How to Create and Sell NFTs for Free

What Does NFT Minting Mean?

NFT stands for Non-Fungible Token, which is used to prove ownership of certain assets. Typically, NFTs refer to digital assets, and NFT minting is the process of creating NFTs on the blockchain.

NFTs can represent virtually anything in the digital world - from tweets and digital artwork to music albums and 3D models. This versatility makes them an exciting medium for creators across various fields.

With blockchain technology, artists from anywhere in the world can reach art collectors and sell their work securely. The best news is that anyone can create and learn how to sell NFT art, regardless of their technical background or previous experience in the crypto space.

Free NFT Minting

Before diving into how to create NFT art, you first need to choose an NFT marketplace where you can mint NFTs for free. Additionally, you'll need a crypto wallet to pay fees and receive payments when your NFT sells.

You can create and sell NFTs on multiple platforms. We'll explain the most popular NFT trading platforms - OpenSea and Rarible. These platforms have established themselves as leaders in the NFT space, offering user-friendly interfaces and robust features for creators.

While you can create NFTs for free, platforms typically charge a 2.5% service fee (based on the sale price) for listing each NFT. This fee goes to the platform, not the blockchain network, making it a reasonable cost for the services provided.

How to Create Free NFTs on OpenSea

Step 1: Install and Create a MetaMask Wallet

MetaMask is one of the most popular cryptocurrency wallets in the ecosystem. If you haven't used it before, you can download the wallet from the official MetaMask website. The installation process is straightforward and takes only a few minutes.

For new users, create a new wallet following the specified steps. Make sure to write down your secret recovery phrase using pen and paper - this is crucial as you may need it to recover your wallet if something happens to your device. You'll also need to create a password for your wallet when connecting to new applications. Never share your secret phrase with anyone, as it provides complete access to your wallet.

Step 2: Connect MetaMask to OpenSea

Navigate to the OpenSea marketplace and click the wallet icon in the top right corner to connect your wallet. Select MetaMask and confirm the connection from your wallet. This connection is secure and allows OpenSea to interact with your wallet for NFT transactions.

Once completed, you'll see your profile and can start creating your first NFT. The connection process establishes a secure bridge between your wallet and the marketplace, enabling seamless transactions.

Step 3: Create Free NFTs on OpenSea

You can choose between single NFTs or NFT collections. When considering the most popular NFTs, we recommend creating NFT collections as they have a higher chance of success than single pieces. Collections allow you to build a cohesive brand and attract collectors interested in complete sets.

For single creation, click Create (top right menu). For NFT collections, click the account icon (top right, next to the wallet icon) > My collections > Create a collection.

For each NFT item, you need to specify the following details:

• Digital artwork (image, video, audio, 3D model)
• Name
• External link
• Description
• Collection (if creating multiple collections)
• Special properties
• Unlockable content
• Supply quantity
• Blockchain

Since we're discussing how to create and sell NFTs for free, you must choose the Polygon blockchain, not Ethereum. This is a critical decision that affects your minting costs.

Polygon is one of the leading networks for NFTs and crypto transactions because it charges much lower fees than others and processes transactions faster. Polygon allows OpenSea creators to mint NFTs completely free of charge, making it ideal for beginners and those wanting to test the market.

Step 4: List Your NFT for Sale

To list your NFT, click Sell (top right). You can set the price for your NFT as desired, choosing between fixed price, auction, or timed auction formats.

Once you've entered all the details and verified their accuracy, click Complete listing. Your NFT is now listed and ready for sale. The listing process is instantaneous, and your NFT becomes immediately visible to potential buyers browsing the marketplace.

OpenSea charges a 2.5% service fee, which is deducted from the sale price after the NFT is sold. This fee structure means you don't pay anything upfront, reducing the financial risk for new creators.

What Is Lazy Minting?

Lazy minting, also known as gasless minting, allows NFTs to be created at the time of purchase (not at creation). This eliminates the upfront costs that new artists must pay before selling their work. Lazy minting is available on popular platforms including OpenSea and Rarible.

With this technology, the cost of creating NFTs on the blockchain can be deferred until it's sold to the first buyer. The data is stored on IPFS or decentralized file storage systems until it's minted. This innovative approach democratizes NFT creation by removing financial barriers for emerging artists.

The lazy minting process works by creating a voucher or token that represents the NFT without actually writing it to the blockchain. When a buyer purchases the NFT, the minting transaction occurs, and the buyer typically pays the gas fees. This system benefits both creators and the environment by reducing unnecessary blockchain transactions.

How to Create Free NFTs on Rarible

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

Step 1: Install and Create a MetaMask Wallet

This step is the same as the first step on the OpenSea platform. If you don't have a MetaMask wallet, install and create a wallet on your device. Don't forget to save your secret recovery phrase securely.

Step 2: Connect MetaMask to Rarible

Go to Rarible.com to connect your MetaMask wallet by clicking Sign in > Sign in with MetaMask. The connection process is similar to OpenSea and establishes a secure link between your wallet and the platform.

Step 3: Create and Sell NFTs on Rarible

After confirming the connection to the platform from your wallet and accepting Rarible's terms of service, click Create (top right) to create a new NFT on Rarible.

