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Stop Guessing, Start Trading: The Token Metrics API Advantage

Announcements

Big news: We’re cranking up the heat on AI-driven crypto analytics with the launch of the Token Metrics API and our official SDK (Software Development Kit). This isn’t just an upgrade – it's a quantum leap, giving traders, hedge funds, developers, and institutions direct access to cutting-edge market intelligence, trading signals, and predictive analytics.

Crypto markets move fast, and having real-time, AI-powered insights can be the difference between catching the next big trend or getting left behind. Until now, traders and quants have been wrestling with scattered data, delayed reporting, and a lack of truly predictive analytics. Not anymore.

The Token Metrics API delivers 32+ high-performance endpoints packed with powerful AI-driven insights right into your lap, including:

  • Trading Signals: AI-driven buy/sell recommendations based on real-time market conditions.
  • Investor & Trader Grades: Our proprietary risk-adjusted scoring for assessing crypto assets.
  • Price Predictions: Machine learning-powered forecasts for multiple time frames.
  • Sentiment Analysis: Aggregated insights from social media, news, and market data.
  • Market Indicators: Advanced metrics, including correlation analysis, volatility trends, and macro-level market insights.

Getting started with the Token Metrics API is simple:

  1. Sign up at www.tokenmetrics.com/api
  2. Generate an API key and explore sample requests.
  3. Choose a tier–start with 50 free API calls/month, or stake TMAI tokens for premium access.
  4. Optionally–download the SDK, install it for your preferred programming language, and follow the provided setup guide.

At Token Metrics, we believe data should be decentralized, predictive, and actionable. 

The Token Metrics API & SDK bring next-gen AI-powered crypto intelligence to anyone looking to trade smarter, build better, and stay ahead of the curve. With our official SDK, developers can plug these insights into their own trading bots, dashboards, and research tools – no need to reinvent the wheel.

Research

How to Use x402 with Token Metrics: Composer Walkthrough + Copy-Paste Axios/HTTPX Clients

Token Metrics Team
9 min read

What You Will Learn — Two-Paragraph Opener

This tutorial shows you how to use x402 with Token Metrics in two ways. First, we will walk through x402 Composer, where you can run Token Metrics agents, ask questions, and see pay-per-request tool calls stream into a live Feed with zero code. Second, we will give you copy-paste Axios and HTTPX clients that handle the full x402 flow (402 challenge, wallet payment, automatic retry) so you can integrate Token Metrics into your own apps.

Whether you are exploring x402 for the first time or building production agent workflows, this guide has you covered. By the end, you will understand how x402 payments work under the hood and have working code you can ship today. Let's start with the no-code option in Composer.

Start using Token Metrics X402 integration here. https://www.x402scan.com/server/244415a1-d172-4867-ac30-6af563fd4d25 

Part 1: Try x402 + Token Metrics in Composer (No Code Required)

x402 Composer is a playground for AI agents that pay per tool call. You can test Token Metrics endpoints, see live payment settlements, and understand the x402 flow before writing any code.

What Is Composer?

Composer is x402scan's hosted environment for building and using AI agents that pay for external resources via x402. It provides a chat interface, an agent directory, and a real-time Feed showing every tool call and payment across the ecosystem. Token Metrics endpoints are available as tools that agents can call on demand.

Explore Composer: https://x402scan.com/composer

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Follow these steps to run a Token Metrics query and watch the payment happen in real time.

  1. Open the Composer agents directory: Go to https://x402scan.com/composer/agents and browse available agents. Look for agents tagged with "Token Metrics" or "crypto analytics." Or check our our integration here. https://www.x402scan.com/server/244415a1-d172-4867-ac30-6af563fd4d25 
  2. Select an agent: Click into an agent that uses Token Metrics endpoints (for example, a trading signals agent or market intelligence agent). You will see the agent's description, configured tools, and recent activity.
  3. Click "Use Agent": This opens a chat interface where you can run prompts against the agent's configured tools.
  4. Run a query: Type a question that requires calling a Token Metrics endpoint, for example "Give me the latest TM Grade for Ethereum" or "What are the top 5 moonshot tokens right now?" and hit send.
  5. Watch the Feed: As the agent processes your request, it will call the relevant Token Metrics endpoint. Open the Composer Feed (https://x402scan.com/composer/feed) in a new tab to see the tool call appear in real time with payment details (USDC or TMAI amount, timestamp, status).

 

Composer agents directory: Composer Agents page: Each agent shows tool stack, messages, and recent activity.

 

Individual agent page: Agent detail page: View tools, description, and click "Use Agent" to start.

[INSERT SCREENSHOT: Chat interface]

Chat interface: Chat UI: Ask a question like "What are the top trading signals for BTC today?"

[INSERT SCREENSHOT: Composer Feed]

Composer Feed: Live Feed: Each tool call shows the endpoint, payment token, amount, and settlement status.

That is the x402 flow in action. The agent's wallet paid for the API call automatically, the server verified payment, and the data came back. No API keys, no monthly bills, just pay-per-use access.

Key Observations from Composer

  • Tool calls show the exact endpoint called (like /v2/tm-grade or /v2/moonshot-tokens)
  • Payments display in USDC or TMAI with the per-call cost
  • The Feed updates in real time, you can see other agents making calls across the ecosystem
  • You can trace each call back to the agent and message that triggered it
  • This is how agentic commerce works: agents autonomously pay for resources as needed

Part 2: Build Your Own x402 Client (Axios + HTTPX)

Now that you have seen x402 in action, let's build your own client that can call Token Metrics endpoints with automatic payment handling.

How x402 Works (Quick Refresher)

When you make a request with the x-coinbase-402 header, the Token Metrics API returns a 402 Payment Required response with payment instructions (recipient address, amount, chain). Your x402 client reads this challenge, signs a payment transaction with your wallet, submits it to the blockchain, and then retries the original request with proof of payment. The server verifies the settlement and returns the data. The x402-axios and x402 Python libraries handle this flow automatically.

Prerequisites

  • A wallet with a private key (use a testnet wallet for development on Base Sepolia, or a mainnet wallet for production on Base)
  • USDC or TMAI in your wallet (testnet USDC for testing, mainnet tokens for production)
  • Node.js 18+ and npm (for Axios example) or Python 3.9+ (for HTTPX example)
  • Basic familiarity with async/await patterns

Recommended Token Metrics Endpoints for x402

These endpoints are commonly used by agents and developers building on x402. All are pay-per-call with transparent pricing.

