NFTs can easily be made using creator apps available on iOS and Android. After creating an NFT, you can decide to mint it or list it. NFT minting involves creating a transaction that allows you to store data on the blockchain. This blog will explore the different ways you can mint an NFT.
NFT minting – what does it actually mean?
The term ‘minting’ usually refers to stamping a coin issued by the government. NFT minting is the process of converting digital files into crypto assets on the blockchain. Here it is stored as metadata.
Centralised NFT minting
A centralised platform has a single point of authority, so all data is controlled at a central server. It is the quickest and easiest way to sell an NFT.
Centralised NFT platforms/marketplaces include:
In addition, FTX and Binance are centralised exchanges that have recently opened their NFT marketplaces.
Minting on OpenSea: Centralised
Start by clicking the ‘Create’ button on the OpenSea website. After connecting your wallet, you will be taken to a page where you can mint your NFT. The file can’t exceed 100MB and has to be one of these supported file types:
- JPG
- PNG
- GIF
- SVG
- MP3
- MP4
- WEBM
- WAV
- OGG
- GLB
- GLTF
Once the file has been uploaded, it’s necessary to name it – the file can’t be left blank. It’s also important to remember any gas fees involved, especially if you are minting an NFT on Ethereum. These gas fees cover the computing energy used in Ethereum blockchain transactions. An NFT can be sold or transferred to another address once it has been minted.
Decentralised NFT minting
Decentralised platforms are based on their own chains, allowing for greater accessibility and authenticity. They still allow for some of the features of a centralised platform, or can be completely decentralised.
NFT minting in a decentralised manner usually involves running your own ‘node’ – a programming platform. You’re also required to be proficient in ‘Solidity’ – an object-oriented, programming language designed to implement smart contracts. However, with platforms like Moralis, you don’t need to worry about these two things. IPFS is an example of decentralised storing solution that is compatible with Moralis.
Minting on Moralis: Decentralised
You can mint your NFTs on Moralis in 4 easy steps:
- Log in to your account. If you don’t have an account, create one.
- Create a new server – this button is found in the top right corner of the admin page. When creating a new server, select a name, region, network and chain(s). Then, click ‘Add Instance’.
- Information about your server will pop-up in a window. You need these details to use inside your ‘.html’ or ‘.js’ file
- Using the server details – e.g. server URL and application ID, initialise Moralise
Difference between listing and minting
Platforms like Mintable allow you to list your NFTs without minting them. Instead of existing on a blockchain, the information is stored on your account. You can either mint it yourself at a later date or wait for a potential buyer to mint it after purchasing. With this option, you avoid paying transaction fees. However, you are also entrusting your file and all of the NFT information to a centralised platform.
It’s important to decide the properties and functionalities you want to assign to your NFT before you mint it. If you don’t want to mint your NFTs (yet), listing is an alternative where you can display and sell them.