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 tokens, which can be used to prove ownership of specific digital assets. Minting an NFT token simply refers to creating it on the blockchain and recording it permanently in a decentralized ledger.

What can an NFT be? Essentially anything we own and possess in the digital space can become an NFT. It could be a tweet, a digital artwork in JPG format, or even a music album. However, the greatest success that NFTs have achieved has been in art collections and digital collectibles.

With the help of blockchain technology, artists from anywhere in the world can reach art collectors and sell their work securely. The blockchain ensures authenticity, provenance, and transparent ownership records. Anyone can create and learn how to sell NFT art regardless of their location or traditional art world connections.

The process of creating NFTs traditionally involves gas fees, which are transaction costs on the blockchain. Most NFTs are created on the Ethereum network, though other blockchains like Polygon, Solana, and Flow are gaining popularity. To create and mint NFTs, you'll need a cryptocurrency wallet such as MetaMask, and some cryptocurrency (like Ethereum) to cover gas fees. In this guide, we'll show you how to create and sell NFTs for free using both Ethereum and Polygon blockchains, taking advantage of lazy minting technology that eliminates upfront costs.

How to Create NFT for Free?

To learn how to sell NFT art, you first need to choose an NFT marketplace where you can mint your NFTs for free. You'll also need a cryptocurrency wallet to interact with the blockchain and store your digital assets.

We'll focus on the most popular NFT trading platforms – OpenSea and Rarible. These platforms dominate the NFT marketplace landscape and offer user-friendly interfaces for beginners. As for the cryptocurrency wallet, we'll use MetaMask because it's one of the most widely adopted and trusted wallets in the crypto space, with strong security features and broad compatibility.

An important aspect of these popular NFT marketplaces is that they allow free NFT minting through lazy minting technology, but they still charge a service fee of 2.5% (on the sale price) for each NFT sold. This means you only pay when you successfully sell your NFT, making it risk-free to start creating.

How to Create an NFT Token for Free on OpenSea?

1. Install MetaMask Wallet

MetaMask is one of the most popular cryptocurrency wallets that works as a browser extension, making it easy to interact with blockchain applications. Download the wallet from the official MetaMask website and create a new wallet by following the indicated steps. The setup process is straightforward and takes only a few minutes.

Make sure to write down your recovery phrase (on paper, not digitally) as it will be essential for recovering your wallet if you lose access to your device. This phrase is the only way to restore your wallet, so store it securely in a safe place. You'll also need to set a strong password for your wallet to protect it from unauthorized access. Never share your recovery phrase with anyone, as it gives complete access to your funds.

2. Connect MetaMask to OpenSea

Go to the OpenSea marketplace website and click on the wallet icon in the upper right corner to connect your wallet. The platform will display various wallet options. Select MetaMask from the list of available wallets and confirm the connection request in your MetaMask wallet popup. This connection allows OpenSea to interact with your wallet securely without giving it control over your funds.

After connecting your wallet to the NFT marketplace, you'll be able to create your first NFT and start your journey as a digital creator. OpenSea will remember your wallet connection for future visits, making the process seamless.

3. Create and Mint NFT for Free on OpenSea

You can choose between a single token or an NFT collection. We recommend minting an NFT collection because they tend to be more successful and attract more attention from collectors. Collections allow you to build a cohesive brand and tell a larger story through your art.

For each item or NFT you want to create, you'll need to provide the following information:

• Digital artwork (image, video, audio, or 3D model) – This is your creative content that will become the NFT
• Name – A catchy, descriptive title for your NFT
• Description – Detailed information about your artwork, its inspiration, and significance
• Special features – Unique attributes or properties that make your NFT stand out
• Unlockable content – Exclusive content or benefits for the NFT owner
• Supply – Number of editions (usually 1 for unique pieces)
• Blockchain – The network where your NFT will be minted

Since we're discussing how to create and sell your NFTs for free, it's crucial to select the Polygon blockchain instead of the default Ethereum network. Polygon is one of the best networks for NFTs and cryptocurrency transactions because it offers significantly lower fees and higher transaction speeds compared to Ethereum mainnet. In this case, it allows OpenSea creators to create NFTs for free without paying any upfront gas fees, making it ideal for beginners and artists testing the market.

