Exploring the Most Popular NFTs: What Makes Them Stand Out?

NFTs have taken the digital collectible and art world by storm, transforming how creators and collectors interact with art or collectible assets. Remember the cartoon ape that sold for millions of dollars? That wasn’t just a one-off curiosity. That image, part of the Bored Ape Yacht Club, is just one of the most popular NFTs.

What’s more, several reputable NFT marketplaces like OpenSea have emerged. Though, note that leading exchanges like Binance, Bybit, and Kraken also provide secure environments for buying and selling these most popular NFT collections.

If you're curious about exploring the NFT landscape, you’ve come to the right place. Here, you’ll explore the top NFT collections across various categories and the factors that make them stand out. You’ll also discover useful tips for those considering entering the NFT market. So, let’s buckle up and get started!

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Non-Fungible Tokens: The Overview

Before I list and discuss several of the most popular NFTs, let’s establish a clear understanding or refresher of these digital assets. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are unique digital certificates of ownership for virtual items.

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Imagine a rare trading card or a one-of-a-kind piece of art that exists exclusively in the digital realm. Unlike fungible tokens like Bitcoin, where each unit is identical and interchangeable, each NFT possesses properties that make them irreplaceable^[1].

What are those NFT properties or characteristics? In general, there are three:

• Uniqueness: Each NFT is one-of-a-kind, containing specific data that distinguishes it from all others. This data is stored on a blockchain, a secure and transparent digital ledger that verifies ownership and prevents counterfeiting.
• Ownership verification: Blockchain technology plays a crucial role in establishing and proving ownership of NFTs. This allows creators to have a verifiable record of their digital assets.
• Programmability: Some NFTs can be programmed with additional functionalities besides representing ownership. This can create innovative use cases, such as membership privileges or access to exclusive content.

The concept of NFTs has existed for over a decade, but 2021 marked a significant turning point for this technology. The surge in NFT popularity mainly occurred due to the rise in crypto popularity and the growing number of NFT creators^[2].

However, it was mostly because of the celebrity buzz toward NFTs. In 2021, there were a lot of NFT art sales and auctions involving celebrities, artists, and high-profile players.

There is a variety of applications when it comes to NFTs. Here are several examples:

• Gaming: The integration of NFTs into video games allows players to own unique in-game items like weapons, avatars, or virtual lands. These NFT-based items can have value within the game’s ecosystem and potentially be traded with other players.
• Music: Musicians also embrace NFTs to release exclusive songs or albums, offering a new way to connect with fans and generate income. Owning an NFT tied to a song might give access to unreleased content or exclusive merchandise.
• Collectibles: From trading cards to sports merchandise, the NFT market offers a place to collect and own digital representations of their favorite items. The best NFT collection in this particular category might hold financial value within the collector community.
• Decentralized Finance (DeFi): NFTs are also incorporated in DeFi applications, where they can be used as collateral when lending or borrowing assets, for example. DeFi is any financial infrastructure that uses blockchain technology to offer financial services without middlemen.

As NFTs become increasingly popular, more and more online marketplaces started to emerge, simplifying the buying and selling of these digital assets. OpenSea and Rarible are a few of the leading platforms in this space. However, cryptocurrency exchanges like Binance, Bybit, and Kraken also offer their own NFT marketplaces, providing users with trusted platforms to explore the NFT world.

Most Popular NFTs: Collectibles

There are many categories of most popular NFTs, and collectible NFTs are the first category I will talk about. So, what are collectible NFTs? Aren’t all NFTs collectible NFTs?

Essentially, all NFTs are collectibles due to their rarity and being one-of-a-kind. However, looking into NFT use cases, we’ll see that not every NFT is a collectible NFT. While all NFTs share the characteristic of being unique or part of a limited series, they can serve various purposes beyond collectibility. Collectible NFTs are valued for their uniqueness, scarcity, and cultural significance.

Let’s explore several of the most popular NFT collections in the collectible space and discover what makes them attractive.

Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC)

The Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) is a collection of 10,000 unique cartoon apes launched in April 2021 by Yuga Labs, a group of pseudonymous creators. While the artists’ identities remain unknown, their work has left a huge mark on the NFT landscape.

Even though BYAC apes are initially collectible NFTs, they have many more use cases. For one, they are widely used as avatars or profile pictures. Besides that, they also serve as membership cards to an exclusive online club.

