How to Create an NFT Token for Free and Sell It on NFT Marketplaces: A Complete Guide

How to Create an NFT Token

NFT stands for Non-Fungible Token, which represents a unique digital asset that can be used to prove ownership of specific items or content. Minting an NFT token refers to the process of creating and recording it on a blockchain network, making it permanently verifiable and tradeable.

The versatility of NFTs is remarkable - they can represent various forms of digital content including tweets, digital artwork, music albums, virtual real estate, and even gaming items. In recent years, NFT art collections have achieved tremendous success, revolutionizing how digital creators monetize their work. The technology has opened unprecedented opportunities for artists worldwide to connect directly with collectors and enthusiasts.

Through blockchain technology, artists from any location can reach art collectors globally and sell their works securely without intermediaries. The democratization of art sales means that anyone with creative talent can learn how to create and sell NFT art, regardless of their background or connections in traditional art markets.

The NFT creation process traditionally involves gas fees, which are transaction costs paid to blockchain networks. Most NFTs are created on the Ethereum blockchain, which has historically had high gas fees. This remained a significant challenge until the network's ongoing upgrades and the emergence of alternative solutions. However, this guide will demonstrate how to create and sell NFTs for free using both Ethereum and Polygon blockchains, eliminating upfront costs for creators.

To create and mint NFTs, you'll need a cryptocurrency wallet such as MetaMask and some cryptocurrency to cover gas fees in traditional minting. However, modern platforms now offer free minting options that we'll explore in detail throughout this comprehensive guide.

How to Create NFT for Free

To sell NFT art successfully, you must first select an NFT marketplace that supports free minting of your NFT tokens. Additionally, you'll need a cryptocurrency wallet to handle transactions, receive payments, and manage your digital assets securely.

Numerous specialized platforms enable NFT creation and sales, with OpenSea and Rarible being among the most popular and trusted marketplaces. These platforms offer user-friendly interfaces and large audiences of potential buyers. For your cryptocurrency wallet, we recommend using MetaMask due to its widespread adoption, security features, and compatibility with most NFT platforms.

An important aspect of these leading NFT marketplaces is their support for free minting options, which eliminates upfront costs for creators. However, they typically charge a service fee of approximately 2.5% of the sale price for each NFT transaction. This fee structure allows creators to start without investment while ensuring the platform's sustainability.

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 provides secure storage for your digital assets and enables interaction with blockchain applications. If you haven't used it before, download the wallet from the official MetaMask website to ensure you're getting the authentic version.

Create a new wallet by following the guided steps provided by the application. The setup process is straightforward and designed for users of all experience levels. Crucially, write down your recovery phrase using pen and paper - never store it digitally - as this phrase is essential for wallet recovery if you lose access to your device. Set a strong password for your wallet, which you'll need each time you connect it to a new application or platform.

Connect MetaMask to OpenSea

Navigate to the OpenSea marketplace website and click on the wallet icon in the upper right corner to initiate the connection process. Select MetaMask from the list of available wallet options and confirm the connection request in your MetaMask wallet popup. This connection allows OpenSea to interact with your wallet for NFT creation and transactions.

Once your wallet is successfully connected to the NFT marketplace, you'll be able to view your profile, manage your collections, and create your first NFT. The platform will remember your wallet connection for future visits, streamlining your workflow.

Create and Mint NFT for Free on OpenSea

OpenSea offers flexibility in NFT creation - you can choose between creating a single token or an entire NFT collection. We recommend minting an NFT collection because collections tend to generate more interest and sales than individual pieces. Collections also allow you to build a cohesive brand and tell a larger story through your art.

To create a single NFT, click on Create in the upper right menu. For an NFT collection, click on your account icon in the upper right corner, then navigate to My Collections and select Create Collection. Collections can contain unlimited items and can be expanded over time.

For each item or NFT you want to create, you'll need to provide several details including:

• Digital artwork file (image, video, audio, or 3D model)
• A descriptive and memorable name
• External link to additional content or your website
• Detailed description explaining the artwork's concept and value
• Collection assignment (if you have multiple collections)
• Special attributes or traits that make your NFT unique
• Unlockable content for buyers (optional exclusive material)
• Supply quantity (single edition or multiple copies)
• Blockchain network selection

It's crucial to select the Polygon blockchain instead of the default Ethereum option. Polygon is one of the best networks for NFT and cryptocurrency transactions because it offers significantly lower fees and higher transaction speeds compared to Ethereum mainnet. In this case, choosing Polygon enables OpenSea creators to mint NFTs completely free of charge, removing financial barriers to entry.

Click Create, and your first NFT will be minted on the blockchain. However, this item is not yet listed for sale and won't appear in search results until you complete the listing process in the next step.

List Your NFT for Sale

To list your NFT for sale on the marketplace, navigate to your newly created NFT and click the Sell button in the upper right corner. This opens the listing interface where you can configure your sale parameters.

