Crypto Basics

What are NFTs? NFT Art Explained | Future of NFTs

Learn more about NFTs and their future.
Token Metrics Team
6 minutes
MIN

You may have heard of CryptoPunks, Bored Ape Yacht Club, and VeeFriends, but you may not understand what they are. These names may sound like random combinations of words, but they actually represent some of the most valuable non-fungible token (NFT) projects that have emerged in the past few years.

The world of crypto art and NFTs may appear complex and mysterious, with a mix of celebrities, influencers, and internet experts. But it's not as confusing as it seems. Let's start from the beginning.

What Is An NFT?

Nearly all crypto art that has been introduced to the market has been done so through the minting of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). NFTs are digital assets that have verified proof of ownership. While "fungible tokens" like the US dollar can be easily traded (like exchanging 4 quarters for a dollar), each NFT is unique and cannot be easily traded. For example, imagine a sketch of "Starry Night" by Vincent Van Gogh that has been authenticated by a fine art appraiser as an original. This sketch would be non-fungible because you could not easily exchange it for, say, an original sketch by Leonardo da Vinci. This concept is easy to understand with tangible items like art pieces or collectible cards, but when digital assets can range from a celebrity tweet to an iconic meme to a picture of a pimped out animated ape, it may be confusing.

How Can We Ensure Unique Authenticity?

This is where NFTs enter the scene. Say you are a graphic design artist who just finished your newest 1-of-1 piece of work and you want to sell it as an NFT. Whoever purchases this piece would not only receive the artwork but they would also receive a “digital receipt” that proves that this exact piece is original, unique and authentic.

“But What If I Just Screenshot This Digital Artwork? Wouldn’t I Technically Own the Piece as Well?”

This is the first question that many have mockingly asked on social media and internet forums. The easy answer: yes, you can screenshot practically all digital artwork, but no, that does not mean you own it.

For example, millions of people swarm into the Louvre every year, waiting patiently amidst a giddy crowd, just to capture a picture of the priceless Mona Lisa. Obviously, a picture of the Mona Lisa saved on your iPhone camera roll does not mean that you own that painting.

NFTs work the same way.

Just as the Louvre paid millions of dollars to own, maintain, and display the Mona Lisa in their museum, NFT buyers do the same. However, the main difference is that instead of paying dollars to house the art in a fancy museum, they are paying with cryptocurrency and housing their art in a virtual showcase, so to speak.

This is the basis for how NFTs, cryptocurrency, and blockchain technology are establishing a new and lucrative market for digital art and artists.

The Art of Being Digital

In a 2021 interview, Gary Vaynerchuk (founder of Vayner Media and creator of VeeFriends) made the following statement regarding NFTs. The interviewer remarks on the tangibility of NFTs stating, "the digital aspect, like, you can't see it" — Gary jumps in:

"Well, you can't see a blue check on Instagram? I don't walk around the world with a blue check tattooed on my forehead, but everybody sees it. You can't see my 9 million followers on Instagram, or can you? I would argue the reverse. I would argue that people can't see most of the fancy things you have in your house; that people can see more digital than real life."

And he's onto something, and I'd like to call that something "The Art of Being Digital". In our highly digitized world, our online outreach and interconnectivity is wildly amplified. Gary Vee currently has 9.9 million followers on Instagram — but without access to the internet — he has no way of interacting with that community and tapping into the true power of those 9.9 million people.

Why Do NFTs Have Value?

The value of an NFT is determined by the collective intentionality of those who are willing to buy and sell them. In other words, the value of an NFT is based on what people are willing to pay for it. This is similar to the way that the value of traditional art is determined by the market, with the value being based on factors such as the artist's fame and the rarity of the work.

The Tom Brady example illustrates this idea. On the surface, it might seem strange that someone would pay $430k for a digital picture of a cartoon ape. However, if we consider the fact that the buyer was Tom Brady and the seller was the well-known digital artist Trevor Jones, it becomes clearer that the value of the NFT was determined by the collective intentionality of those involved in the transaction.

Furthermore, the digital art of NFTs offers more than just a digital file and a high price tag. NFTs provide the ability for digital artists to monetize their work and for collectors to own and trade unique digital items. This opens up new opportunities for artists and collectors alike, and has led to the growth of a vibrant and exciting market for NFTs.