Full endpoint list and docs: https://developers.tokenmetrics.com 

Common Errors and How to Fix Them

Here are the most common issues developers encounter with x402 and their solutions.

Error: Payment Failed (402 Still Returned After Retry)

This usually means your wallet does not have enough USDC or TMAI to cover the call, or the payment transaction failed on-chain.

  • Check your wallet balance on Base (use a block explorer or your wallet app)
  • Make sure you are on the correct network (Base mainnet for production, Base Sepolia for testnet)
  • Verify your private key has permission to spend the token (no allowance issues for most x402 flows, but check if using a smart contract wallet)
  • Try a smaller request or switch to a cheaper endpoint to test

Error: Network Timeout

x402 requests take longer than standard API calls because they include a payment transaction. If you see timeouts, increase your client timeout.

  • Set timeout to at least 30 seconds (30000ms in Axios, 30.0 in HTTPX)
  • Check your RPC endpoint is responsive (viem/eth-account uses public RPCs by default, which can be slow)
  • Consider using a dedicated RPC provider (Alchemy, Infura, QuickNode) for faster settlement

Error: 429 Rate Limit Exceeded

Even with pay-per-call, Token Metrics enforces rate limits to prevent abuse. If you hit a 429, back off and retry.

  • Implement exponential backoff (wait 1s, 2s, 4s, etc. between retries)
  • Spread requests over time instead of bursting
  • For high-volume use cases, contact Token Metrics to discuss rate limit increases

Error: Invalid Header or Missing x-coinbase-402

If you forget the x-coinbase-402: true header, the server will treat your request as a standard API call and may return a 401 Unauthorized if no API key is present.

  • Always include x-coinbase-402: true in headers for x402 requests
  • Do not send x-api-key when using x402 (the header is mutually exclusive)
  • Double-check header spelling (it is x-coinbase-402, not x-402 or x-coinbase-payment)

Production Tips

  • Use environment variables for private keys, never hardcode them
  • Set reasonable max_payment limits to avoid overspending (especially with TMAI)
  • Log payment transactions for accounting and debugging
  • Monitor your wallet balance and set up alerts for low funds
  • Test thoroughly on Base Sepolia testnet before going to mainnet
  • Use TMAI for production to get the 10% discount on every call
  • Cache responses when possible to reduce redundant paid calls
  • Implement retry logic with exponential backoff for transient errors

Why This Matters for Agents

Traditional APIs force agents to carry API keys, which creates security risks and requires human intervention for key rotation and billing. With x402, agents can pay for themselves using wallet funds, making them truly autonomous. This unlocks agentic commerce where AI systems compose services on the fly, paying only for what they need without upfront subscriptions or complex auth flows.

For Token Metrics specifically, x402 means agents can pull real-time crypto intelligence (signals, grades, predictions, research) as part of their decision loops. They can chain our endpoints with other x402-enabled tools like Heurist Mesh (on-chain data), Tavily (web search), and Firecrawl (content extraction) to build sophisticated, multi-source analysis workflows. It is HTTP-native payments meeting real-world agent use cases.

FAQs

Can I use the same wallet for multiple agents?

Yes. Each agent (or client instance) can use the same wallet, but be aware of nonce management if making concurrent requests. The x402 libraries handle this automatically.

Do I need to approve token spending before using x402?

No. The x402 payment flow uses direct transfers, not approvals. Your wallet just needs sufficient balance.

Can I see my payment history?

Yes. Check x402scan (https://x402scan.com/composer/feed) for a live feed of all x402 transactions, or view your wallet's transaction history on a Base block explorer.

What if I want to use a different payment token?

Currently x402 with Token Metrics supports USDC and TMAI on Base. To request support for additional tokens, contact Token Metrics.

How do I switch from testnet to mainnet?

Change your viem chain from baseSepolia to base (in Node.js) or update your RPC URL (in Python). Make sure your wallet has mainnet USDC or TMAI.

Can I use x402 in browser-based apps?

Yes, but you will need a browser wallet extension (like MetaMask or Coinbase Wallet) and a frontend-compatible x402 library. The current x402-axios and x402-python libraries are designed for server-side or Node.js environments.

Next Steps

Disclosure

Educational and informational purposes only. x402 involves crypto payments on public blockchains. Understand the risks, secure your private keys, and test thoroughly before production use. Token Metrics does not provide financial advice.

Quick Links

About Token Metrics

Token Metrics provides powerful crypto analytics, signals, and AI-driven tools to help you make smarter trading and investment decisions. Start exploring Token Metrics ratings and APIs today for data-driven success.

Research

Our x402 Integration Is Live: Pay-Per-Call Access to Token Metrics—No API Key Required

Token Metrics Team
5 min read

Developers are already shipping with x402 at scale: 450,000+ weekly transactions, 700+ projects. This momentum is why our Token Metrics x402 integration matters for agents and apps that need real crypto intelligence on demand. You can now pay per API call using HTTP 402 and the x-coinbase-402 header, no API key required.

   _ 

Summary: Pay per API call to Token Metrics with x402 on Base using USDC or TMAI, set x-coinbase-402: true, and get instant access to trading signals, grades, and AI reports.

Check out the x402 ecosystem on Coingecko.

  

What You Get

Token Metrics now supports x402, the HTTP-native payment protocol from Coinbase. Users can call any public endpoint by paying per request with a wallet, eliminating API key management and upfront subscriptions. This makes Token Metrics data instantly accessible to AI agents, researchers, and developers who want on-demand crypto intelligence.

x402 enables truly flexible access where you pay only for what you use, with transparent per-call pricing in USDC or TMAI. The integration is live now across all Token Metrics public endpoints, from trading signals to AI reports. Here's everything you need to start calling Token Metrics with x402 today.

Quick Start

Get started with x402 + Token Metrics in three steps.

  1. Create a wallet client: Follow the x402 Quickstart for Buyers to set up a wallet client (Node.js with viem or Python with eth-account). Link: https://docs.cdp.coinbase.com/x402/docs/quickstart-buyers
  2. Set required headers: Add x-coinbase-402: true to any Token Metrics request. Optionally set x-payment-token: tmai for a 10% discount (defaults to usdc). Do not send x-api-key when using x402.
  3. Call any endpoint: Make a request to https://api.tokenmetrics.com/v2/[endpoint] with your wallet client. Payment happens automatically via x402 settlement.

That is it. Your wallet pays per call, and you get instant access to Token Metrics data with no subscription overhead.

