Non-fungible token (NFT) memes have brought mainstream attention to the world of NFTs and digital art, helping to expand the market and increase its legitimacy. The high prices paid for some NFT memes have shown the value of online culture and the emotional connection people can have with internet memes. NFT memes have also created a new way for creators and artists to monetize their work, potentially opening up new opportunities and revenue streams in the digital economy.
What are NFT memes?
NFT memes refer to Internet memes that have been converted into non-fungible tokens, which are unique digital assets that are verified on a blockchain. These NFTs allow the original creators of the memes to authenticate and monetize their work. Some examples of NFT memes include Nyan Cat, Disaster Girl, and The Keyboard Cat.
Related: What is crypto art and how does it work?
nyan cat
The Pop-Tart bodied pixelated flying cat became the first meme sold as an NFT in February 2021 for around 300 Ether (ETH).
As the first meme to sell at such a high price, the sale of Nyan Cat NFT was a milestone in the NFT community. This transaction contributed to the legitimacy of the idea of digital art sales as NFTs.
disaster girl
A photo of a girl with a mischievous smile standing in front of a burning house sold for almost 180 ETH as an NFT in April 2021.
The sale of this NFT, “Disaster Girl”, proved that even relatively obscure memes can be valuable as NFTs. Additionally, the sale received a lot of media attention, further raising the profile of NFT.
Doge
This popular Shiba Inu dog meme became an NFT sensation in 2021, with the original “Doge” meme selling for 1,696.9 ETH in June 2021.
The success of the Doge NFTs helped cement the popularity of the Shiba Inu dog meme in the NFT space. The high prices paid for some of these NFTs also helped generate significant media coverage.
they stink
A meme of a businessman holding a chart showing the upward trajectory of a stock sold for $10,000 as an NFT in May 2021.
The sale of NFT Stonks proved that even the most esoteric memes can have value as NFTs. The sale demonstrated the potential of NFTs as a new method for creators and artists to recoup their costs.
pepe the frog
A green anthropomorphic frog who became a far-right symbol and then a meme sold as an NFT for $1 million in May 2021.
Pepe’s $1 million NFT sale sparked debate because the alt-right has been linked to the meme. However, it showed that even controversial memes can be useful as NFTs.
Charlie bit my finger
A viral video of two young British brothers sold as NFTs for 389 ETH in May 2021. The high price paid for this NFT proved that viral movies, in addition to still photos, can be lucrative as NFTs.
Related: How to Store NFT Assets: A Beginner’s Guide
Grumpy Cat
A meme of a feline with a permanently disgusted expression went NFT in May 2021 and sold for over 44.2 ETH.
The Grumpy Cat NFT sale proved that memes with animal subjects can be just as lucrative as those with human subjects.
harambe
A gorilla that was shot to death in a zoo in 2016 became an internet meme and was sold as an NFT for 30.3 ETH in May 2021.
The Harambe NFT sale demonstrated how some people are emotionally attached to particular memes and willing to pay exorbitant fees for them.
good luck brayan
A photo of a teenager wearing braces and a vest who became an NFT in April 2021 sold for 20 ETH.
The popularity of Bad Luck Brian NFT proved that memes, even ones that are a bit dated, can still have a place in the NFT market.
The keyboard cat
A video of a cat playing a keyboard sold for over 33 ETH as an NFT in March 2021. The high price paid for this NFT proved that videos can also be valuable as NFTs, not just static images.
success child
The meme features a boy with a determined expression, clenching his fist, and has been widely used as a symbol of achievement and success. This photo was sold as an NFT for 15 ETH.
The growing argument about the usefulness and legitimacy of NFTs is reflected in this meme. Some see NFTs as a speculative bubble, while others see them as an exciting new opportunity for artists to earn money from their work.