Join The Club

Celebrities such as Tom Brady, Post Malone, Steph Curry, and Jimmy Fallon have been buying Bored Ape NFTs. Bored Ape NFTs were introduced by the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) in April 2021 at a price of 0.08 Ethereum (ETH) each, or about $190 at the time. Since then, the price of Bored Apes has increased significantly, yielding substantial returns for early investors.

In addition to the potential for financial gain, buying a Bored Ape NFT also grants the buyer access to the BAYC community. This includes access to the BAYC Discord, where buyers can connect with other members of the club, including celebrities, and collaborate on NFT-related projects. BAYC also gives members priority access to future NFT drops, allowing them to expand their collections.

Minting and selling NFTs can also be highly lucrative for those who create their own NFT projects. This is another reason why celebrities and others may be interested in the NFT market. Creating and selling NFTs allows artists and other creators to monetize their digital work and gives collectors the opportunity to own unique digital items. The growth of the NFT market has created new opportunities for both artists and collectors, leading to a vibrant and exciting market for NFTs.

Blockchain, Smart Contracts, and Secondary Sales

Blockchain technology is used to record the conversion of traditional currency into cryptocurrency, such as Ethereum (ETH), in the NFT market. This transaction is recorded on the blockchain as public information that is easily accessible to anyone who wants to view it. This ensures transparency and helps to prevent fraud in the NFT market.

Smart contracts are programs stored on the blockchain that allow NFT creators to stipulate the conditions of resale. For example, a creator could draft a smart contract that allows them to earn a 10% commission on any subsequent resales of their NFT. This allows creators to continue to benefit from the success of their work, even after the initial sale.

Smart contracts also facilitate secondary sales in the NFT market. When the value of an NFT increases, the smart contract associated with that NFT can automatically distribute any profits from the sale to the relevant parties, such as the creator or the NFT platform. For example, if the value of Tom Brady's Bored Ape NFT increased from $430k to $530k, the smart contract could automatically distribute the $100k profit to the Bored Ape Yacht Club, if that was stipulated in the contract.

This use of smart contracts helps to ensure that all parties are fairly compensated for their contributions to the NFT market, and it allows for efficient and transparent transactions without the need for intermediaries.

The Future Of Crypto-Art

Grammy-winning artist Tyler, the Creator recently questioned the value of NFTs, stating that most of the examples he has seen are not "beautiful art." While art is subjective and many NFTs are AI-generated, there are still many ways in which NFTs can offer value in the real world.

First, NFTs can be used to represent tangible experiences and achievements. Instead of framing a concert ticket or a season pass, these items could be represented as NFTs, allowing individuals to proudly display their experiences and achievements in the digital world. This could be especially beneficial for VIP experiences and exclusive memberships.

Second, NFTs can provide a level of authenticity and scarcity that cannot be achieved with physical items. This is especially useful for limited edition items and collectibles, which can be authenticated and traded easily on the blockchain.

Third, the use of smart contracts can ensure that all parties are fairly compensated for their contributions to the NFT market. This allows for transparent and efficient transactions without the need for intermediaries.

Overall, while some may dismiss NFTs as "silly little digital artworks," they have the potential to reshape not just the art world, but the world itself.

Build Smarter Crypto Apps &
AI Agents in Minutes, Not Months
Real-time prices, trading signals, and on-chain insights all from one powerful API.
Grab a Free API Key
Token Metrics Team
Token Metrics Team

Recent Posts

Research

Trader vs. Investor Grade: How to Use Both for Smarter Crypto Bets

Token Metrics Team
4 min
MIN

Crypto trading success often boils down to timing. But how do you know when to enter — and when to stay long? Token Metrics solves this dilemma with a dual-grade system: Trader Grade and Investor Grade. Each grade serves a different investment goal, and together, they help you make more confident decisions, whether you’re day trading or holding for the long run.

What is the Trader Grade?
The Trader Grade measures short-term momentum. It uses AI to analyze price action, volume trends, technical indicators, and recent sentiment shifts. Scores range from 0 to 100, and a score above 80 signals strong short-term potential.

Use Case:

  • Perfect for swing traders and short-term opportunists.
  • Look for tokens with Trader Grade > 80 for potential breakout trades.
  • Example: Launchcoin had a Trader Grade above 90 before its 35x rally began.