Required Headers

  

Endpoint Pricing

Transparent per-call pricing across all Token Metrics public endpoints. Pay in USDC or get 10% off with TMAI.

  

  

  

  

All prices are per single call. Paying with TMAI automatically applies a 10% discount.

Try It on x402 Composer

If you want to see x402 + Token Metrics in action without writing code, head to x402 Composer. Composer is x402scan's playground for AI agents that pay per tool call. You can open a Token Metrics agent, chat with it, and watch real tool calls and USDC/TMAI settlements stream into the live Feed.

Composer surfaces active agents using Token Metrics endpoints like trading signals, price predictions, and AI reports. It is a great way to explore what is possible before you build your own integration. Link: https://x402scan.com/composer

Why x402 Changes the Game

Traditional API access requires upfront subscriptions, fixed rate limits, and key management overhead. x402 flips that model by letting you pay per call with a crypto wallet, with no API keys or monthly commitments. This is especially powerful for AI agents, which need flexible, on-demand access to external data without human intervention.

For Token Metrics, x402 unlocks agentic commerce where agents can autonomously pull crypto intelligence, pay only for what they use, and compose our endpoints with other x402-enabled tools like Heurist Mesh, Tavily, and Firecrawl. It is HTTP-native payments meeting real-world agent workflows.

What is x402?

x402 is an open-source HTTP-native payment protocol developed by Coinbase. It uses the HTTP 402 status code (Payment Required) to enable pay-per-request access to APIs and services. When you make a request with the x-coinbase-402 header, the server returns a payment challenge, your wallet signs and submits payment, and the server fulfills the request once settlement is verified.

The protocol runs on Base and Solana, with USDC and TMAI as the primary payment tokens. x402 is designed for composability, agents can chain multiple paid calls across different providers in a single workflow, paying each service directly without intermediaries. Learn more at the x402 Quickstart for Buyers: https://docs.cdp.coinbase.com/x402/docs/quickstart-buyers

FAQs

Do I need an API key to use x402 with Token Metrics?

No. When you set x-coinbase-402: true, your wallet signature replaces API key authentication. Do not send x-api-key in your requests.

Can I use x402 with a free trial or test wallet?

Yes, but you will need testnet USDC or TMAI on Base Sepolia (testnet) for development. Production calls require mainnet tokens.

How do I see my payment history?

Check x402scan for transaction logs and tool call history. Your wallet will also show outgoing USDC/TMAI transactions. Visit https://www.x402scan.com.

What happens if my wallet balance is too low?

The x402 client will return a payment failure before making the API call. Top up your wallet and retry.

Can I use x402 in production apps?

Yes. x402 is live on Base mainnet. Set appropriate spend limits and handle payment errors gracefully in your code.

Next Steps

Disclosure

Educational and informational purposes only. x402 involves crypto payments on public blockchains. Understand the risks, manage your wallet security, and test thoroughly before production use. Token Metrics does not provide financial advice.

Research

Uniswap Price Prediction 2027: $13.50-$43 Target Analysis

Token Metrics Team
8 min read

Uniswap Price Prediction: Market Context for UNI in the 2027 Case

DeFi protocols are maturing beyond early ponzi dynamics toward sustainable revenue models. Uniswap operates in this evolving landscape where real yield and proven product market fit increasingly drive valuations rather than speculation alone. Growing regulatory pressure on centralized platforms creates tailwinds for decentralized alternatives.

The price prediction scenario bands below reflect how UNI might perform across different total crypto market cap environments. Each tier represents a distinct liquidity regime, from bear conditions with muted DeFi activity to moon price prediction scenarios where decentralized infrastructure captures significant value from traditional finance.

  

Disclosure

Educational purposes only, not financial advice. Crypto is volatile, do your own research and manage risk.

How to read this price prediction:

Each band blends cycle analogues and market cap share math with TA guardrails. Base assumes steady adoption and neutral or positive macro. Moon layers in a liquidity boom. Bear assumes muted flows and tighter liquidity.

TM Agent baseline:

Token Metrics TM Grade is 69%, Buy, and the trading signal is bullish. Price prediction scenarios cluster roughly between $6.50 and $28, with a base case price target near $13.50.

Live details: Uniswap Token Details 

Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made via this link, at no extra cost to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Scenario driven, outcomes hinge on total crypto market cap, higher liquidity and adoption lift the bands.
  • Fundamentals: Fundamental Grade 79.88% (Community 77%, Tokenomics 100%, Exchange 100%, VC 66%, DeFi Scanner 62%).
  • Technology: Technology Grade 86.88% (Activity 72%, Repository 72%, Collaboration 100%, Security N/A, DeFi Scanner 62%).
  • TM Agent gist: bullish bias with a base case near $13.50 and a broad range between $6.50 and $28.
  • Education only, not financial advice.

Uniswap Price Prediction: Scenario Analysis

Token Metrics price prediction scenarios span four market cap tiers, each representing different levels of crypto market maturity and liquidity:

8T Market Cap Price Prediction:

At an 8 trillion dollar total crypto market cap, UNI price prediction projects to $8.94 in bear conditions, $10.31 in the base case, and $11.68 in bullish scenarios.

16T Market Cap Price Prediction:

Doubling the market to 16 trillion expands the price prediction range to $14.17 (bear), $18.29 (base), and $22.41 (moon).

23T Market Cap Price Prediction:

At 23 trillion, the price forecast scenarios show $19.41, $26.27, and $33.14 respectively.

31T Market Cap Price Prediction:

In the maximum liquidity scenario of 31 trillion, UNI price prediction could reach $24.64 (bear), $34.25 (base), or $43.86 (moon).

Each tier assumes progressively stronger market conditions, with the base case price prediction reflecting steady growth and the moon case requiring sustained bull market dynamics.

Why Consider the Indices with Top-100 Exposure

Uniswap represents one opportunity among hundreds in crypto markets. Token Metrics Indices bundle UNI with top one hundred assets for systematic exposure to the strongest projects. Single tokens face idiosyncratic risks that diversified baskets mitigate.

Historical index performance demonstrates the value of systematic diversification versus concentrated positions.

Join the early access list

What Is Uniswap?

Uniswap is a decentralized exchange protocol built on Ethereum that enables token swaps using automated market makers instead of order books. It aims to provide open access to liquidity for traders, developers, and applications through transparent smart contracts.

UNI is the governance token that lets holders vote on protocol upgrades and parameters, aligning incentives across the ecosystem. The protocol is a market leader in decentralized exchange activity with broad integration across wallets and DeFi apps.

