Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have transformed the digital landscape, allowing creators to tokenize and sell unique digital assets like art, music, videos, and more on the blockchain. Minting an NFT involves converting a digital file into a unique, verifiable asset that can be bought, sold, or traded. This article will walk you through the steps to mint NFT digital assets, explore the best marketplace platforms and blockchain tokenization tools, highlight the top cryptocurrencies for NFT transactions, and break down the detailed costs involved.
Steps to Minting Digital Assets on the Blockchain NFTs
Minting an NFT is a straightforward process once you understand the basics. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Create Your Digital Asset
Begin with a unique digital file—whether it’s an image, video, audio track, or 3D model such as file formats like GLTF (.gltf) and GLB (.glb). Ensure it’s original and high-quality, as uniqueness drives value in the NFT space. Tools like Adobe Photoshop, Blender, or Audacity can help you craft your asset.
For example, minting a digital asset like a baseball card or original artwork NFTs, aim for a resolution of at least 1500x1500 pixels or higher, with a horizontal resolution of 4000px being ideal for 4K HD quality
Choose a Blockchain
Select a blockchain to mint your NFT on. Popular options include:
Ethereum: The most widely used blockchain for NFTs, supporting ERC-721 and ERC-1155 standards.
Polygon: A Layer-2 solution for Ethereum with lower fees.
Solana: Known for fast transactions and low costs.
Binance Smart Chain (BSC): Offers affordability and compatibility with Binance’s ecosystem. Your choice depends on cost, speed, and the audience you’re targeting.
Set Up a Crypto Wallet
You’ll need a wallet to store cryptocurrency and interact with the blockchain. Popular wallets include:
Coinbase Wallet: Coinbase Wallet is a self-custody crypto wallet, putting you in control of your crypto, keys, and data. Safely access, store, and earn rewards on your crypto in your wallet.
MetaMask: Widely used for Ethereum and Polygon, a very efficient “layer two” or “sidechain” scaling solution that runs alongside the Ethereum blockchain — allowing for speedy transactions and low fees.
Phantom: Ideal for Solana.
Trust Wallet: Supports multiple blockchains, including BSC. Fund your wallet with the native cryptocurrency of your chosen blockchain (e.g., ETH for Ethereum).
Select an NFT Marketplace
Choose a platform to mint and list your NFT. Most marketplaces simplify the process with user-friendly interfaces. (See “Best Marketplace Platforms” below for recommendations.)
Upload and Configure Your NFT
On your chosen platform:
Connect your wallet.
Click “Create” or “Mint.”
Upload your digital file.
Add metadata like name, description, and optional traits (e.g., rarity or edition number).
Set royalties for future sales (typically 5-10%).
Mint Your NFT
Confirm the minting process. This registers your asset on the blockchain as a unique token. Depending on the platform and blockchain, you may pay a fee (e.g., gas fees on Ethereum) or mint for free (e.g., lazy minting on OpenSea).
List Your NFT for Sale on digital asset networks like OpenSea, Rarible, Biance NFT and others.
Best Marketplace Platforms for Minting NFTs
NFT marketplaces are digital platforms where you can mint, buy, and sell NFTs. Here are some of the best options in 2025:
Pros: Largest marketplace, supports Ethereum, Polygon, and Solana, offers “lazy minting” (no upfront fees).
Cons: 2.5% transaction fee on sales.
Best For: Beginners and creators seeking broad exposure.
Pros: Multi-chain support (Ethereum, Polygon, Solana), customizable royalties, community governance via RARI token.
Cons: 2.5% fee per transaction (buyer and seller).
Best For: Artists who want control over royalties.
Magic Eden
Pros: Solana-focused with low fees, growing support for Ethereum and Polygon, user-friendly.
Cons: Smaller audience compared to OpenSea.
Best For: Cost-conscious creators targeting Solana users.
Foundation
Pros: Curated platform for digital art, supports Ethereum, emphasizes exclusivity.
Cons: Invite-only for creators, 5% fee on primary sales.
Best For: Established artists seeking prestige.
Pros: Low 1% trading fee, integrates with Binance Smart Chain, accepts fiat payments.
Cons: Limited blockchain options (BSC and Ethereum).
Best For: Users already in the Binance ecosystem.
