Non-fungible tokens created a sensation in the cryptocurrency market, attracting widespread attention and leading many to explore the benefits of cryptocurrency. While NFTs are attractive investments, there are different types that investors need to be aware of: Static and Dynamic NFTs.
Static NFTs are types of NFTs whose details are unchangeable after they have been minted. Dynamic NFTs, on the other hand, allow them to change their details after being minted on the blockchain. Identifying this discrepancy between static and dynamic NFTs can help investors make better and more informed decisions.
In this article, you’ll get comprehensive details about the fundamentals of NFTs, its two kinds, Static and Dynamic NFTs, and the Key Differences between them and their use cases.
Brief Background About Non-fungible Tokens (NFT)
These days, NFTs seem everywhere on the internet, gaining significant attention on social media. Individuals can earn hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars by selling digital assets such as pictures of apes, kittens, music, tweets, etc.
NFTs have been around since 2015, with the first being “Quantum,” created by Kevin McCoy and Anil Dash. In 2021 alone, the market for NFTs was estimated to be worth a staggering 41 billion dollars, approaching the Total Market Value of Fine Art worldwide. Their popularity is still growing as more people use them to buy and sell digital artworks.
The use of NFTs as one of the most significant applications of blockchain technology has been further strengthened, with many use cases such as virtual real estate, gaming avatars, virtual clothing, accessories, etc. However, the need for innovation in the design and use of NFTs creates the necessity for dynamic NFTs.
To learn more about NFTs, read this comprehensive guide on non-fungible tokens by DroomDroom.
What Are NFTs?
Before understanding the difference between static and dynamic NFTs, we have to start with the basics, which will help us grasp the meaning of NFTs. NFTs stand for Non-Fungible Tokens, which, due to their ‘non-fungible’ nature, cannot be exchanged or replaced. They are essentially digital assets with unique traits.
Unlike cryptocurrencies, which are equal, identical, and interchangeable, two NFTs can appear identical but differ from one another. For example, you can exchange 1 BTC for another BTC but never exchange one NFT for another NFT while safeguarding the same traits.
Because of this, NFTs have proven to be favorable choices for representing digital assets such as art, video, music, games, virtual worlds, and many others.
How Are NFTs Created?
NFTs are created through a process known as minting, where the NFTs’ data is stored on a blockchain. The minting procedure involves the creation of a new block, validating the NFTs’ data by a validator, and closing the block.
Smart contracts are frequently incorporated as part of the minting process to govern ownership and transferability of the NFT.
As NFTs are created, each one is assigned a unique identification number linked to a single blockchain address. Each NFT has an owner, and the owner’s information (e.g., the address where the token is physically located) is made public.
Every NFT has a distinctive identifier and can be distinguished from the others, even if 10,000 non-fungible tokens of the same item are produced (similar to general admission tickets for a concert).
The Different Kinds of NFTs
As mentioned earlier, it’s essential to note that no two NFTs are the same, and there are two distinct categories of NFTs: Static and Dynamic NFTs.
Static NFTs
As the name implies, static NFTs are fixed and cannot be changed after minting. In layman’s terms, a static NFT is immutable and permanent after its minting (creation process) is complete. Static NFTs are useful for fixed assets, such as digital certificates, artworks, or collectibles. They are also valuable for permanent data storage on the blockchain, like in a decentralized database.
One of the major benefits of static NFTs is that they are more effective and compatible with a wide range of protocols and systems. Since they cannot be changed, they also guarantee security.
Use Cases of Static NFTs
Two primary use cases for static NFTs are document storage and identity verification. Offering an unchangeable representation of artwork on a blockchain, they are particularly useful for collections of digital art.
- Artists can freely exchange creations without worrying about ownership conflicts or unpaid changes.
- Static NFTs are also valuable for keeping digital identity information and other vital documents on the blockchain. They provide use cases for a more secure blockchain representation of in-game collectibles.
Advantages of Static NFTs
- Static NFTs offer several benefits, the most important of which is their efficiency in terms of bandwidth and storage needs. They are created and stored only once, regardless of the number of transactions.
- Compared to dynamic NFTs, static NFTs provide a higher level of verification ease. All token metadata information for static NFTs is contained in a single file.
- Static NFTs ensure superior security against fraud and counterfeiting. Another noteworthy advantage is their flexibility as shareable digital property or loan collateral.
- One major drawback of static NFTs’ design is the restriction on changing or updating them. Therefore, creating a new NFT is necessary when adding or updating information in an existing NFT.
