If you've been wondering how to invest in NFT assets, you're not alone. What once seemed like a niche trend or internet novelty has now evolved into a legitimate and increasingly growing segment of the digital economy.
A couple of years back, you would've laughed at the thought of selling (or buying) a meme. Yes, the funny, often-relatable pictures and videos you see floating around the web.
Today, not so much, as Non-Fungible Tokens or NFTs are on the rise. India recently got its first NFT exchange for memes with The Meme Club and looks ready to welcome meme-mania. But the NFT craze isn't limited to digital items. Even physical items linked to NFTs have found value in the crypto world.
Just consider the case of the veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan. His NFT marketing services worked magic last year, as he auctioned his NFT collection for a whopping Rs 7.18 crore! Of the assets sold, there was one Iconic Vintage Posters NFT. It featured around seven autographed posters that were handcrafted. Yes, you can buy physical assets using NFTs as well.
So, if you, too, find yourself drawn to the world of NFT tokens and often search how to buy NFT in India, we've got you covered.
As you can see, NFT in cryptocurrency has a unique place.
But to simplify, NFT tokens are like smart contracts created on the blockchain, saying "This is original" and "X is its true owner". So, whoever owns the asset gets the ownership rights publicly documented on the blockchain.
And when someone else buys the NFT, the ownership is transferred, and this change is publicly reflected in the same ledger. As a result, you have clear visibility of a specific NFT's past and present ownership, making the verification process more straightforward.
Moreover, NFT prices are usually fixed by the creator or determined based on the highest bids. So apart from ownership, price is a factor to look out for when investing.
Now that you've learnt all about how to invest in NFT in India, let's understand where and how to begin your NFT investment journey.
To answer your question on how to buy NFT in India, you only need to follow three steps.
NFT marketplaces may vary in several ways, but they all share one core functionality: the ability to list and sell NFTs. But what truly differentiates these platforms apart is the type of NFTs they specialise in, their fee structures, and the unique user experiences or blockchain networks they operate on.
Some popular NFT marketplaces include:
1. OpenSea
OpenSea is the world's first and largest NFT marketplace and lives up to the hype. From digital art and music to domain names, collectibles, trading cards, and even entire virtual worlds, OpenSea offers it all. It takes a 2.5% cut on secondary sales. But if you're minting something new (aka primary drops), fees can range anywhere from 2.5% to 10%.
2. Binance NFT
Launched in 2021, Binance NFT set out to bring artists, creators, and crypto fans together on one super secure, reliable, and diverse platform. It also hosts NFT events and offers mystery boxes. When it comes to fees, Binance keeps things simple with a flat 1% transaction fee.
3. Rarible
Rarible is a people-powered NFT marketplace that supports multiple blockchains like Ethereum, Solana, Tezos, IMX, and Polygon. From digital art to collectibles, Rarible offers a wide mix of NFTs.
4. Magic Eden
Magic Eden calls itself a Web3-ready NFT platform built on the Solana blockchain. It's all about community here, with users getting rewarded with Magic Ticket tokens, which unlock access to the MagicDAO. It offers a 0% listing fee and transaction fee that varies on different conditions.
NFTs are sold on dedicated marketplaces called NFT exchanges. Each of which is powered by a specific blockchain network. As a result, you can trade NFT in cryptocurrency only. In most cases, the marketplaces use the Ethereum network to carry out the transactions.
Here are some good marketplaces to buy NFT in India:
Since you are clear on how to invest in NFT in India, let’s see how you can sell NFT in India. You can sell an NFT in the following ways:
- Minting an NFT
Minting is the process of creating a new NFT and registering it on a blockchain. This makes it a unique, verifiable digital asset. To mint an NFT for sale, you need to first select a platform that provides the tools to create and manage NFTs.
Then, you need to set up a digital wallet that supports NFTs. This wallet will store your NFT and handle transactions. Once done, you'll have to upload the digital file you want to mint, such as artwork, music, or video. Make sure it’s in a supported format.
Follow the platform’s instructions to mint the NFT. Once minted, the NFT is live on the blockchain and available for sale.