4. List Your NFT for Sale

To list your NFT for sale, click on Sell (in the upper right corner of your NFT's page). This opens the listing interface where you can set your sales terms.

You can set your desired price for your NFT in either cryptocurrency (ETH or WMATIC) or see the equivalent in USD. You can also choose between different sale types: fixed price, declining price (Dutch auction), or accepting offers. Consider researching similar NFTs to price yours competitively.

After setting all the details including duration of the listing and any special terms, click on Complete listing, and your NFT will be listed for sale on the marketplace. Your NFT will now be visible to millions of potential buyers on OpenSea.

OpenSea charges a 2.5% service fee which will be deducted from the price after the NFT is sold. This fee covers the platform's operating costs and services. Additionally, if you're selling on Ethereum, the buyer typically pays gas fees, while on Polygon, transactions are nearly free.

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 created to eliminate any upfront costs for new creators. This innovative technology has revolutionized NFT creation by removing the financial barrier to entry.

This method of creating NFTs allows you to defer the cost of minting the NFT until it's sold to the first buyer. The NFT essentially remains off-chain until it's purchased for the first time. The metadata and information are stored on IPFS (InterPlanetary File System), a decentralized file storage system that ensures your content remains accessible and tamper-proof.

The creator doesn't have to pay any additional costs to the platform upfront. A portion of the purchase price goes toward creating the NFT record on the blockchain when the first sale occurs. This means you can list hundreds of NFTs without spending anything, and only pay when you make a sale. The buyer's purchase transaction covers the minting cost, making it a win-win situation.

How to Create an NFT Token for Free on Rarible?

1. Install MetaMask Wallet

This step is identical to the OpenSea platform process. If you don't have a MetaMask wallet yet, install and create a wallet on your device following the same procedure described earlier. Remember to securely save your secret recovery phrase in a safe physical location, never on your computer or in the cloud.

2. 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 asking you to confirm the connection. Approve the connection request in your MetaMask wallet to proceed.

3. How to Create an NFT Token on Rarible and Sell It

After confirming the connection and accepting Rarible's Terms of Service, you can click on Create and create a new NFT on Rarible. The platform offers an intuitive interface for creators.

Select the Ethereum blockchain and choose Single or Multiple NFT options. Single means one unique piece, while Multiple allows you to create several editions of the same artwork.

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

• Digital file (image, video, audio) – Upload your creative work
• Offer type (fixed price, timed auction) – Choose how you want to sell
• Price – Set your asking price in ETH or other supported currencies
• Unlockable content – Optional exclusive content for buyers
• Collection (choose Rarible for zero fees) – This is crucial for free minting
• Free minting (you must activate this) – Enable this to avoid upfront costs
• Name – Give your NFT a memorable title
• Description – Explain your artwork and its story
• Royalties – Set percentage you'll earn on future resales (typically 5-10%)

It's important to select the Rarible collection if you want to use the free minting feature. This is a specific requirement on the platform.

You must also ensure that the free minting option is enabled by toggling the switch. After entering all the data and making sure everything is correct, scroll down and click on Create item to create your first NFT token on Rarible. Your NFT will then be ready to attract buyers.

How to Sell NFT?

You need to focus on two main aspects of selling NFTs: building a community around your NFTs and promoting them effectively. Success in the NFT space rarely happens by accident – it requires strategic marketing and community engagement.

Building a Community

Creating a community around your NFTs is an essential step for any new NFT artist. Popular NFT marketplaces use social proof to verify the authenticity of the artist behind the NFT art. OpenSea requires you to link at least one social media channel to establish credibility and build trust with potential buyers.

Make it your 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 engage with your followers regularly. Experts recommend that you release a limited edition NFT collection to increase your potential profits and grow your follower base. Limited editions create scarcity and urgency, which can drive demand and higher prices.

