Can anything digital be an NFT?

Understanding the Core Concept of NFTs

An NFT (Non-Fungible Token) is a unique digital asset verified using blockchain technology, primarily on networks like Ethereum, Solana, or Polygon. Unlike cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, which are fungible and interchangeable, each NFT has distinct properties that make it irreplaceable and indivisible. The key attribute of an NFT is its uniqueness and verifiable ownership, which is recorded on a decentralized ledger. This allows creators and buyers to prove authenticity and scarcity in the digital realm.

When asking whether anything digital can become an NFT, the answer lies in understanding that the NFT itself is not the digital file but a token on the blockchain that represents ownership of that file. The digital content—be it an image, video, audio, or text—is typically stored off-chain, with the NFT containing a link (often a URL or IPFS hash) pointing to that content. Therefore, the NFT acts as a certificate of ownership, not the content itself.

Types of Digital Content That Can Be Tokenized

Virtually any form of digital media can be minted as an NFT. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Digital artwork such as JPEGs, PNGs, or GIFs
• Music files in MP3, WAV, or FLAC formats
• Video clips, including short films or animations
• 3D models used in gaming or virtual environments
• Text-based content like poems, eBooks, or tweets
• Virtual real estate in metaverse platforms
• Domain names registered on blockchain-based systems

Each of these items can be linked to an NFT during the minting process. The critical factor is not the file type but the ability to associate it with a unique token ID and metadata stored on the blockchain. For instance, platforms like OpenSea, Rarible, or Foundation allow users to upload their digital files and convert them into NFTs through a straightforward interface.

The Minting Process: Turning Digital Files into NFTs

Minting an NFT involves several technical steps that ensure the digital item is securely tied to a blockchain record. To mint an NFT:

• Connect a crypto wallet such as MetaMask or Phantom to an NFT marketplace
• Upload the digital file (image, audio, etc.) to the platform
• Fill in metadata fields including title, description, and properties
• Choose whether the NFT is a single edition or part of a collection
• Select the blockchain network for minting (e.g., Ethereum, Solana)
• Pay the required gas fees or transaction costs to finalize minting

During this process, the platform generates a smart contract that defines the NFT’s attributes and ownership rules. The file itself is usually stored on decentralized storage systems like IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) to prevent central server dependency and ensure permanence. The NFT then contains a CID (Content Identifier) from IPFS, which serves as a permanent link to the file.

It’s important to note that while the file becomes associated with the NFT, copyright and intellectual property rights are not automatically transferred. Unless explicitly stated in the smart contract or accompanying legal agreement, the creator retains copyright, and the buyer only owns the tokenized version.

Limitations and Risks of Digital NFTs

Despite the broad potential, not all digital items make effective or secure NFTs. One major concern is link rot or content drift. If the digital file is hosted on a centralized server and that server goes offline, the NFT may point to a broken link, rendering the content inaccessible. This is why decentralized storage solutions like IPFS or Arweave are strongly recommended.

Another limitation involves file size and cost. High-resolution videos or large 3D models require more storage, which can increase minting costs, especially on blockchains with high gas fees. Some platforms offer lazy minting, where the NFT is created only when purchased, reducing upfront costs.

Additionally, duplicate or plagiarized content is a persistent issue. Anyone can mint an NFT of a popular image or song without owning the rights, leading to disputes over authenticity. While blockchain verifies ownership of the token, it does not inherently validate the legitimacy of the underlying content. Buyers must rely on creator verification, provenance tracking, and community reputation to assess value and legitimacy.

Practical Examples of Unconventional Digital NFTs

The flexibility of NFT technology has led to creative and sometimes unexpected applications. Examples include:

• NFTs of tweets, such as Jack Dorsey’s first tweet, sold for over $2 million
• In-game items like skins, weapons, or characters in blockchain games
• Digital fashion for avatars in virtual worlds like Decentraland
• Membership tokens granting access to exclusive online communities
• Certificates of authenticity for physical goods, linked to digital twins

These cases demonstrate that the scope of NFTs extends beyond traditional art. A PDF of a contract, a software license, or even a digital recipe can be tokenized if there is demand for verifiable ownership or access control. The essential requirement is the integration of the digital item with a blockchain-based token standard, such as ERC-721 or SPL tokens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I turn a screenshot of a website into an NFT?Yes, you can save a screenshot as an image file (e.g., PNG) and mint it as an NFT. However, the act of taking a screenshot does not grant ownership or copyright of the website content. The NFT would represent ownership of the image file, not the website itself.

What happens if the digital file linked to an NFT gets deleted?If the file is stored on a centralized server and removed, the NFT may become a 'ghost token' with no accessible content. Using IPFS or Arweave minimizes this risk by ensuring the file is replicated across multiple nodes, preserving long-term availability.

Can text documents like a novel be NFTs?Absolutely. A novel saved as a PDF or plain text can be uploaded and minted as an NFT. The token can represent a first edition, signed copy, or exclusive release. The metadata can include details like chapter count, genre, and author information.

Is there a file format that cannot be an NFT?There is no technically unsupported format. Even obscure or proprietary files can be linked to an NFT. However, widely supported formats (JPEG, MP3, MP4) are preferred for accessibility and compatibility across wallets and marketplaces.