What is the Investor Grade?
The Investor Grade focuses on long-term fundamentals. It’s designed for those who want to hold tokens for months or even years. This grade considers tokenomics, development activity, ecosystem strength, narrative alignment, and long-term price structure.

Use Case:

  • Ideal for long-term portfolio builders.
  • A token with Investor Grade > 80 is a strong candidate for accumulation.
  • AI infrastructure tokens and modular blockchains often rank high here.

Why Use Both?
Most traders fail by only looking at hype or short-term charts. Token Metrics lets you blend data:

  • High Trader Grade + Low Investor Grade? Consider a short-term trade, not a long hold.
  • High Investor Grade + Low Trader Grade? Consider waiting for a better entry point.
  • Both High? Green light for confidence in both entry and long-term performance.

Case Study: Balancing Your Portfolio with Grades
Users can use the dual-grade approach for smarter allocation:

  • 30% of capital to high Trader Grade tokens (short-term plays)
  • 70% to high Investor Grade tokens (long-term holds)

This method helps mitigate risk and improve overall ROI.

Where to Find the Grades
Both grades are displayed prominently across:

  • Token Detail Pages – Real-time grade updates with historical data
  • Market Page Filters – Sort tokens by grade thresholds
  • Portfolio Builder Tool – Automatically selects tokens with strong grades

Tips for Grade-Based Trading

  1. Use Trader Grade for volatile markets or when prices are accelerating.
  2. Use Investor Grade when building positions in strong narratives like AI, DeFi, or infrastructure.
  3. Avoid tokens with both grades below 60 unless you’re making a speculative bet.

Conclusion
Trading without context is gambling. Token Metrics’ Trader and Investor Grades give you a proven framework for assessing both momentum and fundamentals. Whether you’re here for a quick flip or a long-term bet, using the dual-grade system can level up your crypto strategy.

Announcements

Inside the Dashboard: How to Monitor API Key Activity and Monthly Usage in Real Time

Token Metrics Team
5 min
MIN

The power of any great API isn’t just in the data it provides — it’s also in the control, visibility, and accountability it gives developers. That’s why the Token Metrics API Dashboard is more than just a place to generate keys — it’s your real-time command center for monitoring API key usage, managing access, and optimizing performance.

In this article, we’ll explore how to use the Token Metrics API Dashboard to stay in control of your app’s data usage, track request history, and ensure your integrations remain secure and efficient.

📍 Where to Find It

To access the dashboard:

  1. Log in to your Token Metrics account.
  2. Go to: https://app.tokenmetrics.com/en/api
  3. Navigate to the API Keys and API Usage sections.

🔐 View and Manage API Keys

The API Keys section gives you a complete overview of every active key associated with your account. For each key, you’ll see:

  • Key Name: Descriptive labels like "Bot A" or "Staging Server"
  • Created Date: When the key was generated
  • Last Used: Timestamp of the most recent request
  • Status: Active or inactive toggle
  • Actions: Trash icon to instantly delete a key

💡 Why It Matters:

  • Spot unused or stale keys that may pose a security risk
  • Instantly disable or delete a key if it’s compromised
  • Monitor which app or environment is making the most requests

📊 Monitor API Usage in Real-Time

In the Usage Dashboard, Token Metrics gives you deep insights into how your API credits are being used.

Key metrics include:

  • API Calls Graph
    A daily call volume chart so you can identify peaks in usage, anomalies, or unexpected surges.

  • Total Monthly API Calls
    Example:
    8,750 / 20,000
    See how much of your monthly quota you’ve used — and when it resets.

  • Remaining API Credits
    Know exactly how many calls you have left in your current cycle.

  • API Call Statistics Table
    Each row includes:

    • Endpoint accessed (e.g., /trader-grade)
    • Timestamp of the request
    • Status code (200 = success, 401 = unauthorized, etc.)
    • Originating IP address
    • Success/failure response

🔄 Debugging & Insights Made Easy

This dashboard doesn’t just monitor—it helps you debug and optimize.

