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Mar 22 • 13 mins
Blockchain

How to Mint an NFT

NFT minting is your gateway into Web3, whether you’re an artist, collector, gamer, or startup. In this complete 2025 guide, we’ll show you how to mint an NFT from scratch, what platforms to use, how much it costs, and what to expect post-minting.

NFT art with robot hand and sculpture

What Is NFT Minting and How Does It Work?

What Is an NFT?

An NFT (non-fungible token) is a digital asset that lives on the blockchain. Unlike cryptocurrencies, NFTs are unique and indivisible. They can represent digital art, music, videos, in-game items, tweets, or even physical goods.

What Does Minting an NFT Mean?

Minting an NFT means publishing your digital file on the blockchain as a cryptographic token. Once minted, your file becomes a verifiable and tradable asset—permanently linked to your wallet. It also locks in metadata, royalties, and ownership proof.

How to Mint an NFT: Step-by-Step Guide

Minting an NFT may sound technical, but it’s surprisingly simple. Here’s a beginner-friendly walkthrough on how to mint NFT assets today.

Step 1 — Connect Your Wallet

Use a crypto wallet like MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, or Trust Wallet. Connect it to a minting platform (e.g., OpenSea, Rarible).

💡 Tip: Make sure your wallet supports the same blockchain as your chosen minting platform.

Step 2 — Create and Upload Your Digital Asset

Prepare your file. Most NFT minting platforms support formats like JPG, PNG, MP4, MP3, and GLB. Add metadata: title, description, properties, and unlockable content if applicable.

Checklist:

  • High-resolution digital asset
  • Clear description & story
  • Proper rights and licensing
  • Defined royalties

Step 3 — Fund Your Wallet

To mint an NFT, you’ll need crypto to pay blockchain gas fees. For Ethereum-based platforms, fund your wallet with ETH. For low-fee options, use MATIC (Polygon) or BNB.

💡 Tip: Track gas prices at etherscan.io.

Step 4 — Click “Mint NFT” and List It for Sale

Choose your sales model: fixed price, timed auction, or open bids. Platforms will prompt you to sign a blockchain transaction to mint.

💡 You can compare top NFT marketplaces in our guide on NFT collections.

Step 5 — Promote and Manage Your NFT

Promote your NFT through X (Twitter), Discord, Telegram, and niche communities. Keep engaging with collectors and use analytics to track performance.

Checklist for post-minting:

  • Share minting link on socials
  • Create utility or rarity tiers
  • Engage on Discord and forums
  • Set up royalties and resale rules

Need help securing your assets? Read our guide on NFT security

PlatformBlockchainsFeesHighlights
OpenSeaEthereum, Polygon2.5%Easy UI, supports lazy minting
RaribleEthereum, Tezos2.5%DAO-driven, customizable royalties
Binance NFTBNB Chain~1%Low fees, integrated with Binance
SuperRareEthereum15%High-end art, curated collections
Coinbase NFTEthereum (beta)0%Beginner-friendly, trusted brand
OthersVariousVariesMintable, Zora, Nifty Gateway
Top NFT Minting Platforms Compared
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How Long Does It Take to Mint an NFT?

Minting an NFT typically takes between a few minutes and several days, depending on the complexity of the asset. Before minting an NFT, it is important to understand the process and how long each step will take. Setting up a smart contract usually takes a few minutes, but other steps such as creating the asset and launching it onto the market may take longer. Additionally, buyers should be aware of any potential risks associated with investing in digital assets before they begin minting an NFT. The amount of time it takes to mint an NFT is worth considering when making an investment decision.

Factors to Consider Before Minting an NFT

Blockchain network 

The blockchain platform should be reliable, secure, and capable of handling the amount of transactions that are expected. Additionally, it should have good scalability so that it can handle more transactions as needed. Furthermore, it should offer tools for managing and tracking NFTs.

The NFT ecosystem

The NFT ecosystem is also important to consider when minting an NFT. This includes understanding the marketplace where buyers and sellers can interact with each other, as well as any platforms or services available for creating and issuing NFTs. It’s also important to understand any rules or regulations that apply in order to ensure compliance with applicable laws.

NFT minting costs 

The costs associated with minting an NFT can include fees for setting up a smart contract on the blockchain, hosting fees for maintaining the asset on the blockchain, and fees associated with launching it onto a marketplace. All of these costs should be taken into account when deciding whether or not to mint an NFT.

Marketplaces to mint an NFT

nft marketplace

The journey to minting your NFT starts from choosing the online marketplace. There are several options available, and the choice will depend on the type of NFT you want to sell, and the fees related to minting, listing and selling a digital asset. Here are some of the popular NFT marketplaces.

Coinbase NFT

Coinbase NFT is a relatively new entrant to the NFT marketplace scene, but it has already made a big impact. Coinbase NFT is a platform for buying, selling, and trading digital art, collectibles, and other digital assets. The platform is designed to make it easy for users to find and purchase digital assets in a secure and regulated environment. Coinbase NFT also offers a variety of tools and services to help users manage their digital assets, including a portfolio tracker, a marketplace, and a marketplace for trading digital assets. The buyers are charged a 3,5% fee on all purchases, while the sellers are charged 10%. 