Each ape boasts unique characteristics, ranging from facial expressions and clothing to exotic mutations. This level of detail and variation has built artistic value, placing BAYC among the most popular NFT collections.

Furthermore, BAYC has become a status symbol, giving access to exclusive events, communities, and even lucrative collaborations. The high price tags associated with BAYC ownership further confirm their position as one of the most popular NFTs.

CryptoPunks

CryptoPunks is an NFT collection designed by Larva Labs in 2017. The team consists of Canadian software developers John Watkinson and Matt Hall. This top NFT is considered one of the earliest and most popular NFT collections.

Each CryptoPunk is a pixelated, 24x24-pixel character, drawing inspiration from the London punk scene and the cyberpunk aesthetic. Despite their simple design, the 10,000 unique Punks have a variety of characteristics, including hairstyles, clothing accessories, and rare traits like zombie or alien appearances.

Collectors can claim ownership of CryptoPunks on the Ethereum blockchain with only a small transaction fee. CryptoPunk #5822, featuring a rare alien with a bandana, was sold for $23.7 million in March 2022. The cultural impact of this best NFT collection has influenced celebrities like Jay-Z and Snoop Dogg, who showcase their CryptoPunks avatars online.

Azuki

Azuki is a collection of 10,000 unique anime-inspired avatars launched by Chiru Labs in January 2022. Despite their anonymity, the creators’ artistic vision has resonated with a large segment of the NFT community.

This top NFT collection goes beyond simple profile pictures. Each avatar is a hand-crafted digital illustration featuring various Asian ethnicities and cultural references. This inclusivity and the detailed portrayal of different styles and personalities have garnered artistic value for the collection.

Azuki NFTs have experienced a significant rise in value since their launch. In September 2023, a rare Azuki “Golden Skateboard” NFT featuring a unique golden skateboard accessory was sold for $1.3 million. This record-breaking sale and the project’s commitment to building a strong community position Azuki as one of the most popular NFTs.

Pudgy Penguins

Pudgy Penguins appeared on the NFT scene in July 2021. This collection of 8,888 adorable penguin characters was created by a group of college students: Cole Vilemain, Clayton Patterson, Mickyj, and Jonah. In April 2022, Luca Netz acquired this top NFT collection for 750 Ethereum, worth $2.5 million at the time.

Every Pudgy Penguin has unique traits, including body types, backgrounds, and clothing accessories. The project also emphasizes positivity and mental health awareness, making Pudgy Penguins a standout in the NFT space for its focus on fostering a welcoming and supportive community.

Moreover, in February 2024, a rare “Legendary” Pudgy Penguin featuring a combination of sought-after traits like a laser beam visor and a jetpack fetched $450,000. This impressive sale has driven Pudgy Penguins into higher positions in the NFT market, making it one of the most popular NFT collections.

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Moonbirds

Moonbirds, a collection of 10,000 pixelated art owls, is the creative work of Proof Collective. Kevin Rose co-founded the prominent NFT project, a well-known internet entrepreneur. Rose’s established reputation in the tech world helped propel Moonbirds into the spotlight.

Beyond name recognition, Moonbirds stand out for their unique pixel art style and utility. Each NFT piece has a vibrant and detailed design with various characteristics, such as feathers, accessories, and expressions. Some NFTs also feature utility within the proof collective ecosystem, gaining collectors’ attention.

By the way, the proof collective ecosystem is an exclusive community for NFT enthusiasts, offering benefits like early access to NFT drops and private events. Community members can gain additional perks by holding unique NFTs like Moonbirds.

Moonbirds quickly gained popularity after their launch, with some NFTs fetching high prices. In May 2022, a rare Moonbird NFT featuring a “mythical” trait sold for 350 ETH (worth around $1.1 million at that time). The project’s roadmap promises further development and integration with the proof collective ecosystem, suggesting Moonbirds will continue to be one of the most popular NFTs.

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Most Popular NFTs: Generative Art

What is an NFT collection when it comes to generative art? Unlike collectible NFTs that feature pre-defined artwork, generative art NFTs are created using algorithms. These algorithms produce unique and often mesmerizing digital art pieces.

The resulting artwork can range from simple geometric patterns to complex and ever-evolving compositions. Ownership of a generative art NFT grants collectors not just a static image but a piece of digital art created through a unique and creative process.

