Comprehensive Guide to Creating and Selling NFTs for Free

How to Create an NFT Token?

NFT stands for non-fungible tokens, which can be used to prove ownership of specific digital assets. Minting an NFT token refers to creating it on the blockchain, establishing a permanent and verifiable record of ownership.

What can be an NFT? Essentially anything that exists in the digital space. This includes tweets, digital artwork in JPG format, music albums, virtual real estate, in-game items, domain names, and even virtual fashion items. The versatility of NFTs has opened up new possibilities for creators across various industries.

With blockchain technology, artists from anywhere in the world can reach art collectors and sell their work securely. The decentralized nature of blockchain eliminates intermediaries, allowing direct transactions between creators and buyers. This revolutionary approach has democratized the art market, giving independent artists unprecedented access to global audiences.

However, the process of tokenizing digital assets involves gas fees. Most NFTs are created on Ethereum, which requires transaction fees for every blockchain operation. To create and mint NFTs, you will need a cryptocurrency wallet such as MetaMask, along with some Ethereum to cover gas fees. These fees can vary significantly depending on network congestion. In this guide, we will show you how to create and sell NFTs for free, leveraging platforms that support gasless minting options.

How to Create NFT for Free?

To learn how to sell NFT art, you must first choose an NFT marketplace where you can mint your NFTs for free. The marketplace selection is crucial as different platforms offer varying features, fee structures, and audience reach. You will also need a cryptocurrency wallet to interact with these platforms and manage your digital assets.

You can create and sell NFTs on many specialized platforms, such as OpenSea and Rarible. These platforms have implemented innovative solutions like lazy minting, which allows creators to list NFTs without upfront costs. Other notable marketplaces include Foundation, SuperRare, and Nifty Gateway, each catering to different creator needs and collector communities.

How to Create an NFT Token for Free on OpenSea?

Install MetaMask Wallet

MetaMask is one of the most popular cryptocurrency wallets, functioning as a browser extension on your device. It serves as your gateway to the Web3 ecosystem, enabling secure interactions with decentralized applications and NFT marketplaces. If you haven't used it yet, go to the MetaMask website and download the wallet.

The installation process is straightforward. After adding the extension to your browser, you'll be guided through the setup process. Remember to write down your recovery phrase (using pen and paper, never store it digitally), as it will be essential for wallet recovery if you lose access to your device. This 12-word phrase is the master key to your wallet and should be kept in a secure location. You will also need to set a password for the wallet, which you'll use for daily access. Choose a strong password that combines letters, numbers, and special characters.

Connect MetaMask to OpenSea

Go to the OpenSea marketplace and click on the wallet icon in the upper right corner to connect your wallet. The platform will display various wallet options. Select MetaMask and confirm the connection in your wallet by clicking the approval button that appears in the MetaMask popup. This connection is secure and doesn't give OpenSea access to your funds without explicit approval.

Once you've connected your wallet to the NFT marketplace, you will be able to see your profile and create your first NFT. Your profile serves as your creator portfolio, displaying all your created and collected NFTs. You can customize your profile by adding a banner image, profile picture, bio, and social media links to build your creator brand.

Create and Mint NFT for Free on OpenSea

You can choose between a single token and an NFT collection. We recommend minting an NFT collection, as they tend to be more successful than single items. Collections allow you to group related NFTs together, creating a cohesive brand and narrative that appeals to collectors. Successful collections often have a unifying theme, art style, or utility that connects all pieces.

Click on Create (in the upper right menu). If you want to make an NFT collection, click on account icon > My Collections > Create a collection. The collection setup allows you to define the overall branding and parameters for your NFT series.