OpenSea

OpenSea is one of the leading NFT marketplaces, allowing users to buy, sell, and trade digital collectibles, including artworks, gaming items and other exclusive digital collectibles. The marketplace supports two of the most common NFT standards: ERC-721 and ERC-1155. OpenSea charges users 2,5% fees for every transaction.

Rarible 

Rarible is another popular NFT marketplace that allows users to create, buy, and sell digital collectibles. It is powered by the Ethereum blockchain and allows users to mint, buy, and sell digital art, music, and other digital assets. The platform charges a 3% fee on all sales, which is split between the seller (2%) and Rarible (1%). Additionally, buyers must pay a 0.3% fee for every purchase.

Super Rare

SuperRare is a digital art marketplace on the Ethereum network. Additionally to the default options to mint and trade NFTs, It offers a range of features, such as the ability to create custom collections, set up auctions, and track sales history. SuperRare also provides an API that allows developers to build applications on top of the platform. The marketplace  charges a 5% fee for each sale, which is used to cover the costs of running the platform and to reward the community.

Binance NFT Marketplace 

Binance NFT Marketplace allows the purchase of NFTs from a variety of sources, including artists, developers, and other users. The platform also provides users with the ability to create and manage their own NFTs. Binance NFT Marketplace provides a secure and transparent trading environment, as well as a variety of tools and features to help users manage their NFTs. It also provides users with access to a variety of NFTs, including art, music, games, and more.

Fees on the Binance NFT Marketplace are minimal, with a 0.2% fee for buying and selling NFTs and a 0.5% fee for transferring NFTs.

Costs of Minting an NFT (By Platform and Blockchain)

Minting Fees on NFT Platforms

Most platforms don’t charge to mint NFTs, but take a commission on sales. Some curated platforms may charge upfront.

Blockchain Gas Fees: Ethereum vs. Others

BlockchainAvg. Gas FeeTypical Minting Cost
EthereumHigh$20–$100+
PolygonLow<$1
BNB ChainLow<$1
TezosMinimal<$0.50

Want to save on fees? Explore fractional NFTs and gas-efficient chains.

Can You Mint NFTs for Free?

Yes, lazy minting allows creators to list NFTs without upfront gas costs. The buyer pays the gas fee on purchase. Supported by OpenSea and Rarible.

ProsCons
True digital ownershipMarket volatility
Royalties from secondary salesEnvironmental concerns (PoW chains)
Creative and monetization freedomRisk of scams or phishing
Global exposure via decentralized appsLegal gray zones in some countries
Pros and Cons of NFT Minting

How to Sell an NFT After Minting

Choosing the Right Marketplace

Match your content with your audience. For art: SuperRare. For collections: OpenSea. For beginners: Binance NFT.

Setting a Price

Start low or use timed auctions if you’re building initial traction. Review floor prices in your niche.

Writing a Strong Listing

Include a captivating title, traits, and rarity info. Buyers value transparency and storytelling.

Legal & Tax Considerations

Check how NFT sales are taxed in your country. Crypto income may fall under capital gains or business earnings.

Most Famous NFT Mints in History

  • Beeple’s “Everydays” (2021) — Sold for $69.3M at Christie’s.
  • CryptoPunks (2017) — First iconic NFT collection.
  • Bored Ape Yacht Club (2021) — Cultural icon and celebrity magnet.
  • NBA Top Shot (2020) — Game-changer in sports NFTs.
  • Forever Rose (2018) — Symbol of fine digital art, sold for $1M.

FAQ: NFT Minting in 2025

What is NFT minting?

It’s the process of converting your file into a blockchain token with unique identity and ownership metadata.

How to mint an NFT?

Use a marketplace like OpenSea, upload your file, set royalties, fund your wallet, and click “Mint NFT.”

What does it mean to mint an NFT?

It means issuing your asset on-chain as an NFT. You’re creating a verifiable record of ownership.

Is it free to mint an NFT?

Yes, via lazy minting or using low-fee chains like Polygon.

Can I mint NFT on my phone?

Absolutely. Most wallets and minting platforms offer mobile compatibility.

Ready to Build Your Own NFT Minting Platform?

At ND Labs, we help creators, startups, and enterprises launch powerful, gas-efficient NFT minting platforms and marketplaces. Whether you’re exploring dynamic NFTs, planning NFT staking, or building inside the metaverse, we’ve got your back.

Want to launch your own NFT minting platform?

Book a demo and see how we can help you build, scale, and monetize.

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    About the author

    Dmitry K.

    CEO and Co-founder of ND Labs
    I’m a top professional with many-year experience in software development and IT. Founder and CEO of ND Labs specializing in FinTech industry, blockchain and smart contracts development for Defi and NFT.

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