That said, let’s discover several of the most popular NFTs within the generative art space, exploring the artistic vision behind the algorithms and the factors that make them well-known.

Autoglyphs

Pioneered by Larva Labs, the creators of the iconic CryptoPunks, Autoglyphs hold a special place in the generative art NFT landscape. Unlike having a single artist behind the project, this Larva Lab’s one of the best NFT collections is the product of an algorithm – a self-contained code that generates unique glyph art on the Ethereum blockchain.

These artworks are characterized by a minimalist aesthetic, often featuring simple geometric shapes and text elements. While some might find the unique trait basic, the true innovation lies in ownership verification and artwork generation, which are embedded in the blockchain. This approach to on-chain art creation makes Autoglyphs a landmark project in the NFT space.

Launched in 2019, there are only 512 Autoglyph NFTs in existence. The initial price was set at a modest 0.2 ETH, or around $35 at that time. However, due to their scarcity and artistic merit, Autoglyphs have skyrocketed in value. As a result, this digital artwork has become one of the most popular NFTs in the generative art category.

Ringers

Ringers, launched in January 2021 by coder Dmitri Cherniak, is one of the most popular NFT collections in the generative art category. Cherniak’s background in both art and technology lets him create captivating algorithmic art experiences.

Ringers use a simple concept – colorful string wrapped around a set of circular pegs – and an algorithm to generate an almost infinite number of unique variations. This NFT collection showcases a fascinating interplay of color, size, and layout, each offering a visually distinct composition.

While the initial minting price was only 0.1 ETH (around $550 at that time), their popularity has increased. In August 2021, a Ringers NFT named “The Goose” fetched a staggering $5.4 million via Sotheby’s auction house. As of writing, Ringers are still one of the most popular NFTs, with a floor price of around $80,000.

Fidenza

Tyler Hobbs, a contemporary artist known for his explorations of algorithmic art and computing, is the creator behind the Fidenza collection. Hobbs’ computer science background and artistic vision have shaped the unique style and appeal of the Fidenza NFTs.

Each Fidenza NFT uses Hobbs’ custom algorithm to produce a visually appealing composition of structured curves and geometric blocks. The algorithm incorporates variations in organization, scale, texture, and color usage, resulting in various unique pieces.

Fidenza NFTs have experienced a significant rise in value since their initial minting of $400. As of June 2024, the lowest price for a Fidenza NFT is around $154,000. This value increases the demand for these generative artworks in the NFT market. Besides the financial gain, Fidenza’s popularity comes from the stunning visuals and artistic exploration.

Chromie Squiggle

Chromie Squiggle, launched in October 2021 by Erick Calderon or Snowfro, is another example of one of the best NFT collections in the generative art space. Snowfro is the founder of Art Blocks, a platform dedicated to facilitating the sale of generative art NFTs, which gives Chromie Squiggle NFTs a certain level of legitimacy within the NFT community.

The Chromie Squiggle collection showcases Snowfro’s artistic vision. It utilizes a custom algorithm to create vibrant and fascinating squiggle patterns. Each Chromie Squiggle NFT boasts a unique combination of shapes, animation styles, and color palettes, producing a wide range of collections.

The initial minting price of Chromie Squiggle NFTs was around 0.09 ETH (equivalent to around $300 at that time), but it has steadily increased. As of writing, the current lowest price for a Chromie Squiggle NFT  is around 15 ETH (approximately $45,000). This price appreciation highlights the enduring appeal of Chromie Squiggles.

Lost Poets

Pak, formerly known as Murat Pak, is the creative mind behind Lost Poets. The artist is known for pushing boundaries and sparking discussions within the NFT space. Their artistic vision and innovative approach to NFTs have made them well-known.

Launched in September 2021, Lost Poets is a collection of 28,170 “Pages”, each acting as a fragment of a larger narrative. It stands out due to its algorithmically generated poet images, guaranteeing each one is unique. The project is interactive and evolves over time, allowing owners to “claim” words at specific intervals to modify their potes’ attributes.

The initial price for Lost Poets was relatively fair, starting from 0.32 ETH or around $1,000 at the time. However, its value has fluctuated based on the evolving narrative and interest in the project. This makes Lost Poets one of the most popular NFTs due to its unique concept and mystery.

Most Popular NFTs: Gaming and Metaverse

Now, let’s discover several of the most popular NFTs in the gaming and metaverse category and explore how they have transformed users’ experiences.