Consider joining NFT communities on platforms like Discord and Twitter where collectors and creators gather. Participate in discussions, support other artists, and build genuine relationships. A strong community becomes your most valuable asset, providing not just buyers but also advocates who will promote your work.

NFT: How to Create and Promote Your Collection

You need to learn how to promote your NFTs to have the best chance of selling your digital art. Your NFTs should be promoted among your followers across all available social media channels consistently and strategically. Most NFT artists and creative studios use Twitter, Discord, Instagram, and other platforms to stay in touch with their fans and announce new drops.

Develop a content calendar and post regularly about your work. Share the inspiration behind your pieces, your artistic process, and upcoming releases. Use relevant hashtags to increase visibility and engage with the broader NFT community. Consider collaborating with other artists or influencers to cross-promote and reach new audiences.

Timing your releases strategically, creating compelling visual presentations, and telling a strong story around your collection can significantly impact your sales success. Don't just promote when you're selling – build relationships and provide value to your community consistently.

Which Marketplace is Better for Selling NFTs: OpenSea or Rarible?

It comes down to your community, already established fan base, different platform features, and personal preferences. These are the two most popular NFT marketplaces and they are quite similar in many ways, both offering robust features for creators and collectors.

However, one important difference is the ability to mint NFTs on different blockchains. OpenSea offers creators the option of Ethereum or Polygon, giving flexibility in terms of fees and transaction speeds. Rarible offers creators the ability to mint NFTs on Ethereum, Flow, and Tezos, providing even more blockchain options depending on your specific needs and target audience.

Another feature available on Rarible is the ability to apply for a verified badge, guaranteeing "legitimacy" to potential buyers. This verification can increase trust and potentially lead to higher sales, as collectors often prefer buying from verified creators.

OpenSea has a larger user base and more trading volume, which means potentially more visibility for your NFTs. However, Rarible has a strong community focus and governance token (RARI) that rewards active users. Consider testing both platforms to see which resonates better with your audience and artistic style. Many successful creators use multiple marketplaces to maximize their reach and sales opportunities.

FAQ

What is NFT? What is the difference between NFT and ordinary digital assets?

NFT (Non-Fungible Token) represents unique digital assets on blockchain with ownership verification. Unlike ordinary digital assets, NFTs are non-interchangeable, permanently recorded on public blockchain, tradable on secondary markets, and grant full ownership and commercial rights to holders.

Is creating and issuing NFTs completely free? What are the possible costs?

Creating NFTs involves costs beyond just minting. While some platforms offer free collection creation, you'll face gas fees for blockchain transactions, listing fees, and payment processing fees when selling. These costs vary by network and platform chosen.

What tools and platforms are needed to create an NFT? How to choose a suitable NFT marketplace?

To create an NFT, choose a blockchain platform like Ethereum or Solana, set up a digital wallet, purchase cryptocurrency for gas fees, and select a compatible NFT marketplace. Choose based on community size, transaction fees, supported features, and user experience to match your needs.

How to Create Your Own NFT Step by Step? What is the Specific Process?

First, prepare your digital artwork and set up a crypto wallet. Choose a blockchain platform like Ethereum or Solana. Connect your wallet to an NFT marketplace such as OpenSea. Upload your file, fill in details, and mint your NFT. Finally, list it for sale and pay transaction fees to complete the process.

What are the steps to upload and sell NFTs on mainstream NFT marketplaces?

Connect your crypto wallet, upload your digital artwork, add details and set a price, then mint and list your NFT. Pay gas fees during minting, and your NFT becomes tradable on the marketplace immediately.

Creating and selling NFTs involves legal risks including copyright infringement, lack of consumer protection, and potential for financial fraud. Regulatory compliance with ICP, EDI, and blockchain filing requirements is essential. Beware of money laundering and unauthorized financial activities.

Creating and selling NFTs involves legal risks including copyright infringement, lack of consumer protection, and potential for financial fraud. Regulatory compliance with ICP, EDI, and blockchain filing requirements is essential. Beware of money laundering and unauthorized financial activities.