and generate revenue without relying on traditional funding methods. For instance, startups in the art, gaming, or entertainment industries can tokenize their offerings and sell them as NFTs.
Enhancing Brand Loyalty
Startups can use NFTs to build stronger relationships with their customers. By offering exclusive NFTs as rewards or collectibles, businesses can foster brand loyalty and increase customer retention. For example, fashion startups can offer limited-edition NFT apparel or accessories to their loyal customers.
Creating New Revenue Streams
NFTs open up entirely new revenue streams for startups. Whether it’s through royalties, memberships, or NFT-based products, the opportunities are endless. Startups can diversify their income and reduce dependency on traditional revenue models.
Building a Unique Identity
In a competitive market, differentiation is key. NFTs allow startups to stand out by offering unique, blockchain-verified products or services. This can be particularly impactful for startups in creative industries like art, music, and gaming.
Expanding into the Metaverse
The rise of the metaverse presents a golden opportunity for startups. NFTs play a crucial role in the metaverse, serving as virtual goods, real estate, or avatars. Startups can establish their presence in the metaverse by creating NFT-based assets that appeal to this growing audience.
This is how you can utilize NFTs to make money as well as brand in the upcoming year of 2025. Also, if you think of diverse platforms and streams of using NFTs, you can make up for various revenue-generating ways from your NFT Business. So…
Creating an NFT for your startup business may seem daunting, but with the right approach, startups like you, can successfully navigate this space. Here’s a step-by-step explanation for that…
Step 1: Identify Your Niche
The first step is to determine the niche you want to focus on. Are you creating digital art, developing an NFT-based game, or building an NFT marketplace? Identifying your niche will help you target the right audience and streamline your efforts.
Step 2: Choose the right Blockchain
Selecting the right blockchain is critical. Ethereum remains the most popular choice for NFTs, but other blockchains like Solana, Binance Smart Chain, and Polygon are gaining traction due to their lower transaction fees and faster processing times.
Step 3: Develop Your NFT
Creating an NFT involves designing your digital asset and minting it on a blockchain. You can use platforms like OpenSea, Rarible, or Mintable to mint your NFTs. Alternatively, you can hire a professional NFT development team to create customized solutions.
Step 4: Build an NFT Marketplace
If you’re planning to sell multiple NFTs or create a platform for other creators, consider building an NFT marketplace. White-label NFT Marketplace solutions are an excellent choice for startups as they are cost-effective and time-efficient.
Step 5: Market Your NFTs
Effective marketing is crucial for the success of your NFT business. Leverage social media, influencer partnerships, and content marketing to build awareness and drive sales. Platforms like Twitter, Discord, and Instagram are particularly popular in the NFT community.
Step 6: Ensure Compliance
Navigating the legal and regulatory landscape is essential. Work with legal experts to ensure compliance with local and international laws regarding NFTs and blockchain transactions.
These are the necessary steps to be followed to create an NFT token for your startup business.
So, why wait? Connect with professionals in the industry to kickstart your dream NFT startup.
Conclusive Thoughts!
NFTs or these small digital assets change the way industries and individuals monetize assets. For startups, NFTs offer an unparalleled opportunity to innovate, attract investors, and build lasting relationships with customers.
As we move into 2025, the NFT space will continue to mature, offering new challenges and opportunities. By understanding the fundamentals and embracing a strategic approach, startups can place themselves at the forefront of this digital revolution. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an established business looking to diversify, now is the perfect time to dive into the world of NFTs.
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