How to Create Your First NFT (2025 Beginner’s Guide)
Learn how to design, mint, and sell your first NFT safely in 2025 — step-by-step, even if you’re completely new to Web3.
Hey, it’s Lanzo 👋
Ever wondered how people mint digital art and sell it for crypto?
NFTs made it possible for artists, photographers, and creators to own and trade digital assets — safely on the blockchain.
Creating your first NFT might sound technical, but trust me — it’s much easier than you think.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What NFTs are and how they work
- How to prepare your artwork or media
- How to choose the right blockchain (Ethereum, Solana, XRP, etc.)
- How to mint and list your NFT
- Common beginner mistakes to avoid
- Best wallets and marketplaces to use in 2025
Let’s mint your first NFT 👇
What Is an NFT? 🎨
NFT stands for Non-Fungible Token — a unique digital asset recorded on a blockchain.
Unlike Bitcoin or USDT (which are interchangeable), every NFT is unique and can represent:
- A piece of digital art
- Music, photos, or animations
- In-game items or collectibles
- Membership passes or event tickets
NFTs use smart contracts to verify ownership and authenticity — no middlemen required.
Related: What Are NFTs and How Do They Work?
Step 1: Prepare Your Digital File 🖼️
Before you mint, decide what kind of NFT you want to create.
Supported formats usually include:
- Images: JPG, PNG, GIF
- Videos: MP4, MOV (usually < 100 MB)
- Audio: MP3, WAV
- 3D models: GLB, OBJ
Make sure your file:
- Is high quality
- Has copyright clearance (you own the rights)
- Includes metadata (title, description, attributes)
If you’re an artist, export your final version and store a backup offline (e.g., external drive or encrypted cloud).
💡 Lanzo Tip: Smaller file sizes mint faster and cost less gas. For large projects, consider IPFS or Arweave storage.
Step 2: Choose the Right Blockchain 🌐
In 2025, most NFTs are minted on Ethereum, Solana, or Polygon, but there are new players too.
| Blockchain | Pros | Cons | Typical Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethereum | Most popular, biggest market (OpenSea, Blur) | Gas fees can be high | $5–$20 |
| Solana | Fast, cheap, eco-friendly | Smaller collector base | $0.01 |
| Polygon | Compatible with Ethereum | Slightly slower minting | $0.10 |
| XRPL | New NFT standard (XLS-20) | Still growing ecosystem | $0.01 |
If you’re minting art for collectors, go with Ethereum or Polygon.
If you want ultra-low fees, Solana is perfect (used by Magic Eden and Tensor).
Step 3: Set Up a Wallet 🔑
You’ll need a crypto wallet that supports NFTs — it’s where you’ll store and sign your transactions.
Popular options in 2025:
- MetaMask (Ethereum / Polygon)
- Phantom (Solana)
- Xumm or GemWallet (XRPL NFTs)
- Ledger Nano Gen5 (hardware wallet, secure storage)
Once installed:
- Write down your seed phrase offline.
- Connect it to the marketplace you’ll use.
- Optionally, pair it with a hardware wallet for extra protection.
Step 4: Choose a Marketplace 🏪
Marketplaces are where you upload, mint, and sell your NFTs.
| Marketplace | Blockchain | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OpenSea | Ethereum / Polygon / Solana | Largest global marketplace |
| Blur | Ethereum | Pro traders & collectors |
| Magic Eden | Solana / Ethereum | Great for creators and gaming NFTs |
| Rarible | Multi-chain | Easy for beginners |
| XRPL NFT Hub | XRP Ledger | Fast, no gas fees |
Each platform has a slightly different minting process, but the steps are the same:
- Connect your wallet
- Upload your media
- Set name, description, and royalty fee (5–10%)
- Pay gas fee to mint
💡 Lanzo Tip: If you’re just experimenting, mint on testnets or free-mint platforms first to avoid wasting real crypto.
Step 5: Mint Your NFT 🧩
Once your file and details are ready, you’ll press the “Mint” button.
The blockchain will:
After minting, your NFT becomes visible in your wallet and on marketplaces.
Related: What Is a DAO? (Decentralized Autonomous Organization)
Step 6: List It for Sale 💸
Now it’s time to sell!
When you list your NFT, you can choose:
- Fixed price sale (e.g., 0.05 ETH)
- Auction (buyers bid over time)
- Bundle sale (multiple NFTs together)
You’ll pay a small marketplace fee (usually 2.5%) and may also cover blockchain gas when creating the listing.
Platforms like Blur and Tensor also show floor prices and historical trades, helping you price smartly.
Step 7: Promote Your NFT 🚀
The hardest part of NFT creation isn’t minting — it’s getting noticed.
Tips for organic growth:
- Build a presence on X (Twitter) and Discord
- Join NFT communities and share progress
- Offer early supporter perks (airdrops, WL spots)
- Add real utility — access, membership, or unlockable content
Related: NFT Marketplaces in 2025 (OpenSea, Blur, Magic Eden)
Step 8: Avoid Common Mistakes ❌
- Uploading low-resolution art
- Forgetting royalty percentages
- Sharing your seed phrase
- Minting on scam sites
- Not testing gas settings
⚠️ Lanzo Warning: There’s no “undo” on-chain. Always double-check the contract before confirming.
Step 9: Track Earnings and Royalties 📊
Once your NFT sells, royalties can keep generating income every time it’s resold.
Use analytics tools like:
- CoinLedger — track NFT income and taxes
- Zapper — monitor wallet portfolios
- Dune Analytics — track project stats
Use code CRYPTOTAX10 to get 10% off of CoinLedger
TL;DR 📌
- NFTs = unique digital assets on the blockchain
- Prepare your artwork (JPG, MP4, etc.)
- Choose chain: Ethereum / Solana / XRPL
- Mint on OpenSea, Magic Eden, or Rarible
- Use secure wallets (Ledger, NGRAVE)
- Promote, engage, and protect your brand
- Never share your seed phrase — ever!
FAQ
Yes, you’ll need a small amount to pay for minting gas (ETH, SOL, or XRP).
Secure & Grow Your NFT Journey 🔐
Trade & Earn with Bybit
Buy ETH, SOL, or XRP to fund your NFT mints — fast, low-fee, and beginner-friendly.
This is an affiliate link. If you buy, Lanzo may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Ledger Nano™ Gen5 — Secure Your NFTs
Protect your NFT collection with the latest EAL6+ CL7 certified Ledger Nano Gen5 hardware wallet.
This is an affiliate link. If you buy, Lanzo may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
NGRAVE ZERO — Cold Wallet for NFT Collectors
EAL7 CL7-certified cold wallet — perfect for creators and long-term holders who value security.
This is an affiliate link. If you buy, Lanzo may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
CoinLedger — Track NFT Taxes Easily
Connect your wallet, auto-import NFT trades, and save 10% with code **CRYPTOTAX10**.
This is an affiliate link. If you buy, Lanzo may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
⚡ Lanzo Tip: NFTs are more than images — they’re digital proof of ownership. Focus on real value and community, not just hype.
⚠️ This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
(This post contains affiliate links — supporting Lanzo at no extra cost to you.)
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Not financial advice. Based on public sources. As of today.