- Reselling an NFT
Reselling involves putting an already minted NFT up for sale on a marketplace. To resell an NFT, start by selecting the platform and link your digital wallet to the marketplace.
Navigate to the section where you can manage your NFTs and select the one you want to sell. Confirm the listing details and pay any applicable fees. Once listed, potential buyers can view and purchase your NFT.
- Listing an NFT
Listing is the process of making your NFT available for purchase on a marketplace. To list an NFT, visit the marketplace and select the NFT you want to sell from your collection. Select the price or auction terms and fill in the listing details. Make sure to review and finalise the listing by confirming it on the blockchain.
To attract buyers, you can share your listing on social media or within NFT communities.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Ownership and authenticity: NFTs provide verifiable proof of ownership for digital assets, ensuring the buyer has a unique, original item. Buyers can also track an NFT's history, including previous owners and creators using blockchain technology to verify its authenticity. | High risk: The NFT market can be highly volatile, with prices fluctuating based on trends and speculation rather than intrinsic value. This can lead to significant losses for investors if market conditions shift. |
Empowering artists: NFTs enable artists to monetise their digital creations, offering new revenue streams and exposure. Moreover, artists can earn royalties from secondary sales, allowing them to benefit from the increased value of their work over time. | Environmental concerns: The minting and trading of NFTs require substantial energy due to blockchain transactions, contributing to environmental concerns and high carbon footprints. |
Easy access: NFTs can be bought and sold on global platforms, increasing market reach and liquidity. Some NFTs also allow for fractional ownership, making it possible for multiple people to own a share of a high-value asset. | Ownership confusion: Buying an NFT does not necessarily grant copyright or intellectual property rights, which can lead to confusion about what is owned and the rights associated with it. |
Interactive content: NFTs can incorporate interactive elements, such as virtual experiences or digital goods in games, expanding their functionality beyond traditional media. |
To determine if NFTs are the right investment for you, it's important to consider several factors. This is because while NFTs offer potential high returns, they are also speculative and volatile. Therefore, it's important to determine if they fit within your broader investment strategy and risk tolerance.
Moreover, the market for NFTs is relatively new, and prices can fluctuate dramatically, which might not be suitable for more conservative investors. You must conduct thorough research on NFTs, including the different platforms, types of NFTs, and factors influencing their value to make an informed decision.
Diversification is also important. NFTs should be part of a well-balanced portfolio, rather than your sole investment. Additionally, make sure you're aware of legal and tax implications related to NFTs to understand how transactions and profits are taxed.
NFT for beginners can be a tough road to navigate. Especially since the entity is highly volatile and is evolving every single day.
But are NFTs legit or merely a passing fad? Well, only time will tell. So, before you jump on the bandwagon and buy an NFT, make sure you understand the ABC of the digital asset and how to buy NFT in India. Only then can you make the most of your investment.
Nevertheless, if you are looking for loans to fund any investment purpose, Tata Capital has a variety of offerings.
NFTs mark ownership of both digital or real assets. Since they're powered by blockchain networks, transferring ownership becomes faster, more secure, and way more seamless when an asset has an NFT linked to it.
NFTs simplify asset ownership transfers and even add a fun factor since many users trade them like digital collectibles or speculate on their value, much like modern-day trading cards.
NFTs are not real money; they are digital assets representing ownership of unique items or content.
The cost of an NFT can vary widely based on its type, creator, rarity, and demand. Prices can range from a few dollars to millions of dollars.
To start investing in NFTs, start by understanding what NFTs are, their market dynamics, and how they work. Once you're aware of the basics, select your preferred NFT marketplace, set up a digital wallet, and buy cryptocurrency. Browse the marketplace for NFTs that interest you and place a bid or buy directly.
Verifying an NFT’s authenticity isn’t always straightforward for the average buyer. However, you can look into the creator’s credibility and check the blockchain record if you’re familiar with how it works. If not, it's best to rely on trusted NFT marketplaces that verify assets for you.
NFTs can be a good investment for some, offering high returns and unique ownership of digital assets. However, they are also highly speculative and volatile. So, conduct thorough research, assess your risk tolerance, and consider whether NFTs fit your investment strategy before investing.