Exploring NFTs on Tezos: Wallets, Marketplaces, and More
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Tezos and NFTs
Tezos has emerged as a noteworthy player in the NFT space, albeit with less recognition compared to giants like Ethereum. While Ethereum remains the leading blockchain for NFTs, other platforms like Solana, WAX, and Flow are gaining traction. Tezos, introduced in 2017, stands out due to its long-standing smart contract capabilities. Despite its rich history, it remains relatively obscure to many NFT enthusiasts outside niche communities.
Interestingly, even prominent NFT collectors and influencers often overlook Tezos, rarely discussing it in mainstream media. Nonetheless, Tezos holds a special place in my heart as one of the most appealing NFT ecosystems. This guide will explain why Tezos is significant and how to embark on your NFT journey there.
Why Tezos Matters
- Affordability: Purchasing NFTs on Ethereum can incur hefty fees, often reaching hundreds of dollars. In contrast, transactions on Tezos are nearly fee-less, allowing artists to sell their creations for as little as a few dollars. This affordability opens up art collection to a broader audience.
- Eco-friendliness: Tezos is recognized for its environmentally conscious design. Although Ethereum is transitioning to a greener model, Tezos has long appealed to artists and collectors who prioritize sustainability.
- Art-centric Focus: Unlike many blockchains that focus on utility or speculative projects, Tezos is predominantly home to digital art. The community on Tezos is largely composed of artists and collectors who value creativity over profit, fostering an independent artistic atmosphere.
Chapter 2: Getting Started with NFTs on Tezos
If you're intrigued by Tezos, here's how to start as a collector.
Currency
When acquiring NFTs on Tezos, you will use its native currency, commonly referred to as "tez" (ticker symbol: XTZ). You can buy XTZ on various major exchanges, including Coinbase and Binance, or through decentralized exchanges. For a comprehensive list of exchanges, refer to CoinMarketCap.
Wallets
Once you have XTZ, you need a wallet to buy and store your NFTs. Unlike Ethereum's MetaMask, Tezos offers several wallet options. The most popular include Galleon, Temple, and Kukai. Galleon is trusted and established, while Temple and Kukai are favored for their user-friendly browser integrations.
For mobile users, AirGap and Naan are excellent wallet choices. It's advisable to have multiple wallets handy, especially when minting NFTs, as some sites may encounter technical difficulties with certain wallets.
Marketplaces
Tezos boasts a variety of NFT marketplaces. Below are a few of the most notable ones:
- Objkt.com: As the largest NFT marketplace on Tezos, Objkt.com is the primary hub for creators and collectors. It features trending collections and auctions, and allows for easy wallet connection.
- fxhash: This marketplace specializes in generative art and has rapidly risen in trading volume. It serves as both a launchpad and marketplace, allowing artists to showcase their works freely.
- OneOf: A newer platform focusing on music and sports NFTs, OneOf is worth keeping an eye on as it evolves.
Next Steps and Resources
This guide provides the fundamental tools for purchasing your first NFTs on Tezos. Future posts will delve into my favorite artists and projects within this ecosystem. In the meantime, explore the marketplaces listed to discover what's trending and valuable.
For additional resources, check out Tezos.art for a comprehensive overview of wallets and marketplaces. Follow Kaloh for insights on the Tezos NFT community, as well as MattW.Tez for updates on the ecosystem. Lastly, the podcast "Two Bored Apes" frequently discusses fxhash and Tezos NFTs, providing a wealth of information.
Tezos's NFT journey is all about enjoyment, and I hope you find that in this vibrant community.
In this video titled "How to Create/Mint an NFT on Tezos Using Objkt - (Beginners Guide)", you'll learn the step-by-step process of minting your first NFT on the Tezos blockchain.
"A Beginners Guide to Investing in Affordable NFTs on Tezos" will help you navigate the landscape of purchasing NFTs without breaking the bank.