For each item or NFT, you will need to provide several details, including:

• Digital artwork (image, video, audio, 3D model) - supported formats include JPG, PNG, GIF, SVG, MP4, WEBM, MP3, WAV, OGG, GLB, GLTF
• Name - choose a descriptive and memorable title
• External link - direct buyers to your website or social media
• Description - explain the concept, story, or utility of your NFT
• Collection - assign the NFT to a specific collection
• Properties - add traits and attributes for rarity
• Unlockable content - provide exclusive content to the buyer
• Supply - determine how many editions to create
• Blockchain - select the network for minting

Since we're discussing how to create and sell your NFT for free, it's important to choose the Polygon blockchain instead of the default Ethereum. Polygon is one of the best networks for NFTs and cryptocurrency transactions because it offers significantly lower fees and higher transaction speeds. While Ethereum gas fees can range from tens to hundreds of dollars during peak times, Polygon transactions typically cost fractions of a cent. Additionally, Polygon's faster block times mean your NFT will be minted and transferred more quickly.

Click on Create, and your first NFT will be minted. The minting process on Polygon is nearly instantaneous, and you'll receive a confirmation once your NFT is successfully created on the blockchain.

List Your NFT for Sale

To list your NFT for sale, click on Sell (in the upper right corner). OpenSea provides multiple selling options to suit different strategies.

You can set your desired price for your NFT. Consider several pricing strategies: fixed price listings provide immediate clarity for buyers, while auctions can create excitement and potentially drive higher prices. You can also set a reserve price for auctions, ensuring your NFT won't sell below a minimum value. Additionally, you can enable "Sell to highest bidder" to let the market determine the final price.

After setting all the details, click on Complete, and the NFT will be listed for sale. Your listing will appear in OpenSea's marketplace, searchable by collectors browsing various categories and filters.

It should be noted that OpenSea charges a 2.5% service fee on all sales. This fee is automatically deducted when a sale is completed. Additionally, if you're selling on Ethereum, the buyer typically pays gas fees, but on Polygon, these costs are negligible.

What Is Lazy Minting?

Lazy minting is a process that allows NFTs to be minted at the time of purchase (rather than creation) and was designed to eliminate any upfront costs for new creators. This innovative approach has revolutionized NFT creation by removing the financial barrier that previously prevented many artists from entering the space.

This NFT creation method was introduced in recent years as gas fees proved to be a problem for creators. During periods of high network congestion, Ethereum gas fees could exceed the value of the NFT itself, making it economically unfeasible for emerging artists to mint their work. Lazy minting solved this problem by deferring the on-chain transaction until the moment of sale.

This makes it possible to delay the cost of minting the NFT until it is sold to the first buyer. The NFT essentially remains off-chain until the moment it is sold for the first time. When a buyer purchases a lazy-minted NFT, the minting transaction is triggered and recorded on the blockchain. The creator does not have to pay any additional costs to the platform, as the minting fee is typically covered by the buyer or absorbed by the marketplace. This system enables creators to list unlimited NFTs without financial risk, testing market demand before committing resources.

How to Create an NFT Token for Free on Rarible?

Install MetaMask Wallet

This step is identical to the OpenSea platform. If you don't have a MetaMask wallet, install and create a wallet on your device. The process involves downloading the browser extension, creating a new wallet, and securely storing your recovery phrase. Rarible, like OpenSea, requires a Web3 wallet for all interactions. Remember to safely write down the secret recovery phrase, as losing it means permanent loss of access to your wallet and any assets it contains.

Connect MetaMask to Rarible

Go to Rarible.com and connect your MetaMask wallet by clicking on Sign in > Sign in with MetaMask. A popup will appear requesting permission to connect your wallet to Rarible. Review the connection request carefully to ensure you're on the legitimate Rarible website (check the URL for security). Approve the connection, and you'll be able to access all of Rarible's features.

How to Create an NFT Token on Rarible and Sell It

After confirming the connection to the marketplace from your wallet, you can click on Create (in the upper right corner) and create a new NFT on Rarible. The platform will guide you through the creation process with an intuitive interface.