Dynamic NFTs
Dynamic NFTs, also known as DNFTs, are NFTs that have the ability to alter their properties even after minting. They provide the option to update or modify the NFTs’ content even after creation, making them preferable options for applications that often need to update and modify data.
Dynamic NFTs are suitable for real-world assets whose ownership and location can change. For example, the new owner of an asset could update the token information to reflect the required ownership changes using dynamic NFTs.
The way dynamic NFTs operate demonstrates how effectively they can store data on blockchain networks in a customizable format. Therefore, owners of DNFTs can alter information linked to a single token, especially if they have permissions. Owners of dynamic NFTs have the option to manually update the token data or set up automatic updates under specific scenarios when the asset has to be changed.
The most well-known instance of a dynamic NFT is the NFT-based game CryptoKitties, which allows users to buy, sell, and breed virtual cats. Dynamic NFTs represent the digital cats, and their owners can modify the token metadata to alter the cat’s look, genetic makeup, and personality.
Another well-known example of a dynamic NFT is the virtual metaverse environment known as Decentraland. Users can depend on DNFT features to guarantee pertinent updates to the specifics of virtual parcels of land in Decentraland.
Use Cases or Dynamic NFTs
- Dynamic NFTs are promising choices for various applications such as games, digital artwork, and many other use cases that require frequent updates or changes in data. They can help in creating ever-evolving digital artwork.
- Similarly, dynamic NFTs can assist in the representation of in-game assets that need changes alongside the progress of players.
- The use cases of dynamic NFTs in the field of real-world collectibles also enable changes in the NFTs according to external market conditions and other factors.
Advantages of Dynamic NFTs
The most noticeable advantage associated with dynamic NFTs is the flexibility to modify them according to the owner’s requirements. Therefore, people or brands can design NFTs tailored to the target audience’s preferences and requirements.
With the flexibility for the frequent evolution of NFTs, users are more likely to interact with dynamic NFTs for longer.
As users develop confidence in their ability to discover new things, such as improved NFT collectibles, their immersive experiences can keep them holding onto the NFTs for longer. Most importantly, the flexibility for content creation and distribution with DNFTs offers possibilities for better user experiences.
Differences Between Static and Dynamic NFTs
From the above information, it is easy to point out the differences between static and dynamic NFTs.
Changeability
Static NFTs do not allow changes after minting, while Dynamic NFTs allow changes. If, as an NFT project founder, you realize the need to configure or add more details to an NFT in the future, then dynamic NFTs will be a better choice for the project.
Use Cases
Dynamic NFTs have broader uses and are best for those that require frequent updating or modification of data. Static NFTs are used in cases that deal with fixed data.
Metadata Storage
The token metadata is stored in a single file with Static NFTs, which is better for security reasons. For Dynamic, the token’s data structures differ and may give rise to vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The key point to remember after all of this is that both static and dynamic NFTs have advantages and disadvantages of their own.
In the end, the user must choose the kind of NFT to create depending on the intended use case. The best options in use cases requiring you to update or modify token data are dynamic NFTs. In situations where you work with immutable NFTs, static NFTs are the ideal option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Are The Use Cases of Static NFTs?
Static NFTs are commonly used for digital art collections, document storage, identity verification, and representation of in-game collectibles that don’t change over time.
What Are The Use Cases of Dynamic NFTs?
Dynamic NFTs are ideal for applications requiring frequent data updates, such as digital games, evolving digital artwork, and representation of real-world assets whose details may change over time.
Which Type of NFT Should I Choose?
The choice between Static and Dynamic NFTs depends on the intended use case. Static NFTs are better for permanent, unchangeable representations, while Dynamic NFTs are more suitable for assets requiring regular updates or modifications.
What Are The Main Differences Between Static and Dynamic NFTs?
The main difference lies in their flexibility. Static NFTs cannot be changed after minting, offering security and permanence, while Dynamic NFTs can be updated even after minting, providing flexibility for evolving assets.
How Are NFTs Created?
NFTs are created through a process known as minting, which involves storing the NFT’s data on a blockchain, creating a new block, and verifying the data. This process also includes assigning a unique identification number to the NFT.
Can Dynamic NFTs be Changed After Minting?
Yes, they can. Dynamic NFTs allow for changes to their properties even after being minted on the blockchain. Owners can manually update the token data or set up automatic updates under specific conditions.
