NFT vs Crypto: What are the differences?

Introduction

For the uninitiated, the blockchain space can seem to be a rather obtuse space with elements that are difficult to understand. This is completely understandable owing to the sea of invention that has come through with the advent digital assets. Blockchain is simply a digital ledger that comprises a wide record of data transactions. Crypto and NFTs are an integral part of the blockchain tech infrastructure and must be well-understood when foraying into the space. 

In the recent years, NFTs and crypto tokens have received immense attention within both, the financial and artistic realms. They make for an important type of data transaction on the blockchain network. A single NFTs can sell for nearly $70 million whereas the popular crypto, Bitcoin, ushered the idea of investing in digital tokens. Such is the impact of NFTs and cryptos.  While the two digital assets do share several similarities, they are also distinct in more ways than one.  Read on to understand the key interactions between non fungible tokens Vs cryptos.

What is an NFT?

NFT or Non-Fungible Token is a type of cryptographic token that is unique and non-interchangeable. The tokens are built on blockchain, the distributed ledger technology that allows for the creation and trading of digital assets. Non-Fungible Tokens represent a digital asset such as a piece of artwork, a song, or a video clip that is stored on a blockchain. To put into perspective, you can think of a first-edition pair of painted sneakers or a collector’s item like an ancient coin. It is highly unlikely that you would let go of such items in trade for just another pair of sneakers of a coin. They are simply non-fungible or unique. 

Unlike Bitcoin and other cryptos, NFTs are not interchangeable and are not divisible. This means that you cannot break them down into smaller units. Non-fungible tokens can only be owned by one person or entity.

Additional Read:  How to Create an NFT & Sell it

What is Crypto?

Cryptos or crypto tokens are a type of digital asset that are built on a network that is spread across many computers. They follow a decentralized structure and are recorded through the blockchain database. The fact that cryptos are typically not issued by any central authority makes them potentially immune to manipulation by central authorities and lowers the risk of counterfeit. 

Bitcoin and Ethereum can be regarded as the most popular cryptos on the current marketer. While several cryptos have come to emerge, there are hardly used for retail purchases. However, the popularity of crypto as instruments for trading and investing is due to their worth. They are also utilized, albeit in a restricted capacity, for international transfers. Just like fiat currency, cryptos are fungible. This means that the value of a given crypto asset in one wallet holds the same value as in another. 

Read on Guide to Crypto Tax in India

How are Cryptos different from NFTs?

Cryptos and NFTs are both digital assets and can be bought, sold, and exchanged using digital currencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. They can be used as a means of payment and are subject to a similar set of regulatory implications and taxes. Most notably, NFT and cryptos are decentralized. They function independently and are not governed by any centralized authority. Instead, they rely on the distributed ledger technology of blockchain.

Key Differences between the two digital assets

Crypto	Non-fungible token
Interchangeable	Non-Interchangeable
Represented by coins & tokens	Represented by unique digital assets
Value determined by market forces	Value determined by its scarcity & uniqueness
Common medium of exchange	Common store of value & collectibles

As with any form of asset, cryptos and non-fungible tokens carry a set of advantages and disadvantages for its users. Crypto tokens are a secure, decentralized form of payment that allows users to send and receive money without the need for external intervention. It is also borderless and can be transferred quickly and easily. This aspect makes it a great asset when sending money overseas or to make payments for goods and services. Additionally, cryptos may not be subject to the same regulations and taxes as fiat currency, which is attractive to its users. On the downside, the crypto market is volatile. Asset prices are subject to rapid fluctuations due to market conditions. 

Non-Fungible Tokens or NFTs are unique and indivisible digital assets that can be used to represent physical or digital items. They can be bought, sold, or exchanged with crypto tokens. They are also immutable. This essentially means that their ownership and data cannot be changed or tampered. When it comes to the downside, NFTs are still a relatively new technology and can be difficult to comprehend for the novice. They are digital and can be vulnerable to cyberattacks and hacks. This can lead to the loss of value and assets. 

Read more: Top Crypto to Invest in this year

Final Thoughts

To conclude, NFTs or non-fungible tokens and cryptos are built on varying concepts that make them unique. While both are digital assets, cryptos are a form of digital currency that are widely used for trade and transactions. NFTs, on the other hand, are unique digital assets that are represented by blockchain technology and cannot be replicated or exchanged. The two forms of assets have indeed created a whirlwind of possibilities and the ongoing developments are bound to leave a lasting impression on the global markets. 

Additional Read: Crypto vs Fiat Money

What’s Trending in NFT?

As we embark on rest of 2023, the number of NFT marketplaces is expected to continue to increase, with more platforms offering a wide variety of features, such as auctions, trading, and secondary markets. As more platforms support NFTs, the range of use cases for these digital assets is expected to expand, with NFTs being used to represent digital art, music, video, collectibles, gaming items, and more. 

Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) that facilitate the trading of NFTs are expected to grow wider and beyond in the coming year. These platforms will allow users to trade NFTs without having to rely on a centralized authority. NFTs are also expected to be used as the underlying asset for a range of financial products, such as derivatives, lending, and other instruments. This could potentially open a new world of investment opportunities for NFT holders. 

For gaming enthusiasts, NFT-based gaming platforms are expected to further emerge.  It will enable developers to create games that use NFTs as the primary asset. This could potentially lead to the creation of new genres of gaming experiences.

The world of digital assets is set to grow elaborately over the coming period. Stay tuned on all things encompassing cryptos, NFTs and more with CoinDCX crypto app. 

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