Practical guide to creating your first NFT without complications

Is it really possible to create an NFT without spending money?

The short answer is yes, but it depends on the blockchain you choose. Creating an NFT as such is free on many platforms, which means you can upload your content without paying an initial fee. However, the real cost comes when you decide to sell or transfer it. Understanding this difference is essential before starting your project.

What is an NFT and why does it matter?

Non-fungible tokens (NFT) represent verified ownership of unique digital assets. Unlike cryptocurrencies, each NFT is unique and is recorded on a decentralized blockchain. This opens up opportunities for creators: artists can sell their works directly, musicians can distribute their music without intermediaries, and game developers can tokenize virtual items. The technology democratizes the monetization of digital content.

Where you can find NFTs currently

Digital art: From traditional illustrations to creations generated by artificial intelligence, digital art transformed into NFT allows artists to establish verifiable ownership of their works.

Multimedia content: Videos, movies, and live sports clips can be tokenized, allowing direct monetization with global audiences.

Music and audio: Musicians can now sell albums, individual songs, or concert tickets as NFTs, maintaining full control over distribution and pricing.

Collectibles and gaming: Video game items, virtual pets, weapons, skins, and characters function as verifiable NFTs, with provable scarcity and transparent trading.

Minimum requirements before starting

Anyone with internet access can create an NFT. Blockchain technology has democratized the process, but you need to meet these basic requirements:

• A digital wallet compatible with the blockchain of your choice
• Access to the native cryptocurrency of that network ( even if it's a small amount )
• A compatible NFT marketplace platform
• Your digital content ready (image, video, audio, etc.)

Step by step: How to create an NFT without errors

1. Select your blockchain

This is the most important decision. The main options include:

Ethereum: The most established network, higher demand, but potentially high fees during congestion.

BNB Chain, Solana, Cardano and EOS: Alternatives with lower fees and faster processing.

Researching specific requirements, compatible wallets, and fees for each network is essential. Your source blockchain is permanent once the NFT is minted.

2. Set up your crypto wallet and get funds

Create a digital wallet compatible with your chosen blockchain. Store your private key or seed phrase in a safe place—losing it means losing permanent access to your assets.

You will need to acquire the native cryptocurrency of the network to pay the gas fees during minting. You can buy it on a cryptocurrency exchange or directly through your wallet.

3. Choose a reliable NFT platform

There is a growing list of NFT markets that offer simplified creation. Some include everything: from minting to publishing and selling. Make sure it is compatible with your blockchain and wallet.

4. Prepare your digital content

The type of software you need depends on your content:

• Digital art: Specialized software for images, illustrations, or animations
• 3D Objects: 3D modeling tools with texture options and export in GLB format
• Photography: Editing software to optimize the final image
• AI: Art generators from text instructions
• Correct formats: JPG and PNG for digital art; GLB for 3D illustrations

5. Execute the creation on the platform

The specific process varies between platforms, but follows this general sequence:

1. Connect your wallet to the NFT market
2. Look for the “Create” or “Mint” section
3. Upload your multimedia file
4. Enter name, description, and additional benefits (exclusive access, special content)
5. Decide whether to limit the number of copies
6. Confirm the creation by clicking on “Mint”

6. List your NFT for sale (optional)

Creating the NFT does not automatically publish it. To sell it, look for the publication option, set the price and terms of sale.

Cost Breakdown: How Much Does It Really Cost?

Gas fees: Paid to the blockchain network for processing your transaction. They vary based on congestion and demand. Ethereum can be more expensive; Solana or BNB Chain are generally cheaper.

Platform fees: Some markets charge a fixed fee or a percentage on sales.

Storage: NFTs may require hosting on decentralized or centralized storage services.

Sales commissions: If you transfer or sell the NFT later, you will again pay transaction fees.

Plan these costs before starting your project.

How to Price Your NFT

The value depends on: rarity, utility, creator reputation, aesthetic appeal, narrative, and community engagement.

To set the initial price:

1. Evaluate the uniqueness and functionality of your NFT
2. Research prices of similar collections as a reference
3. Analyze current market trends
4. Maintain flexibility based on community feedback
5. Consult with other creators—the crypto community is collaborative

Protect Your Work: Copyright and Stolen Content

NFTs have the same copyright as any creative work. Using someone else's content without permission has legal consequences.

Protect yourself by ensuring that: you own the rights to the content you tokenize, or you have obtained explicit permission from the original creator. Stealing others' work not only exposes you legally but also harms the original creator.

What you need to remember

Creating an NFT is accessible to anyone, but it requires an understanding of blockchain, transaction costs, and valuation strategy. The technology revolutionizes how digital content is monetized, allowing artists, musicians, and developers to sell directly to users without intermediaries. Start small, experiment with different platforms and blockchains, and build your reputation in the community. Success depends not only on the content but also on understanding how the ecosystem really works.