Token Metrics AI Analysis for Price Prediction

Token Metrics AI provides comprehensive context on Uniswap's positioning and challenges that inform our price prediction models.

Vision: Uniswap aims to create a fully decentralized and permissionless financial market where anyone can trade or provide liquidity without relying on centralized intermediaries. Its vision emphasizes open access, censorship resistance, and community driven governance.

Problem: Traditional exchanges require trusted intermediaries to match buyers and sellers, creating barriers to access, custody risks, and potential for censorship. In DeFi, the lack of efficient, trustless mechanisms for token swaps limits interoperability and liquidity across applications.

Solution: Uniswap solves this by using smart contracts to create liquidity pools funded by users who earn trading fees in return. The protocol automatically prices assets using a constant product formula, enabling seamless swaps. UNI token holders can participate in governance, influencing parameters like fee structures and protocol upgrades.

Market Analysis: Uniswap operates within the broader DeFi and Ethereum ecosystems, competing with other decentralized exchanges like SushiSwap, Curve, and Balancer. It is a market leader in terms of cumulative trading volume and liquidity depth. Adoption is strengthened by strong developer activity, widespread integration across wallets and dApps, and a large user base.

Fundamental and Technology Snapshot from Token Metrics

Fundamental Grade: 79.88% (Community 77%, Tokenomics 100%, Exchange 100%, VC 66%, DeFi Scanner 62%).

  

Technology Grade: 86.88% (Activity 72%, Repository 72%, Collaboration 100%, Security N/A, DeFi Scanner 62%).

Catalysts That Skew Bullish for Price Prediction

  • Institutional and retail access expands with ETFs, listings, and integrations
  • Macro tailwinds from lower real rates and improving liquidity
  • Product or roadmap milestones such as upgrades, scaling, or partnerships
  • These factors could push UNI toward higher price prediction targets

Risks That Skew Bearish for Price Prediction

  • Macro risk off from tightening or liquidity shocks
  • Regulatory actions or infrastructure outages
  • Competitive displacement across DEXs or changes to validator and liquidity incentives
  • These factors could push UNI toward lower price prediction scenarios

FAQs: Uniswap Price Prediction

Will UNI hit $20 by 2027 according to price predictions?

The 16T price prediction scenario shows UNI at $18.29 in the base case, which does not exceed $20. However, the 23T base case shows $26.27, surpassing the $20 target. Price prediction outcome depends on total crypto market cap growth and Uniswap maintaining market share. Not financial advice.

Can UNI 10x from current levels based on price predictions?

At current price of $6.30, a 10x would reach $63.00. This falls within none of the listed price prediction scenarios, which top out at $43.86 in the 31T moon case. Bear in mind that 10x returns require substantial market cap expansion beyond our modeled scenarios. Not financial advice.

What price could UNI reach in the moon case price prediction?

Moon case price predictions range from $11.68 at 8T to $43.86 at 31T total crypto market cap. These price prediction scenarios assume maximum liquidity expansion and strong Uniswap adoption. Not financial advice.

What is the 2027 Uniswap price prediction?

Based on Token Metrics analysis, the 2027 price prediction for Uniswap centers around $13.50 in the base case under current market conditions, with a range between $6.50 and $28 depending on market scenarios. Bullish price predictions with strong market conditions range from $10.31 to $43.86 across different total crypto market cap environments.

What drives UNI price predictions?

UNI price predictions are driven by DEX trading volume, liquidity provider activity, governance participation, protocol fee revenue, and competition from other decentralized exchanges. The strong technology grade (86.88%) and bullish signal support upward price potential. DeFi adoption rates and regulatory clarity around decentralized exchanges remain primary drivers for reaching upper price prediction targets.

Can UNI reach $30-$40 by 2027?

According to our price prediction models, UNI could reach $30-$40 in the 23T moon case ($33.14) and in the 31T scenarios where the base case is $34.25 and the moon case is $43.86. These price prediction outcomes require significant crypto market expansion and Uniswap maintaining DEX market leadership. Not financial advice.

  

Next Steps

Disclosure

Educational purposes only, not financial advice. Crypto is volatile, do your own research and manage risk.

Why Use Token Metrics for Uniswap Research?

  • Get on-chain ratings, AI-powered scenario projections, backtested indices, and exclusive insights for Uniswap and other top-100 crypto assets.
  • Spot emerging trends before the crowd and manage risk with our transparent AI grades.
  • Token Metrics helps you save time, avoid hidden pitfalls, and discover data-driven opportunities in DeFi.

Recent Posts

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Crypto Basics

How to Create a Crypto Coin? 3 Ways to Do It

Token Metrics Team
6 minutes

In today's world of decentralization and blockchain technology, creating your own cryptocurrency has become a viable option for individuals and businesses alike. But how exactly does one go about creating a cryptocurrency? In this post, we will explore three methods for creating a cryptocurrency, ranging from the most difficult to the easiest. Whether you want to create your own blockchain, fork an existing one, or launch a token on an existing platform, this guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the steps involved. Let's dive in!

How To Create A Crypto Coin?

We are going to explain three ways to create a cryptocurrency, from basic to advanced.

Create your own blockchain (advanced)

  • Choose a consensus mechanism: Determine how transactions will be validated on your network
  • Design the blockchain architecture: Define who can create blocks, validate transactions, and access data
  • Create a user interface: Make sure the user experience is enjoyable
  • Audit crypto and code: Hire experts to review your code to ensure security and compliance

Fork an existing blockchain (intermediate)

  • Choose a blockchain to fork: Decide on an existing blockchain that aligns with your goals
  • Clone the blockchain: Create a copy of the chosen blockchain's code
  • Modify the code: Make any necessary changes to the code to suit your needs
  • Launch your blockchain: Deploy your modified blockchain and begin mining

Launch a token on an existing platform (basic)

  • Choose a blockchain: Decide on a blockchain that supports the creation of tokens, like Ethereum
  • Follow the platform's instructions: Each platform will have its own process for creating and launching a token - you can also use sites like Token Factory to launch your token
  • Promote and distribute your token: Once your token is live, market and distribute it to potential users.

What is the Difference Between a Coin and a Token?

A coin and a token are both types of cryptocurrency, but they have some key differences. A coin is a cryptocurrency that runs on its own blockchain, meaning it has its own independent infrastructure and user base. Examples of coins include Bitcoin and Litecoin.