The rise of NFTs has significantly impacted the gaming and metaverse space. What is an NFT collection in this category? These digital tokens in a collection can represent in-game items like weapons or avatars. Ownership of such NFTs allows users to own their digital assets, which they can use across different platforms or sell on marketplaces.

Axie Infinity

Created by the Vietnamese studio Sky Mavis, Axie Infinity is one of the most popular games and a pioneer in the play-to-earn gaming space.

This monster-battling game allows players to collect, breed, and battle adorable creatures known as Axies. These Axies are not just in-game characters but are actually NFTs, which grant players full ownership of their digital pets.

Each Axie is unique, combining body parts, classes, and special abilities. This variety is reflected in their NFT value, with some characters fetching significant sums on the Axie marketplace.

The play-to-earn aspect of Axie Infinity is what increases the game’s popularity. Players can earn Smoot Love Potion (SLP), the game's native cryptocurrency (AXS), by completing quests and participating in battles. This SLP can be used within the game or cashed out for fiat currency.

Gods Unchained

Immutable Studios is the creator of Gods Unchained, a strategic card game built on the Ethereum network. This free-to-play title takes inspiration from classic collectible card games like Magic: the Gathering, but with a twist – ownership of the cards themselves.

In Gods Unchained, tradable cards are represented as NFTs. Each card has unique powers and characteristics that affect its strategic value and price on the Immutable X marketplace. Players can use the cards for strategic deck building, exciting head-to-head battles, and to earn through trading cards on the secondary market.

Gods Unchained’s play-to-earn model is key to its popularity. Players can earn GODS tokens by completing quests, winning matches, and participating in tournaments. They can use the tokens to purchase new cards, craft existing ones, or cash out for real-world currency.

Sorare

Sorare is a global fantasy football game that uses blockchain technology to create a unique and engaging experience. In this game, players collect, manage, and compete with digital player cards representing real-life professional footballers from the world’s top leagues.

These digital player cards are NFTs, boasting statistics and attributes that reflect the player’s real-world performance. This connection to real-world sporting events brings excitement and strategy to the gameplay. Additionally, the ability to own NFT cards is a major draw for fans and collectors.

Building a successful Sorare team requires strategic thinking and an understanding of the football player's performance. Users can acquire new cards through auctions, trading with other users, or participating in tournaments with potential NFT rewards.

Alien Worlds

Developed by Dacoco Studios, Alien Worlds is another example of some of the most popular NFTs. It's a science fiction-themed metaverse built on the WAX blockchain. Players take on the role of explorers traveling across a vast interstellar space, mining resources, participating in galactic governance, and competing for control of planets.

Alien Worlds’ foundation lies in owning virtual land parcels on each planet within the metaverse. These land parcels are represented as NFTs, granting players control over the resources found within their territory. The rarity and location of these lands directly impact their in-game utility and value.

Alien Words offers multiple avenues for players to earn in-game currency and acquire NFTs. Players can participate in the game economy by mining Trilium (TLM), the game’s native token, on their land or rented lands. Additionally, they can earn NFTs through staking TLM, completing in-game missions, or participating in planetary governance battles.

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Decentraland

Esteban Ordano and Manuel Araujo created Decentraland, a virtual world built on the Ethereum blockchain. This open-ended metaverse allows players to explore, create, socialize, and monetize their experiences within a user-generated landscape.

The main feature of Decentraland is the concept of digital land ownership. Land parcels within the virtual world are represented by ERC-721 NFTs, which grant players full control over their digital plots. They can use these plots for various purposes, such as building interactive games and hosting virtual stores or art galleries.

While Decentraland doesn’t have a traditional play-to-earn model, ownership of LAND NFTs opens doors to potential revenue streams. Players can rent their land to other users or sell their NFT plots on secondary marketplaces. Decentraland's focus on user-generated content and the potential for creative monetization has fueled its popularity.

Factors to Consider Before Buying an NFT

The NFT world offers various digital collectibles and interactive experiences. However, before diving into this market and buying one of the most popular NFTs on the list, it's crucial to clearly understand the risks and rewards. So, let’s talk about several key factors you need to consider before hitting that “Buy” button.

