This comprehensive guide reveals how to create and sell NFTs completely free using popular marketplaces like OpenSea and Rarible. Learn the step-by-step process of minting NFTs on Polygon blockchain through lazy minting technology, eliminating upfront gas fees for new creators. The guide covers wallet setup with MetaMask, connecting to NFT platforms, uploading digital assets, and listing for sale. Discover effective community-building strategies and promotion techniques across social media channels. Compare OpenSea and Rarible features, understand platform fees, and explore essential tools for successful NFT creation. Perfect for beginners wanting to enter the NFT space with minimal investment and maximum guidance.
The NFT Creation Process
NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) are unique digital assets that can be used to prove ownership of specific items in the digital space. The process of minting an NFT refers to creating it on a blockchain network, making it a permanent and verifiable record.
An NFT can represent virtually anything in the digital realm - from social media posts and digital artwork in JPG format to music albums and virtual real estate. Through blockchain technology, artists from anywhere in the world can reach art collectors and sell their work in a secure, transparent manner.
However, the tokenization process of digital assets typically involves gas fees. Most NFTs are created on the Ethereum network, which, despite its popularity, has one significant drawback: high gas fees. To create and mint NFTs, you'll need a cryptocurrency wallet such as MetaMask and some Ethereum to cover gas fees. In this comprehensive guide, we'll show you how to create and sell NFTs for free using both Ethereum and Polygon blockchains.
How to Create NFT for Free
To sell NFT art, you must first choose an NFT marketplace where you can mint your NFTs at no cost. You'll also need a cryptocurrency wallet to pay fees and receive payments from sales.
You can create and sell NFTs on numerous specialized platforms. The most popular NFT trading platforms include OpenSea and Rarible, both of which have established themselves as industry leaders in the NFT space.
An important aspect of these popular NFT marketplaces is that they allow free NFT minting through a process called "lazy minting," though they still charge a service fee of approximately 2.5% of the sale price for each NFT transaction.
How to Create NFT Token for Free on OpenSea
MetaMask is one of the most popular cryptocurrency wallets that functions as a browser extension, supporting multiple blockchain networks. Download the wallet from the official MetaMask website to ensure security.
If you already have MetaMask installed, you can import your existing wallet using your recovery phrase. If not, create a new wallet by following the indicated steps. Remember to write down your recovery phrase using pen and paper (never store it digitally), as it will be essential for wallet recovery. You'll also need to set a strong password for your wallet.
Navigate to the OpenSea marketplace and click on the wallet icon in the upper right corner to connect your wallet. Select MetaMask from the available options and confirm the connection in your wallet when the pop-up window appears. This establishes a secure connection between your wallet and the marketplace.
Step 3: Create and Mint NFT for Free on OpenSea
You can choose between creating a single token or an NFT collection. We recommend minting an NFT collection as they tend to be more successful and attract more attention from collectors.
To create a single NFT, click on Create (in the upper right menu). If you want to create an NFT collection, click on the account icon (in the upper right corner) > My Collections > Create Collection.
For each item or NFT you want to create, you'll need to provide several details:
- Digital artwork (image, video, audio, 3D model)
- Name
- External link
- Description
- Collection
- Properties
- Unlockable content
- Supply
- Blockchain
Since you want to create and sell NFTs for free, it's crucial to select the Polygon blockchain instead of the default Ethereum option.
Polygon is one of the best networks for NFTs and cryptocurrency transactions because it offers significantly lower fees and higher transaction speeds. In this case, it allows OpenSea creators to mint NFTs completely free of charge.
Click Create, and your first NFT will be minted on the blockchain.
Step 4: List Your NFT for Sale
To list your NFT for sale, click on Sell (in the upper right corner) after your NFT has been successfully minted.
You can set your desired price for your NFT, choosing between fixed price or auction formats.
After setting all the details, click Complete Listing, and your NFT will be listed for sale on the marketplace.
Note that OpenSea charges a 2.5% service fee, which will be deducted from the sale price when your NFT is sold.
What Is Lazy Minting
Lazy minting is an innovative process that allows NFTs to be minted at the time of purchase (rather than creation) and was developed to eliminate any upfront costs for new creators entering the NFT space.
This method of creating NFTs was introduced in late 2021 because gas fees proved to be a significant barrier for creators, especially those who are newcomers to the NFT ecosystem.
This approach makes it possible to defer the cost of minting an NFT until it's sold to the first buyer. Essentially, the NFT remains off-chain until it's sold for the first time, with its data stored in IPFS (InterPlanetary File System), a decentralized file storage system.
The transaction that assigns the NFT to the buyer is also responsible for the gas fees. Therefore, the creator doesn't have to bear any additional costs upfront, making NFT creation accessible to everyone.
How to Create NFT Token for Free on Rarible
Rarible is a popular marketplace for NFT art, collectibles, and other NFT assets, offering creators various tools to mint and sell their digital creations.
This step is identical to the OpenSea platform. If you don't have a MetaMask wallet, install and create a wallet on your device following the official instructions. Remember to securely write down your secret recovery phrase in a safe place.
Go to Rarible.com and connect your MetaMask wallet by clicking Sign In > Sign In with MetaMask. Approve the connection request in your MetaMask wallet.