On the other hand, a token is a cryptocurrency that is built on top of an existing blockchain, using the infrastructure and user base of that blockchain. Tokens are often created to represent a specific asset or utility, such as rewards points or event tickets. Examples of tokens include Tether and Shiba Inu.

Another key difference between coins and tokens is their relative scarcity. Since there can only be one coin on a given blockchain, the supply of coins is limited. This can give coins a certain level of value and scarcity, which can make them attractive to investors. In contrast, there can be an unlimited number of tokens on a given blockchain, which can make them less scarce and potentially less valuable.

It's important to understand the differences between coins and tokens when creating your own cryptocurrency. Depending on your goals and requirements, you may decide to create a coin or a token, or even both. With a clear understanding of the differences between the two, you can make an informed decision and choose the right approach for your project.

A Few Things to Consider Before Designing Your Crypto Coin:

There are several important things to consider before designing your crypto coin. These considerations will help you make informed decisions and increase the chances of success for your project.

First, you should consider the utility of your cryptocurrency. What value does it offer to users? Why would someone want to buy and use your cryptocurrency? What problems does it solve? Answering these questions will help you understand the potential value of your cryptocurrency and determine its utility.

Second, you should consider any regulatory and legal requirements. Cryptocurrency is a rapidly evolving field, and laws and regulations can change quickly. It's important to understand any compliance issues in your area and make sure your project adheres to all relevant regulations.

Third, you should consider the tokenomics of your cryptocurrency. Tokenomics is the study of the economics of a crypto project, including factors such as initial pricing, supply, emissions, distribution, market capitalization, and potential value. Understanding the tokenomics of your project will help you make informed decisions about how to structure your cryptocurrency and maximize its potential value.

Overall, it's important to carefully consider these factors before designing your crypto coin. By taking the time to understand your goals, requirements, and the economics of your project, you can increase the chances of success for your cryptocurrency.

Crypto Basics

Bullish in Crypto: Definition, Meaning, and Explanation

Token Metrics Team
4 minutes

In the world of cryptocurrency, the terms "bullish" and "bearish" are commonly used to describe an investor's confidence in the potential growth of a particular crypto asset. But what do these terms really mean, and how do they apply to the crypto market? In this article, we will provide a comprehensive explanation of these terms, including the concept of a "bull run" and how it applies to both cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

What Does Bullish Mean in Crypto?

The terms "bullish" and "bearish" are commonly used in the financial market to describe the confidence an investor has in the potential growth of a financial asset. In the context of the crypto market, a "bullish" investor is one who believes that a particular cryptocurrency or non-fungible token (NFT) will rise in value. This confidence is often seen when the market is experiencing growth and gains are being made.

What Is Bull Run

A "bull run" in the crypto market is a period of time during which there is high demand for cryptocurrencies and NFTs, leading to an increase in prices. This increase is driven by confidence in the market, as investors are more likely to buy when they believe prices will continue to rise. A bull run typically includes an increase in the value of well-known cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Binance, and Solana, as these have the highest market capitalizations.

Bullish On NFTs

The concept of a "bull market" also applies to the market for non-fungible tokens (NFTs). In this context, a bull market is characterized by high demand for NFTs, which drives up their prices. Factors that can lead to increased demand for NFTs include strong marketing and community support from the development team, as well as the utility and scarcity of the NFTs. A collector, trader, or creator may feel bullish about a particular NFT project if they believe it has strong potential for growth. This bullish sentiment can lead to higher prices for the NFTs and a decrease in market supply.

Final Thoughts

It is important for investors to understand the terminology used in the crypto market in order to make informed decisions about their investments. The terms "bullish" and "bearish" are commonly used to describe confidence in the potential growth of a crypto asset. A "bull run" is a period of time during which there is high demand for cryptocurrencies and NFTs, leading to an increase in prices. In the NFT space, a bull market is characterized by high demand for NFTs, which drives up their prices.

Crypto Basics

What are NFTs? NFT Art Explained | Future of NFTs

Token Metrics Team
6 minutes

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.

Crypto Basics

What is WETH: Wrapped Ethereum? [Answered]

Token Metrics Team
4 minutes

If you are wondering what is WETH, short for Wrapped Ethereum, this is the place to be.

Cryptocurrencies have gained a lot of popularity in recent years, with many investors looking to invest in the digital assets. However, the use of these cryptocurrencies on decentralized applications (dApps) can be limited due to compatibility issues. This is where wrapped tokens come in. Wrapped tokens are tokenized versions of cryptocurrencies that can be pegged to the value of the original coin and used on different blockchain networks. In this article, we will explain what WETH is and how it works.

What is WETH or Wrapped Ethereum?

WETH is the abbreviation for Wrapped Ether, which is a tokenized version of the cryptocurrency Ether (ETH) that is pegged to its value. This means that the value of WETH remains the same as ETH, but it allows for increased interoperability between Ethereum and other blockchain networks.

How Does Wrapped Ethereum Work?

In order to create Wrapped Ethereum, a custodian must hold the collateral (in this case, ETH). This custodian can be a merchant, multi-signature wallet, or a smart contract. To create WETH, an investor sends their ETH to the custodian, and in return, a wrapped version of the ETH is created. This process is similar to how stablecoins are created, as they are essentially "wrapped USD" that can be redeemed for fiat dollars at any time.

What Makes Wrapped Ethereum Unique?

Wrapped tokens like WETH allow investors to hold onto their ETH while using it on other blockchain networks. This increases liquidity and capital efficiency, as investors can wrap their assets and deploy them on other chains. Wrapping Ether can also reduce transaction times and fees, as Ethereum often suffers from high gas fees. However, using wrapped tokens also means relying on a custodian and taking on additional risks.

Are ETH and WETH Different?

Yes, ETH and WETH are different. ETH is the original cryptocurrency, while WETH is a wrapped version of ETH that is ERC-20 compatible. This means that it can be easily used on a wide range of decentralized applications (dApps), but it is equivalent to ETH in terms of value. Investors may need to convert their ETH to WETH in order to use certain dApps.

Crypto Basics

What Causes Crypto To Rise? [Answered]

Token Metrics Team
5 minutes

Do you want to know what causes crypto to rise? This is the place to be.

Cryptocurrency prices are highly volatile and can fluctuate rapidly, which can be both good and bad for investors. To understand what causes crypto to rise in value, it's important to first understand how cryptocurrencies differ from traditional government-controlled currencies. Unlike fiat currencies, which are backed by a central authority and have value because consumers trust them, cryptocurrencies are decentralized and not controlled by any one entity. This means that cryptocurrencies gain value in different ways than traditional currencies. In this article, we will explore some of the factors that can cause the value of cryptocurrencies to increase.