Select the Ethereum blockchain, then choose Single or Multiple NFT options based on your needs.

Next, enter all the details about your newly created NFT:

• Digital file (image, video, or audio)
• Listing type (fixed price, price auction, timed auction)
• Price
• Unlockable content
• Collection (choose Rarible for free minting)
• Free minting (you must enable this)
• Name
• Description
• Royalties

The key point is to select the Rarible collection if you want to take advantage of the free minting feature. This is crucial for avoiding upfront costs.

Don't forget to enable Free minting, which refers to lazy minting on Rarible. The NFT will only be created when the first sale occurs on the platform. The buyer will pay the gas fees for minting, making it truly free for creators.

Once you've entered complete details and verified their accuracy, scroll down and click Create to create your first NFT on Rarible.

After creation, the NFT will be listed for sale on Rarible. However, the NFT won't be registered on the blockchain until someone purchases it, at which point it will be minted on the Ethereum blockchain.

How to Sell NFTs

Now that you know how to sell NFTs for free on OpenSea and Rarible, you need to focus on two important aspects of selling NFTs: building a community and promoting your NFTs.

Building a Community

Building a community to support your NFTs is a critical step that new NFT creators must focus on. OpenSea and other popular NFT platforms use social media for NFT verification. OpenSea requires you to specify at least one social media channel used to manage your NFT collection and share it publicly.

Be serious about letting your followers know you're interested in NFTs. Spread the word as soon as you have your first NFT collection. Engage with your audience regularly, share behind-the-scenes content, and build genuine relationships with potential collectors.

Expert tip: Experts recommend releasing limited-quantity NFTs to increase sales and boost following. Scarcity creates demand and can significantly impact the perceived value of your work.

Promoting NFTs

You need to learn how to market your NFTs to maximize sales opportunities. Don't just list them for sale and hope people will buy. You must promote your NFTs to your followers across all social media channels.

Most NFT artists and creation labs use Twitter, Telegram, Discord, and Reddit to build relationships with their fan base. Each platform offers unique advantages: Twitter for announcements and networking, Discord for community building, Telegram for direct communication, and Reddit for reaching broader audiences interested in NFTs.

Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy that includes regular posts, engagement with other creators, participation in NFT communities, and potentially collaborating with influencers in the space.

Is It Better to Sell NFTs on OpenSea or Rarible?

The choice depends on your community, the strength of your fan base, the different features of each platform, and personal preferences. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, and many successful creators use both platforms.

Both NFT platforms are highly popular and offer similar features. The main difference is the ability to mint NFTs on different blockchains. OpenSea offers creators the option to mint NFTs on either Ethereum or Polygon blockchains, while Rarible works exclusively on Ethereum, Flow, and Tezos blockchains.

Another feature available on Rarible is the ability to add verification marks. Creators may prefer this feature, which could influence their choice of platform for selling NFTs. The verification system helps establish authenticity and can increase buyer confidence.

Consider factors such as your target audience, the type of NFTs you're creating, your technical comfort level, and the specific features each platform offers. Some creators find success by maintaining a presence on multiple platforms, diversifying their reach and maximizing exposure to potential buyers.

FAQ

What is an NFT and how does it differ from ordinary digital files?

NFT is a unique digital token representing ownership of a specific digital asset. Unlike ordinary digital files that can be copied infinitely, NFTs are indivisible and one-of-a-kind, with verified ownership recorded on blockchain.

Do you need to spend money to create and sell NFTs? Is there a completely free way?

Yes, you can create NFTs for free on platforms like OpenSea using lazy minting technology, which defers gas fees until the first sale. However, you'll typically pay transaction fees when selling, so completely free creation and selling is rare.

Which platforms support free creation and sale of NFTs（such as OpenSea, Rarible, etc.）?

OpenSea and Rarible are leading platforms supporting free NFT creation and sales. Both enable users to mint NFTs without coding knowledge. They offer multiple sales methods including fixed pricing, auctions, and private sales, making them ideal for beginners entering the NFT space.

How to create and sell your first NFT and upload it to the blockchain step by step?

Choose an NFT platform, connect your crypto wallet, create your artwork, upload it to the platform, and mint it on the blockchain. The process typically takes minutes and requires minimal technical knowledge.

When selling NFTs, what fees are incurred (gas fees, platform fees, etc.)?

Selling NFTs involves gas fees for blockchain transactions, platform listing fees, sales commissions (typically 2.5%), and creator royalties (usually 5-15%). Some costs are variable and not all apply to every transaction.

How to price and market your work on NFT platforms?

Research market trends and identify your target audience. Choose pricing models like fixed price, auction, or bundled sales. Create compelling descriptions and visuals. Leverage social media and communities to promote your NFTs. Build credibility through consistent quality and engagement with collectors.

What are the legal risks and considerations when creating and selling NFTs?

Key legal risks include copyright infringement, regulatory compliance requirements, and fraud prevention. Ensure proper licensing and authorizations, obtain necessary permits (ICP, EDI, network culture licenses), comply with anti-money laundering regulations, and implement robust IP verification mechanisms to avoid liability.