You can set your desired price for the NFT, choosing between fixed price listings or auction formats. Fixed prices provide certainty, while auctions can generate excitement and potentially higher final prices. Consider your strategy and the nature of your artwork when making this decision.

After establishing all the listing details including price, duration, and any special terms, click Complete Listing, and your NFT will be publicly available for purchase. The listing process typically requires a one-time wallet signature to authorize OpenSea to manage your NFTs.

Remember that OpenSea charges a 2.5% service fee, which is automatically deducted from the sale price when your NFT sells. This fee covers platform maintenance, security, and the infrastructure that makes NFT trading possible.

What is Lazy Minting

Lazy minting is an innovative process that allows NFT creation to occur at the moment of purchase rather than at the moment of creation. This technology was specifically designed to eliminate any upfront costs for new creators, democratizing access to the NFT space. Lazy minting is a feature available on the most popular marketplaces, including OpenSea and Rarible.

This NFT creation method was introduced in late 2021 as gas fees proved problematic for creators, particularly newcomers who were reluctant to invest significant amounts upfront without guaranteed sales. The high costs were preventing many talented artists from entering the NFT space.

Lazy minting makes it possible to defer the cost of minting an NFT until it sells to its first buyer. The NFT's metadata is stored on IPFS (InterPlanetary File System), a decentralized file storage system, without being written to the blockchain immediately. This approach significantly reduces barriers to entry for new creators.

The transaction that assigns ownership of the NFT to the buyer is also responsible for paying the gas fees. Therefore, the creator doesn't have to bear any additional costs to the platform upfront. This shifts the financial burden from creators to buyers, who are making a conscious purchase decision and are typically more willing to cover transaction costs.

How to Create an NFT Token for Free on Rarible

Rarible is another highly popular marketplace for NFT art, collectibles, and other digital assets. The platform has built a strong community and offers unique features that differentiate it from competitors.

Install MetaMask Wallet

This step is identical to the OpenSea process described earlier. If you don't have a MetaMask wallet, install and create a wallet on your device following the official instructions. Remember to securely save your secret recovery phrase in a safe, offline location. Never share this phrase with anyone, as it provides complete access to your wallet and assets.

Connect MetaMask to Rarible

Visit Rarible.com and connect your MetaMask wallet by clicking Sign In, then select Sign In with MetaMask. A popup will appear requesting permission to connect your wallet to the platform. Approve this connection to proceed.

How to Create an NFT Token on Rarible and Sell It

After confirming the marketplace connection from your wallet and accepting Rarible's Terms of Service, you can click Create in the upper right corner to begin creating your new NFT on Rarible. The platform offers an intuitive interface designed for creators of all skill levels.

Select the Ethereum blockchain and choose between Single or Multiple NFT options. Ethereum remains the most established blockchain for NFTs, offering maximum liquidity and buyer confidence.

Choosing the Multiple option means you want to create an NFT collection, which is considered the more popular choice among successful NFT creators. Collections allow you to develop a cohesive artistic vision and build a recognizable brand.

Next, you'll need to enter all details about your new NFT, including:

• Digital file (image, video, audio, or other supported formats)
• Offer type (fixed price or timed auction)
• Price in cryptocurrency
• Unlockable content for buyers (exclusive perks or materials)
• Collection selection (choose Rarible for zero fee minting)
• Free minting activation (you must enable this option)
• Creative and memorable name
• Compelling description that tells your artwork's story
• Royalty percentage for secondary sales

It's important to select the Rarible collection if you want to use the free minting feature. This is a specific collection provided by the platform that enables lazy minting functionality.

You must also ensure that the free minting option is enabled. Checking this option means that NFTs are only minted when they first sell on the platform, and the buyer pays the gas fees rather than the creator. This eliminates financial risk for artists testing the NFT market.

After entering all the data and ensuring everything is correct, scroll down and click Create Item to mint your first NFT token on Rarible. The platform will process your submission and make it available to potential buyers.

Once created, your NFTs will be available for sale on Rarible's marketplace. However, until someone actually purchases the NFT on the Ethereum blockchain, it won't be permanently recorded on that blockchain. This is the essence of lazy minting - deferring blockchain registration until a sale occurs.

How to Sell NFT

Now that you've learned how to sell your NFTs on OpenSea and Rarible, you must focus on two main aspects of successful NFT sales: building a community around your NFTs and effectively promoting them. These elements are often more important than the artwork itself in determining sales success.

Building Community

Creating a community around your NFTs is a critical step that every new NFT artist must prioritize. OpenSea and other popular NFT marketplaces use social proof to verify the authenticity of the artist behind the NFT art. This verification helps buyers trust that they're purchasing from legitimate creators rather than scammers or copycats.

OpenSea requires you to link at least one social media channel that you use to manage your NFT collection and share it with your audience. This connection demonstrates your commitment and provides buyers with a way to verify your identity and track your creative journey.