What Causes Crypto to Rise?

Let's find out what causes cryptocurrencies to rise in value.

Supply and Demand

The value of cryptocurrency is determined by supply and demand, just like any other asset. When demand for a particular cryptocurrency is higher than the supply, its value will increase. For example, if there is a scarcity of a certain cryptocurrency, its value will rise due to the unequal balance between supply and demand.

Each cryptocurrency project typically announces its plans for minting and burning tokens, which is the process of creating and destroying tokens to control the supply. Some cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, have a fixed maximum supply, while others, such as Ether, have no limit on the number of tokens that can be created. Some cryptocurrencies also have mechanisms in place to burn tokens in order to prevent the circulating supply from growing too large and causing inflation.

The demand for a cryptocurrency can increase for a variety of reasons, such as increased awareness of the project or increased utility of the token. So, one factor that can cause the value of a cryptocurrency to rise is consumer demand for that particular coin.

Exchange Availability

Popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ether are typically available on multiple exchange platforms, which makes them easily accessible to a large number of investors. However, smaller cryptocurrencies may only be available on a few exchange platforms, which can limit their reach and make them less attractive to investors.

If a cryptocurrency is listed on many exchange platforms, it can increase the number of investors who are able to buy it and drive up demand. As we know, when demand for a cryptocurrency increases, its price will also rise. So, another factor that can cause the value of a cryptocurrency to increase is its availability on exchange platforms.

Competition

There are thousands of different cryptocurrencies and new projects and tokens are being launched all the time. Because the entry barriers to creating a new cryptocurrency are relatively low, the most important aspect of a cryptocurrency's success is building a network of users. Applications built on blockchain technology can help to build networks quickly, especially if they have an advantage over competing applications.

In a situation where a new competitor gains traction, it can take value away from the incumbent cryptocurrency, causing its price to drop as the new competitor's price rises. Overall, competition is an important factor to consider when looking at the value of a cryptocurrency.

Internal Governance

Cryptocurrency networks typically operate according to a fixed set of rules. Some cryptocurrencies, known as governance tokens, allow stakeholders to have a say in the future of the project, including how the token is used or mined. In order for changes to be made to the protocol of a token, there must be agreement among stakeholders.

For example, the Ethereum network upgraded from a proof-of-work to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, making much of the expensive mining equipment obsolete. This will likely have an impact on the value of Ether.

In theory, governance tokens should rise in value as stakeholders see fit. However, the slow process of improving protocols and updating software can limit the appreciation of cryptocurrency values.

Crypto Basics

What is KYC in Regard to Crypto? [Answered]

Token Metrics Team
4 minutes

KYC, or "know your customer," is a term used to describe the identity and background checks that financial institutions are required to conduct on their customers. These checks are important for risk mitigation and are part of the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations that these institutions must follow. In the cryptocurrency space, KYC regulations are becoming increasingly important as more and more people use digital assets for financial transactions. By conducting KYC checks, cryptocurrency exchanges and other financial institutions can help prevent money laundering and other illegal activities.

History of Know Your Customer

The United States government has implemented a number of measures to help financial service institutions detect and prevent financial crimes. These measures were established by the USA Patriot Act of 2001 and were finalized in 2002, making KYC (know your customer) checks mandatory for all US financial institutions. In 2016, the Department of Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) expanded these regulations to include the FinTech sector, which resulted in virtual currency exchange platforms being declared official money services businesses under the Bank Secrecy Act. This means that these platforms are subject to all AML (anti-money laundering) and KYC requirements.

KYC in Practice

While it is up to regulated entities (banks, crypto exchanges, and other financial institutions) to implement the specifics of KYC and AML regulations, the KYC practices and programs generally include three essential components:

  1. Customer Identification Program (CIP): Through CIP, firms verify the customer's identity through independent data. This includes the client's name, address, and date of birth. Some firms even request a form of identification (passport or ID), social security number, or a video and selfie from their customers to verify their identity.
  2. Customer Due Diligence (CDD): CDD is the process of screening the background of a prospective client. Thorough background checks are essential to understand the risks that a new customer could bring to the firm. This process can expose fraudulent activity that potential new clients may have taken part in. If necessary, firms will perform enhanced due diligence (EDD) to get a deeper look into the new customer's past in order to mitigate risk further.
  3. Ongoing Monitoring and Risk Management: Even after Customer Identification Programs and Due Diligence take place, firms will continue to monitor and manage the potential risks of new customers. They will continue to oversee their customer's transactions and flag anything unusual. This ensures ongoing risk mitigation which is essential for the trust between financial firms and their clients.

Why is KYC/AML Important?

KYC regulations aim to discern that customers are who they say they are. This helps to prevent money laundering, terrorist financing, and fraud within the financial market.

Know Your Customer and other Anti-Money Laundering regulations benefit both financial institutions and their clients. These rules improve security and mitigate risk by keeping bad actors off the books. This acts as an assurance for customers and leads to a more trustworthy company-client relationship.

KYC and Cryptocurrency

The cryptocurrency industry is still relatively new, and its decentralized nature can make it difficult to implement KYC (know your customer) measures. Crypto regulations are also still evolving as regulators seek to prevent financial crimes using cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. As mentioned, crypto exchanges are considered official money services businesses and are therefore subject to KYC rules. These rules require exchanges to conduct identity and background checks on their customers, which may include requiring a photo ID. Many exchanges only allow transactions to occur once KYC is completed, especially for large sums of money.

However, some exchanges may try to avoid these rules by establishing their companies in countries with less stringent regulations. Exchanges that do not follow KYC and AML laws may not be available to use in countries that have these laws. This is why implementing KYC practices can actually increase an exchange's global reach by making it available in countries that have these laws, such as the US.

As the FinTech industry continues to grow and develop, it is important to regulate and mitigate risks to prevent illegal or suspicious behavior. AML laws are essential for ensuring fairness and equity in the emerging financial technology industry. Over time, regulations will continue to evolve to keep pace with the rapidly changing market.

Crypto Basics

When Does the Crypto Market Close? [Answered]

Token Metrics Team
5 minutes

There are a few reasons why people might want to know the closing time of the market. First, knowing the closing time can help traders plan their buying and selling activities around the times when the market is most active. This can help them take advantage of price movements and increase their chances of making profitable trades. Second, knowing the closing time can also help investors manage their risk by allowing them to set limits on their trading activities. For example, an investor may want to avoid holding positions overnight in case of significant price movements while the market is closed.