  • Quickly identify if your integration is repeatedly hitting 400 or 403 errors
  • Check whether a specific key is being overused or underused
  • Pinpoint spikes in usage that may indicate unauthorized access
  • See which endpoints are called most often — and consider caching results

⚠️ Avoid Rate Limit Surprises

If you’re on a Basic or Advanced plan, you’ll have a rate limit (e.g., 1 req/min for free users, up to 600 req/min for VIPs). The dashboard helps ensure you stay within your limits — and scale appropriately when needed.

🚀 Build Better with Transparency

In a production environment, visibility into API activity is critical. With Token Metrics, you’re never flying blind. You always know:

  • Which app is using which key
  • How many credits you’re using
  • When to optimize or upgrade

From security to scaling, the Token Metrics API Dashboard gives you the insight you need to build with clarity and control.

👉 Launch Your API Dashboard Now → tokenmetrics.com/api

Research

Is the Crypto Market Bullish or Bearish? Why 2025 Is the Year of Neutral Momentum

Token Metrics Team
3 min
MIN

The crypto market isn't clearly bullish or bearish in mid-2025 — it's neutral. This article explores why this 'in-between' momentum could signal a maturing market cycle, and what investors should watch for as signals normalize after a sharp $1T rebound in total market cap.

As we navigate through the midpoint of 2025, one question dominates trading desks and Telegram groups alike: Is the crypto market bullish or bearish? Surprisingly, the answer might be neither. Current indicators suggest that we are in a neutral zone — an ambiguous space where the market is no longer surging with euphoric gains but isn’t plunging into panic either.

From January through mid-May, the total crypto market cap has grown from $1 trillion to $2 trillion. This swift rebound signals recovery, but not full-blown optimism. Instead, many analysts — ourselves included — interpret this as a healthy correction and stabilization following intense early-year volatility.

This kind of environment often marks the early stages of a maturing cycle. Unlike the sharp swings we saw in previous bull and bear markets, 2025’s trend suggests more measured growth, driven by fundamentals rather than hype. In other words, the market might finally be learning from its past.

That doesn’t mean the space lacks activity. Sectors like DeFi lending and AI-related tokens continue to gain traction, with significant TVL inflows. Retail interest in meme coins also remains high in select regions. But overall, what we’re seeing is consolidation — not chaos.

In this neutral setting, strategy matters more than sentiment. It's no longer about jumping into trending narratives or panic-selling on dips. Instead, identifying projects with real use cases, sustainable economics, and strong communities has become the foundation of long-term success.

For traders and builders alike, the current landscape offers both challenges and opportunities. Risk-adjusted returns are key, and disciplined portfolio rebalancing could be one of the most underrated strategies right now.

As we continue monitoring market signals, we remain committed to surfacing actionable insights backed by real-time data, not just narratives. Whether the next breakout is weeks or months away, staying informed — and unemotional — may prove to be your best edge.

How Token Metrics Helps in a Neutral Market Environment:

In times of neutral momentum, making profitable crypto decisions becomes more complex — and that's where Token Metrics shines:

  1. Actionable AI Signals:
    Token Metrics scans thousands of tokens daily, using over 80 data points to identify bullish and bearish trends even when market sentiment is flat. This helps users cut through noise and act on real opportunities.
  2. Investor & Trader Grades:
    When hype fades, fundamentals matter. Our proprietary grades evaluate both short-term momentum and long-term viability, helping users discover tokens with staying power — not just temporary pumps.
  3. Smart Rebalancing Alerts:
    In a consolidating market, maintaining the right portfolio mix is crucial. Token Metrics' indices and alerts help users rebalance regularly to lock in gains and minimize downside risks.
  4. Sector-Based Insights:
    With DeFi, AI, and meme coins behaving differently, Token Metrics allows users to dive deep into sector-specific analytics — so you can position ahead of capital flows.
  5. Sentiment & Volume Monitoring:
    Our platform tracks shifts in on-chain activity, social sentiment, and volume trends to spot early signs of market reversals — especially useful when traditional signals stall.

In a market where being early beats being emotional, Token Metrics equips you with the clarity and tools to trade with confidence.

Choose from Platinum, Gold, and Silver packages
Reach with 25–30% open rates and 0.5–1% CTR
Craft your own custom ad—from banners to tailored copy
Perfect for Crypto Exchanges, SaaS Tools, DeFi, and AI Products