Best Blockchain Tokenization Tools
Blockchain tokenization tools help developers and advanced users create NFTs programmatically or customize the minting process. Here are the top tools:
Thirdweb
Features: No-code solution for deploying NFT collections, supports multiple chains (Ethereum, Polygon, Solana).
Best For: Creators building custom minting websites.
Tatum
Features: API-based tool for minting on various blockchains, scalable for businesses.
Best For: Developers managing large NFT projects.
Enjin
Features: Focuses on gaming NFTs, supports Ethereum and JumpNet (low-cost chain), integrates with Unity/Unreal Engine.
Best For: Game developers tokenizing in-game assets.
Features: Simple interface for Ethereum-based minting, gasless i.e. no gas fee options available.
Best For: Beginners seeking an all-in-one solution.
NiftyKit
Features: No-code smart contract deployment, collection management via dashboard.
Best For: Creators launching generative NFT drops.
Best Digital Cryptocurrencies for NFTs
Cryptocurrencies power NFT transactions, and your choice depends on the blockchain and marketplace. Here are the top options:
Why: Dominant currency for NFTs, widely accepted on OpenSea, Rarible, and Foundation.
Pros: Large ecosystem, high liquidity.
Cons: High gas fees during network congestion.
Why: Native token for Solana-based NFTs, used on Magic Eden and Solanart.
Pros: Low transaction costs, fast processing.
Cons: Smaller market share than Ethereum.
Why: Used on Binance NFT and BSC-based platforms.
Pros: Low fees, integrates with Binance ecosystem.
Cons: Limited to BSC-compatible marketplaces.
Why: Powers gas-free transactions on Polygon, supported by OpenSea and Rarible.
Pros: Affordable, eco-friendly.
Cons: Tied to Ethereum’s ecosystem.
Why: Stablecoin matched to USD value, a good option on some platforms (e.g., NBA Top Shot), reduces volatility.
Pros: Price stability.
Cons: Less common for direct NFT purchases.
Detailed Prices Involved in Minting NFT Digital Assets
The cost of minting an NFT varies based on the blockchain, marketplace, and network conditions. Here’s a detailed breakdown as of April 2025:
Ethereum
Gas Fees: $20–$100+ per transaction, depending on network congestion (e.g., minting an ERC-721 token). Peak times can push costs higher.
Marketplace Fees: OpenSea charges 2.5% on sales; Rarible adds 2.5% for both buyer and seller.
Lazy Minting: Free upfront, but gas fees apply when sold (shifted to the buyer).
Polygon
Gas Fees: Negligible (<$0.01), often free on OpenSea.
Marketplace Fees: Same as Ethereum (e.g., 2.5% on OpenSea).
Total Cost: Essentially free to mint, ideal for beginners.
Solana
Transaction Fees: $0.00025–$0.01 per mint, thanks to Solana’s efficiency.
Marketplace Fees: Magic Eden charges 2% per sale.
Total Cost: $0.01–$5, depending on volume.
Binance Smart Chain
Gas Fees: $0.10–$1 per transaction.
Marketplace Fees: Binance NFT takes 1% per sale.
Total Cost: $0.50–$5, budget-friendly.
Additional Costs
Wallet Funding: You’ll need crypto to cover fees (e.g., 0.01 ETH ≈ $25 at $2,500/ETH).
Listing Fees: Some platforms charge upfront fees (e.g., Foundation’s 5% on primary sales).
Storage: Most platforms use IPFS or centralized servers for free, but custom storage solutions may cost extra.
Cost-Saving Tips:
Use Polygon or Solana for low fees.
Opt for lazy minting to defer costs.
Batch mint multiple NFTs in one transaction to reduce per-unit fees.
Conclusion
Minting an NFT is an accessible way to enter the world of digital ownership and monetization. By following the steps outlined—creating your asset, choosing a blockchain, and minting on a marketplace—you can turn your digital creations into unique tokens. Platforms like OpenSea, Rarible, and Magic Eden offer robust options, while tools like Thirdweb and Enjin cater to advanced users. Cryptocurrencies like ETH, SOL, and MATIC dominate the space, with costs ranging from pennies on Solana to potentially hundreds on Ethereum during peak times. Plan your approach based on budget and goals, and you’ll be well on your way to joining the NFT revolution.