If you want to trade cryptocurrencies, you may be wondering when the crypto market closes. We're here to provide the answer to that question and more.

When Does the Crypto Market Close?

The cryptocurrency market, unlike the stock exchange, does not close. Crypto markets are open 24/7, so you can buy, sell, and swap cryptocurrencies anytime you want. The 24/7 nature of the cryptocurrency market is a significant advantage for traders and investors. Because the market never closes, traders can respond to news and events as they happen, rather than having to wait for the market to open. This allows for more flexibility and can potentially lead to better trading decisions.

Additionally, the continuous trading activity in the crypto market can lead to increased liquidity and tighter spreads, which can make it easier for traders to buy and sell cryptocurrencies at the prices they want. This can be especially beneficial for investors who want to take advantage of short-term price movements or who need to execute large trades quickly.

Furthermore, the fact that the crypto market is always open can be useful for traders in different time zones. Because the market never closes, traders in any part of the world can access it and make trades at any time. This is particularly useful for traders who may not be able to trade during normal market hours due to work or other commitments.

What Time of Day is Crypto-Popular?

Cryptocurrencies are most commonly traded between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm in local time. As a rule of thumb, the market tends to see most of its activity take place on weekdays during the times in which the US stock exchange is open.

Strategies for Day Trading Crypto

The day trading method involves trading one or more shares during a given day to earn profits. It is buying and selling an asset (in this case, a cryptocurrency) within the same day or multiple times over the day. This allows the trader to take advantage of small price moves, which can be very lucrative. To thrive in crypto day trading, keeping your eye on the charts, analytics, and community announcements is very important. Token Metrics provides many of these valuable insights, thanks to our AI and Machine Learning models.

The strategy of day trading contrasts the popular buy and hold, aka HODL strategy, but it does have certain benefits for traders. It is essential to have a well-planned strategy for day trading to succeed in maximizing profits.

Range trading is a common strategy for day trading cryptocurrencies. This involves monitoring the market for drastic changes in price and volume, and buying and selling accordingly. For example, if you notice that the volume of a particular cryptocurrency has increased significantly, you may want to buy it when it reaches an oversold level and sell it when it reaches an overbought level. By doing this, you can take advantage of short-term price movements and potentially profit from them. It's important to remember, however, that the small market caps of many cryptocurrencies make them susceptible to manipulation by large buyers, so it's essential to carefully monitor the market and make informed trading decisions.

Another popular strategy is employing bots to automate your crypto investments. Certain platforms allow traders to customize trading bots to buy low and sell high. Platforms like these use bots to read the markets and let traders break from constantly tracking the blockchain themselves. Similarly, scalping allows traders to benefit from small price movements. Many scalpers use bots to accumulate smaller gains by buying and selling a crypto asset within seconds. Scalping tends to necessitate a larger bankroll to benefit to a greater extent.

The final way in which crypto traders can take advantage of day trading is through arbitrage. Arbitrage involves buying a cryptocurrency on one exchange market and selling it on another where a price discrepancy exists. The fact that the crypto market is unregulated allows for price discrepancies to take place between trading exchange markets. This means a specific cryptocurrency may sell for more on one market than another. This is known as trading the spread. A spread is the difference in a coin's buy and sell price on different platforms.

Traders must consider trading fees when using any day trading tactic, as trading fees may wipe out gains from multiple transactions.

Key Takeaways

The cryptocurrency market is non-stop. Crypto traders are not limited to trading hours, like stock or bond traders. There are a multitude of ways in which crypto traders can take advantage of the ever-changing market by implementing day-trading strategies. It is important to understand the volatility and risks that come with trading cryptocurrencies. It is best to take a measured approach when trading and investing in crypto, and do your own research to understand what tactics would provide significant profits and help achieve your investing goals.

Research

Introducing Token Metrics Research

Token Metrics Team
3 minutes

We are proud to announce Token Metrics Research, a dedicated platform to host all our research for our customers and crypto enthusiasts out there.

Token Metrics is an AI-driven crypto research platform. We bring to you the smartness of machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) by blending the expertise of our investment team, data scientists, and developers to deliver comprehensive institutional-grade research. To help navigate this new asset class we have a team of analysts dedicatedly to researching the crypto space and producing research reports.

Token Metrics Research

For the past years, we have delivered premium research for our customers through our email newsletters, Token Metrics TV and our Youtube channel. We received feedback to have an archive and dedicated platform for all research media, so we created – Token Metrics Research.

  • Free Access Articles: Access to crypto educational articles, product announcements and expert reviews on digital assets.
  • Premium Access Articles: Premium access includes our institutional-grade research covering Market Update, Hidden Gems from all crypto sectors including DeFi, NFTs, Gaming and Metaverse, Web3 infrastructure projects, project deep-dive analysis, project code reviews, and more.
  • Token Metrics TV: A network featuring free daily videos by our team of crypto investment specialists. We also host our Premium and VIP customers weekly webinars only accessible to our Token Metrics Premium and VIP plan customers.

*Token Metrics TV will be accessible through research.tokenmetrics.com*

How To Access Token Metrics Research?

Non-Customers can read all articles labeled ‘Free’ including Crypto Basics, Token Metrics Tutorials, Crypto Moon Awards, and News and Thought-Leadership articles. Non-customers can also read any two premium reports per month for Free. All Shows on Token Metrics TV are FREE with the exception of premium customer webinars.

Basic Plan subscribers can read all Free articles, Token Metrics Navigator (published weekly) and any two Premium reports per month for Free. Basic Plan subscribers can also add all premium reports to their subscription for an additional $20/month. All Shows on Token Metrics TV are FREE including our daily market update with the exception of the premium webinars.

Advanced Plan subscribers can read all free articles and premium reports. All Shows on Token Metrics TV are FREE including our daily market update with the exception of the premium webinars.

Premium and VIP Plan subscribers have access to all free and premium reports. All Shows on Token Metrics TV are FREE including our daily market update. The premium webinar recordings are also hosted on our research blog.

Not yet a Token Metrics subscriber? See the Token Metrics pricing page, here.

Crypto Basics

NFTs Explained: What Are Non-Fungible Tokens?