Set a goal 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 story behind your work. Expand this message whenever your first NFT collection launches, creating anticipation and excitement among your followers.

Experts recommend releasing limited edition NFTs to increase your potential profits and grow your supporter base. Scarcity creates value and urgency, encouraging collectors to act quickly. Limited editions also help establish your work's exclusivity and collectibility.

NFT: How to Create and Promote Your Collection

You must learn how to promote your NFTs effectively to maximize your chances of selling your digital art. Success in the NFT space requires more than just creating quality artwork - it demands strategic marketing and consistent engagement with your audience.

Your NFTs should be promoted among your followers on all available social media channels. Most successful NFT artists and creative studios use Twitter, Telegram, Discord, and Reddit to stay in touch with their fans and build engaged communities. Each platform serves different purposes and reaches different audience segments.

Develop a content calendar that includes regular posts about your work, engagement with other artists and collectors, and participation in relevant NFT communities. Authenticity and consistency are key to building a loyal following that will support your NFT journey.

Which Marketplace is Better for Selling NFT: OpenSea or Rarible

Now that you know how to sell NFTs on both OpenSea and Rarible platforms, you might be wondering which NFT marketplace is better for your specific needs. The answer depends on your community, established fan base, the different features of the platforms, and your personal preferences as a creator.

These are two of the most popular NFT marketplaces, and they share many similarities in terms of functionality and user experience. However, one important difference is the ability to mint NFTs on different blockchains, which affects costs and accessibility for your buyers.

OpenSea offers creators the option of Ethereum or Polygon blockchains. This flexibility allows you to choose between the established Ethereum network with its larger buyer base or the cost-effective Polygon network with its negligible fees. Many creators use both options strategically.

Rarible offers creators the ability to mint NFTs on Ethereum, Flow, and Tezos blockchains. This multi-chain approach provides even more flexibility and allows you to reach audiences on different blockchain ecosystems, each with its own characteristics and user base.

Another feature available on Rarible is the ability to apply for a verified badge, which guarantees authenticity and legitimacy to potential buyers. This verification can significantly increase buyer confidence and potentially lead to higher sales prices. OpenSea also offers verification, but through a different process.

Ultimately, many successful NFT creators use both platforms simultaneously to maximize their exposure and reach different buyer demographics. Experiment with both to determine which works best for your specific art style and target audience.

FAQ

What is an NFT and how does it differ from cryptocurrency?

An NFT is a unique digital asset token on blockchain representing ownership of a specific item, while cryptocurrency is a fungible token used for transactions and value exchange. NFTs are non-interchangeable and represent individual assets, whereas cryptocurrencies are interchangeable units of value.

What are the best free platforms to create and mint NFTs without paying gas fees?

Tezos and Flow are excellent choices for free NFT creation and minting. Tezos offers low gas fees with strong community support, while Flow provides a user-friendly environment. Both platforms enable creators to mint NFTs without significant costs.

Which NFT marketplaces should I use to sell my NFT tokens?

Use popular NFT marketplaces like OpenSea, Rarible, and Foundation. These platforms offer large user bases, diverse collections, and support multiple blockchain networks for maximum exposure and trading volume.

What are the steps to create an NFT token from scratch?

Choose your digital artwork, select a blockchain network, set up a crypto wallet, connect to an NFT marketplace, upload your files, add metadata, and mint your NFT.

How do I set up a digital wallet to create and sell NFTs?

Choose a crypto wallet like MetaMask or Trust Wallet, download the extension, create an account, and secure your private keys. Then connect your wallet to NFT marketplaces to mint and sell your NFTs on blockchain networks.

Are there really ways to mint NFTs completely for free, or will I have to pay gas fees?

Yes, you can mint NFTs for free using lazy minting, where gas fees are deferred until the NFT is sold. The buyer covers the gas costs at purchase, making it cost-free for creators initially.

What file formats and sizes are supported for NFT creation?

Supported formats include JPEG, JPG, PNG, GIF, WEBP, and MP4. Maximum file size is 30MB for images. Video formats may have additional specifications depending on the platform you choose.

How much can I realistically earn from selling NFTs on marketplaces?

Earnings vary widely based on NFT uniqueness, demand, and marketing efforts. Successful creators earn anywhere from hundreds to thousands per sale. Average earnings range from $12-$15 hourly for beginners, scaling significantly with experience and quality.

What are the common risks and scams to avoid when creating and selling NFTs?

Beware of phishing scams and rug pulls. Always verify marketplace URLs before logging in. Avoid fake projects that never deliver NFTs. Use security tools and stay cautious on social media platforms like Discord and Reddit.

Do I need coding skills to create an NFT token?

No, you do not need coding skills to create an NFT token. Many no-code platforms and NFT creation tools allow you to mint NFTs easily without any programming knowledge or technical background.