Step 3: How to Create and Sell NFT Token on Rarible
After confirming the connection and accepting Rarible's Terms of Service, you can click Create (in the upper right corner) and create a new NFT on Rarible.
Select the Ethereum blockchain and choose between Single or Multiple NFTs.
Choosing the "Multiple" option means you want to create an NFT collection with multiple items.
Next, you'll need to enter all the details about your new NFT:
- Digital file (image, video, audio)
- Type of sale (fixed price, timed auction)
- Price
- Unlockable content
- Collection (choose Rarible for zero fee)
- Free minting (you must enable this)
- Name
- Description
- Royalties
It's important to select the Rarible collection if you want to use the free minting feature and avoid upfront costs.
You must also ensure that the free minting option is enabled. Checking this option means that NFTs are only minted when they first sell on the platform, saving you gas fees.
After entering all the data and ensuring everything is correct, scroll down and click Create Item to create your first NFT token on Rarible.
How to Sell NFT Tokens
After creating your NFT, you need to focus on two main aspects of selling: building a community around your NFTs and promoting them effectively in the marketplace.
Creating a community around your NFTs is a crucial step for every new NFT artist looking to establish themselves in the space. Platforms like OpenSea and other popular NFT marketplaces use social proof to verify the authenticity of the artist behind the NFT art.
Set a goal to inform your audience that you're interested in NFTs and actively creating in this space. Share the news as soon as your first NFT collection appears. Experts recommend releasing a limited edition NFT collection to increase your potential profits and grow your follower base, creating scarcity and demand.
You must learn how to promote your NFTs effectively to maximize your chances of selling your digital art in a competitive marketplace. You can't simply list them and expect people to buy them without any marketing effort.
Your NFTs should be promoted among your followers on all available social media channels. Most NFT artists and creative studios use Twitter, Telegram, Discord, and Reddit to stay in touch with their fans and build engaged communities. Regular updates, behind-the-scenes content, and engagement with your community are essential for success.
Which Marketplace Is Better for Selling NFT: OpenSea or Rarible
The choice comes down to your community, established fan base, different platform features, and personal preferences. Although there are several differences between OpenSea and Rarible, they tend to borrow features from each other over time.
Ultimately, these are the two most popular NFT marketplaces and they are quite similar in functionality. However, one important difference is the ability to mint NFTs on different blockchains. OpenSea offers creators the option of Ethereum or Polygon networks. Rarible offers creators the ability to mint NFTs on Ethereum, Flow, and Tezos blockchains.
Another feature available on Rarible is the ability to apply for a verified badge, which guarantees "legitimacy" and can increase buyer confidence in your collections. Both platforms have their strengths, and many successful creators use both to maximize their reach and sales opportunities.
FAQ
What is an NFT? What is the difference between NFT and ordinary cryptocurrencies?
NFT is a unique digital asset where each token is non-fungible and irreplaceable. Unlike ordinary cryptocurrencies which are interchangeable, each NFT has distinct identity and ownership rights, making them ideal for representing digital collectibles and art.
Is creating an NFT truly completely free? What are the hidden costs?
NFT creation typically requires gas fees and platform fees. While some platforms offer free minting options, you'll encounter costs when listing or selling on blockchain networks. Hidden expenses include transaction fees, wallet setup, and marketplace commissions during sales.
You need a digital wallet, blockchain platform, artwork or digital asset, and an NFT marketplace. Use no-code NFT generators for simplicity, or smart contracts for customization. Prepare your content and ensure wallet funding for gas fees.
OpenSea, Rarible, and VIV3 support free NFT creation and uploads. OpenSea and VIV3 offer gas-free minting, while Rarible allows creators to set custom royalties. All three platforms enable free listing without upfront costs.
How to create your first NFT token step by step?
Choose a blockchain platform like Ethereum or Polygon, set up a digital wallet, prepare your digital artwork, connect to an NFT marketplace, mint your NFT, and list it for sale. The entire process typically takes under an hour.
How to price NFT after creation to sell more easily?
Research market trends and similar NFTs to set competitive prices. Consider your art's uniqueness, creator reputation, and community interest. Start with moderate pricing and adjust based on demand. Higher engagement and artistic quality typically attract better offers.
Leverage social media and NFT communities for organic reach. Use paid advertising and PR campaigns for visibility. Collaborate with influencers and create exclusive content. Engage with collectors through Discord and Twitter to build community support.
Selling NFTs requires Gas fees for blockchain transactions, platform fees（typically 2.5%）, and creator royalties（usually 5-15%）. Gas fees fluctuate based on network congestion. Total costs vary by marketplace and transaction volume.
What are common scam risks to avoid during NFT trading?
Beware of fake marketplaces, phishing emails, and counterfeit NFTs. Never share your private keys or seed phrases. Verify platform legitimacy through official websites and social media. Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication for wallet security.
Do I need to pay taxes when creating and selling NFTs? What legal issues should I be aware of?
Creating NFTs is tax-free, but selling them triggers tax obligations. Tax and legal requirements vary by jurisdiction. Consult local tax authorities for your specific situation.
Beginners should choose OpenSea, a popular platform supporting all NFT types with user-friendly interface, low minting fees, and high transaction volume for better visibility and sales opportunities.
* The information is not intended to be and does not constitute financial advice or any other recommendation of any sort offered or endorsed by Gate.