Token Metrics Team
7 minutes

NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are gaining widespread popularity in the market for digital art and collectibles. In recent years, NFTs have become a cultural phenomenon, attracting the attention of crypto enthusiasts, digital art creators, and celebrities alike. As the Web 3.0 ecosystem continues to grow and adoption increases, many believe that NFTs will play a key role in the ownership of assets online.

So what are NFTs? Let's find out.

NFT Basics

NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are a type of digital asset that represents ownership of something on the blockchain.

NFTs can be anything such as art, collectibles, music, profile pictures or PFP, DAO memberships, event tickets, gaming assets, virtual land, domain names, and so on. They can represent either completely digital assets or tokenized versions of assets that exist in the real world. Currently, there is a lot of excitement around using NFTs to sell virtual art.

Characteristics of NFTs

  • Ownership: NFT represents digital ownership of an item on a blockchain
  • Permanent: NFTs have data permanently stored within the token. This information includes images, messages, signatures, or any other data
  • Programmable: An NFT can be programmed to do anything. For example, an NFT artwork might be programmed to pay the artist royalties on every secondary sale of that artwork
  • Unique: NFTs are unique, and that uniqueness can be confirmed on a blockchain

How to Make an NFT

To create an NFT, or non-fungible token, you will need to first prepare your media file. NFTs can support a wide range of file types, including audio, images, and even 3D files. Some popular file types that are supported by NFTs include MP3, JPG, PNG, and GIF. You can also use 3D file formats like GLB to create NFTs that represent unique, digital objects.

Once your media is ready, you will need to set up a non-custodial wallet to securely store the cryptocurrency that you will use to buy, sell, and create NFTs. Non-custodial wallets are important because they allow you to retain control of your private keys, which are needed to access your cryptocurrency and make transactions. There are many different wallet options available, so it is important to do your research and choose one that is secure and user-friendly.

Once you have set up your wallet, you will need to buy Ethereum, or other fungible tokens depending on the blockchain being used, to cover the cost of minting your NFT. Ethereum is the most commonly used blockchain for NFTs, and it is typically the easiest to get started with. You can buy Ethereum using a variety of methods, including through a cryptocurrency exchange or from other individuals who are willing to sell.

Once you have your Ethereum, you will need to connect your wallet to an NFT marketplace like Rarible or OpenSea. These platforms allow you to easily create and mint your NFT, as well as trade and purchase NFTs created by others. To connect your wallet, simply tap the "Connect" button in the top right corner of the marketplace's website. This will create an account for you on the platform and allow you to begin creating your NFT.

To create your NFT, upload your media file to the platform and provide a description of your asset. You can choose to create a standalone piece, or create multiple NFTs of the same piece, each with its own unique characteristics. You can also set rules around royalties and other aspects of your NFT to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your work.

Once you are ready to mint your NFT, the process will require you to pay a small amount of ETH for transaction fees. This is necessary to get your NFT added to the blockchain and verified as unique. Once your NFT is minted, it will be available for trade and purchase on the marketplace. You can monitor the progress of your NFT and track its sales through your wallet or the marketplace's website.

NFT Secondary Markets

Creators make NFTs using blockchain-based minting platforms to retain more control over their creative output. Once NFTs are minted on a non-custodial wallet-compatible website, collectors and traders can sell these assets on the secondary market.

Here is a list of the most used NFT marketplaces:

  • OpenSea: OpenSea is the first and largest marketplace for NFTs. OpenSea is building tools that allow consumers to trade their items, creators to launch new digital works, and developers to build rich, integrated marketplaces for their digital items. It recently announced the support for Solana-based NFTs.
  • Coinbase NFT: Coinbase, a cryptocurrency exchange, recently launched its NFT marketplace in beta version to the public. This marketplace acts as a social media platform in which users can not only buy and sell NFTs but also interact with and showcase their collections using user profiles, likes, and comments.
  • Solanart: Solanart is the first and largest fully-fledged NFT marketplace on Solana. Users can get quick and easy access to digital collectibles, and explore, buy, and sell NFTs that run on the Solana blockchain.
  • Rarible: Rarible is a do-it-yourself NFT marketplace where you can mint NFTs when and how you please. Creators are highly favorable towards Rarible, as the minting process is free, easy, and unrestricted. Rarible’s native governance token “RARI” is used to incentivize platform users and give the community members a voice.
  • Nifty Gateway: Nifty Gateway is owned by the Gemini crypto exchange and has become one of the most known NFT marketplaces lately. They focus on viral drops from artists like Beeple, Trevor Jones, Pak, and more.
  • SuperRare: SuperRare (SR) is one of Ethereum’s debut crypto-art NFT marketplaces. Artists must be accepted to the platform before they can list their assets.

Notable NFT Projects

NFT-based companies have seen significant growth in recent years. Some notable examples include:

  • Yuga Labs: a blockchain technology company that creates Ethereum-based NFTs and digital collectibles. Yuga's most valuable NFT collection is Bored Ape Yacht Club, which has seen a floor price of over 150 ETH at its all-time high. In addition to apes, Yuga has also created dog NFTs, mutant apes, and deeds for its Metaverse. The company recently acquired Larva Labs, bringing high-value projects like Cryptopunks and Meebits under the Yuga brand. Yuga is backed by investors like Coinbase, Samsung, and Mark Cuban.
  • Doodles: a collection of 10,000 Ethereum-based NFTs created by artist BurntToast. The Doodles collection includes a wide range of visual traits, heads, costumes, and colorways. Owners of Doodles NFTs have exclusive access to new experiences like Space Doodles and Dooplicator.
  • Okay Bears: a collection of 10,000 Solana-based NFTs. Ownership of an Okay Bear grants access to a community of collectors and exclusive products, merchandise, and events.

Investing in NFTs

NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, provide many benefits as an investment vehicle.

One of the main advantages of NFTs is that they allow physical objects, such as artwork, to be tokenized.

Additionally, NFTs offer greater liquidity for investors, making it easier to trade and sell their assets.

The Future of NFTs

NFTs offer a new way to represent and prove ownership of assets on the blockchain.

This technology has already been used for digital art, collectibles, and in-game assets, but it has the potential to be applied to a wide range of other industries as well. For example, tokenized real estate could provide a way for people to invest in property without the barriers to entry that currently exist.

High-end fashion brands like Louis Vuitton have also expressed interest in using NFTs to track the ownership of luxury items.

Additionally, NFTs can be used to tokenize certifications, degrees, and licenses, providing a way to securely track and maintain this sensitive data on the blockchain.

Overall, the potential applications for NFTs are nearly limitless.

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