Choose the Ethereum blockchain and select Single or Multiple NFT. Single NFTs are one-of-a-kind pieces, while multiple editions allow you to create several copies of the same artwork, similar to limited edition prints. The choice depends on your artistic vision and market strategy.

Next, you will need to enter all the details about the new NFT, including:

• Digital file (image, video, audio) - Rarible supports various formats with file size limits
• Type of sale (fixed price, timed auction) - choose based on your selling strategy
• Price - set in ETH or other supported cryptocurrencies
• Unlockable content - provide exclusive high-resolution files, access codes, or physical items
• Collection (choose Rarible for zero fee) - this is crucial for free minting
• Free minting (you must activate this) - enable lazy minting to avoid upfront costs
• Name - create an engaging title that captures attention
• Description - tell the story behind your NFT, explain its significance
• Royalties - set your percentage for secondary sales (typically 5-10%)

It's important to choose the Rarible collection if you want to use the free minting feature. Custom collections may require additional setup and potential fees. The Rarible collection provides a ready-made framework for new creators.

You must also ensure that the free minting option is enabled. This setting is critical for avoiding upfront costs. After entering all the data, click on Create item to create your first NFT token on Rarible. The platform will generate a preview of your NFT and prepare it for listing.

Once the NFT is created, it will be available for sale on Rarible. However, until someone actually purchases the NFT on the Ethereum blockchain, it will not be recorded on that blockchain. The NFT exists in a pending state, with its metadata stored off-chain until the first sale triggers the minting transaction. This lazy minting approach allows you to list numerous NFTs without financial commitment, removing the risk of unsold inventory costs.

How to Sell NFT?

Now that you've learned how to sell your NFT, you need to focus on two main aspects of NFT sales, which are building a community around your NFTs and promoting them. Success in the NFT space requires more than just creating art; it demands active engagement with your audience and strategic marketing efforts.

Building a Community

Creating a community around your NFTs is an important step that every new NFT artist must focus on. OpenSea requires you to include at least one social media channel on your profile, recognizing the importance of community engagement. However, successful creators go far beyond this minimum requirement.

Aim to inform your audience that you're interested in NFTs and actively creating in this space. Share your creative process, behind-the-scenes content, and the inspiration behind your work. Engage authentically with your followers by responding to comments, participating in discussions, and showing appreciation for support. Experts recommend that you release a limited edition NFT collection to increase your potential profits and follower base. Scarcity creates urgency and value, encouraging collectors to act quickly. Consider hosting virtual events, AMAs (Ask Me Anything sessions), or exclusive previews for your community members to strengthen relationships and build loyalty.

NFT: How to Create and Promote Your Collection

You need to learn how to promote your NFT to have the best chances of selling your digital art. Your NFTs should be promoted among your followers on all available social media channels. Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy that includes regular posting schedules, engaging content, and cross-platform promotion.

Most NFT artists use Twitter, Discord, and Reddit to stay in touch with their fans. Twitter is ideal for announcements, showcasing artwork, and engaging in broader NFT conversations using relevant hashtags. Discord allows you to create a dedicated server where collectors can interact directly with you and each other, fostering a tight-knit community. Reddit's NFT-focused subreddits provide opportunities to share your work with interested audiences and participate in discussions. Additionally, consider Instagram for visual content, TikTok for creative behind-the-scenes videos, and YouTube for longer-form content explaining your artistic process. Collaborate with other creators, participate in NFT spaces and Twitter chats, and consider partnering with influencers who align with your artistic vision to expand your reach.

Which Marketplace Is Better for Selling NFT: OpenSea or Rarible?

Now that you know how to sell NFT on both OpenSea and Rarible platforms, you may be wondering which NFT marketplace is better? The answer depends on your community, established fan base, different platform features, and personal preferences. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, as each platform offers unique advantages.

These are the two most popular NFT marketplaces, and they are quite similar in many respects. Both platforms support lazy minting, offer user-friendly interfaces, and provide access to large collector bases. However, several important differences exist that may influence your choice.