The NFT’s Project and Utility

Before you purchase an NFT, understand the project behind it. A strong project will have a well-defined roadmap that outlines its future development and goals. This roadmap should detail several aspects, including what kind of experiences it will offer to NFT holders and how it intends to add value to the collection over time.

Looking at the roadmap of a project that minted one of the most popular NFT collections, such as CryptoPunks and Bored Ape Yacht Club, can be insightful. These collections have seen sustained success due to their clear roadmaps that promise and deliver features like exclusive access to online communities and metaverse integration.

Additionally, don’t underestimate the importance of a strong and engaged community surrounding an NFT project. The most popular NFT collections have passionate communities that rally behind the project’s vision. These communities can be a valuable source of information, support, and potential future collaborations.

Artist or Creator Reputation

Just like in the traditional art world, the reputation and track record of the artist or creator behind an NFT project can significantly impact its value. Researching their background can help you discover their experience, artistic vision, and commitment to the project’s long-term success.

Look for creators with a proven track record in digital art or game development. A history of successful projects or a solid online presence with a loyal community can be positive indicators. Established artists and creators with a reputation for innovation and quality are more likely to produce NFTs that hold value over time.

Yuga Labs and Larva Labs created projects like Bored Ape Yacht Club and CryptoPunks. However, their consistent roadmap delivery and involvement in the broader NFT community have fostered trust and contributed to the collections’ value.

NFT’s Rarity and Uniqueness

A key factor influencing an NFT’s value is its rarity and uniqueness within a collection. Some NFTs can be rarer than others due to various factors, making them more desirable and potentially fetching a higher price on the market.

NFT rarity can take different forms. Limited edition collections with a set number of mints naturally have rarer individual NFTs than those with a larger supply. Some collections feature one-of-a-kind NFTs with unique traits not found elsewhere in the collection.

Additionally, rarity plays a key role in driving demand and affecting the market dynamics of an NFT collection. Rare NFTs are generally considered more valuable due to their limited supply and the potential for future appreciation. This creates a sense of scarcity and competition among collectors willing to pay higher prices to acquire the rarest pieces.

Market Trends and Liquidity

When considering an NFT purchase, it's crucial to understand the concept of liquidity within the NFT market. Liquidity refers to the ease or efficiency with which an NFT can be bought or sold on a marketplace. High liquidity means a healthy amount of buying and selling activity, making it easier to find interested buyers when you decide to part with your NFT.

Liquidity is essential for NFT collectors. However, this is not the same as with traditional investments because NFTs aren’t readily convertible to cash, and a buyer is on the other side of the transaction. Thus, highly liquid marketplaces, with a large user base and active trading volume, offer greater flexibility for NFT holders to buy, sell, or trade their digital assets.

Major players like OpenSea offer a vast selection of NFTs across various collections, but competition can be overwhelming. Additionally, marketplaces on established exchanges, such as Binance, Bybit, or Kraken, can offer advantages in terms of user base and potential liquidity, but they might offer a smaller variety of NFTs.

So, how do you approach NFT investments with high liquidity? Focusing on established projects with solid communities and a clear roadmap can be a good starting point. These projects usually have a dedicated community willing to buy and sell, which can improve the overall liquidity of NFTs.

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Conclusions

The world of NFTs offers various exciting possibilities, from owning unique digital artwork to participating in play-to-earn games and metaverse experiences. There are many of the most popular NFTs across various categories, highlighting the creativity and innovation driving this market.

Before venturing into NFT ownership, several factors should be considered. Researching the project’s roadmap and the artist’s reputation can help you assess the long-term potential of an NFT investment. Additionally, understanding the concept of rarity and liquidity within an NFT collection is essential for making informed decisions.

Remember, established NFT marketplaces like OpenSea or those that belong to exchanges like Binance, Bybit, and Kraken offer a safe and secure environment to explore the NFT landscape.

The content published on this website is not aimed to give any kind of financial, investment, trading, or any other form of advice. BitDegree.org does not endorse or suggest you to buy, sell or hold any kind of cryptocurrency. Before making financial investment decisions, do consult your financial advisor.

Scientific References

1. Q. Wang, R. Li, Q. Wang: ‘Non-Fungible Token (NFT): Overview, Evaluation, Opportunities and Challenges’;

2. C. Pinto-Gutiérrez, S. Gaitán, D. Jaramillo, et al: 'The NFT Hype: What Draws Attention to Non-Fungible Tokens?'.