One important difference is the ability to mint NFTs on different blockchains. OpenSea offers creators the option of Ethereum or Polygon, with Polygon being the preferred choice for free minting due to negligible gas fees. Rarible offers creators the ability to mint NFTs on Ethereum, Flow, and Tezos, providing more blockchain diversity. Flow is known for its user-friendly approach and is used by major brands, while Tezos offers an energy-efficient alternative with a strong art-focused community.

Another feature available on Rarible is the ability to apply for a verified badge, guaranteeing authenticity. This verification helps establish credibility and distinguishes legitimate creators from potential impersonators. OpenSea also offers verification for established creators, but the process and criteria differ. Additionally, Rarible has its own governance token (RARI), which rewards active users and provides voting rights on platform decisions. OpenSea, being larger, typically has higher trading volumes and more diverse collections, while Rarible's community-driven approach appeals to creators who value decentralization and platform governance participation. Consider factors such as your target audience, preferred blockchain, desired features, and long-term platform vision when making your choice. Many successful creators maintain a presence on multiple marketplaces to maximize exposure and reach different collector demographics.

FAQ

What is an NFT? What is the difference between NFT and cryptocurrency?

NFT is a unique digital asset representing ownership of something specific. Unlike cryptocurrencies which are fungible and used as payment, NFTs are non-fungible and represent distinct items like art or collectibles.

Can creating an NFT tokens really be free? What fees will be incurred?

Creating NFTs on blockchain requires gas fees, which vary by network. While some platforms offer free NFT claiming after completing tasks, truly free creation doesn't exist. You'll typically pay transaction fees to mint and list your NFTs.

How to choose the right NFT minting platform? What are the differences between OpenSea, Rarible, Mintable and others?

OpenSea mints NFTs upon sale, while Rarible mints before listing. Mintable offers similar functionality with different fee structures. Choose based on transaction volume needs, user interface preference, and supported blockchain networks for your NFT project.

What steps are needed to create an NFT? Do I need programming knowledge?

Creating NFTs requires no programming knowledge. Simply prepare your digital asset, upload it to a platform, set token attributes, and mint it. Most platforms offer user-friendly interfaces for beginners to complete the process in minutes.

How to Successfully Sell NFTs After Uploading? What is the Pricing Strategy?

Price NFTs based on uniqueness, rarity, and market demand. Start with competitive pricing and adjust as demand grows. Use high-quality visuals, craft compelling narratives, collaborate with creators, and build community engagement through social media. Monitor market trends and competitor pricing to ensure optimal positioning.

What are the legal risks and tax issues in creating and selling NFTs?

NFT creation and sales may involve capital gains tax, sales tax, or VAT obligations. Ensure intellectual property rights compliance and verify local regulations before launching. Tax calculations depend on NFT nature and jurisdiction.

What types of NFTs are easier to purchase? How to increase NFT value?

Rare, unique NFTs from renowned creators attract more buyers. Boost value by ensuring scarcity, building community support, increasing transaction volume, and establishing authentic ownership history. Strong demand and utility drive higher prices.

What is Gas fee? How to reduce Gas costs for NFT creation?

Gas fees are transaction costs on blockchain networks for executing smart contracts. Reduce NFT creation gas costs by using Layer 2 solutions like Arbitrum or Polygon, optimizing smart contract code, or employing lazy minting techniques to defer on-chain confirmation until sale completion.

How to protect NFT intellectual property rights and avoid theft?

Enable multi-factor authentication on your account, use cold wallets for storage, never share private keys, verify official platform URLs, set up whitelists for asset transfers, and avoid keeping all assets in one location.

What is the prospect of the NFT market? What are the NFT market trends in 2024?

The NFT market continues to mature in 2024. While 96% of series became inactive, top-tier projects like Azuki achieved 2.3x appreciation, demonstrating strong fundamentals. The market is consolidating around quality NFTs with sustained growth potential and increasing professionalization.