What are PFP NFTs? An Updated Guide + How to Create Them

What are PFP NFTs?

PFP NFTs, short for Profile Picture Non-Fungible Tokens, are a unique form of digital artwork that individuals use as profile pictures on social media or other online platforms. 

As a type of NFT, each PFP NFT is distinct, often varying in design, color scheme, or other unique features. They are typically sold in limited quantities, adding to their exclusivity and potential for value appreciation. 

Owning a PFP NFT is often seen as a status symbol in the digital world due to its rarity.

Furthermore, some PFP NFTs can provide their owners with access to exclusive content or events, enhancing their value and appeal.

Now that you know What PFPs mean, it would be ideal to take you back in time. I mean, nothing starts without a beginning, so let’s check out the history of PFPs.

What Is the history of PFP NFTs?

PFP NFTs became a popular trend in 2021. However, the journey began in 2017 with CryptoPunks by Larva Labs, one of the first NFT projects on the Ethereum blockchain. These 10,000 unique 8-bit characters became status symbols, sparking global interest in PFP NFTs. 

Later, Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) leveraged the trend and added utility to PFP NFTs, offering access to exclusive clubs, real-life events, and intellectual property rights. Other PFP NFTs that emerged include World of Women and Cool Cat NFTs. 

Today, individuals can create their own PFP NFTs, expanding the landscape beyond established projects. 

How do PFP NFTs Work?

PFPs, like every other non-fungible token, are created and stored on a blockchain, such as Ethereum, ensuring their authenticity and scarcity. 

The ownership and transaction histories of PFP NFTs are recorded on the blockchain, allowing for verifiable ownership and secure trading. 

Collectors can purchase and sell PFP NFTs on online marketplaces using cryptocurrency. The uniqueness and limited supply of these NFTs contribute to their value and appeal.

Can you have an NFT as a PFP?

Yes, it’s common for people to use NFTs as their profile pictures (PFPs) on social media platforms. Once you’ve bought or created your first PFP NFT, it’s quite simple to set it as your display image. This is a growing trend in the NFT community, allowing them to flaunt their digital assets.

Platforms like Twitter support NFT PFPs, allowing you to display any asset in your wallet as your PFP.

Subscribe to Twitter Blue for approximately $8 per month. Go to your profile, click your profile picture, and press ‘Edit.’ Among the given options, select ‘Choose NFT’ to set your NFT as your profile picture.

Popular PFP NFT Projects

So, we’ve covered what are PFP NFTs. Now, let’s show you some popular collections to give you an idea of what this concept is.

CryptoPunks: No matter what the future holds for upcoming PFP projects, the CryptoPunks will always be regarded as the PFP NFT OGs. This project is a collection of 10,000 pixelated Punk NFTs.

Cool Cats: The project has over 15,000 unique cat-themed PFP NFTs, with collaborations from street artists to musicians. 

Doodles: NFT project includes 10,000 hand-drawn profile picture illustrations that you can use as your online avatar on different platforms and communities. These rare NFTs are pastel color-based illustrations of human faces, cats, sharks, dinos, ducks, monkeys, aliens, mascots, apes, skeletons, and many more.

Bored Ape Yacht Club: The project has a collection of 10,000 generative cartoons of bored apes. Currently considered one of the most valuable NFT projects, it garnered massive popularity among the NFT communities immediately after its launch in April 2021 by Yuga Labs.

How to generate NFT PFP Step by Step

You now understand what are PFP NFTs and the popular collections in the space. But how are they generated?

Step 1: Decide on your concept

The first step on how to generate NFT PFP is to brainstorm your PFP NFT series concept. This should be unique and attractive to potential buyers. Consider what traits your characters will have and how many unique characters there will be.

Step 2: Create the artwork

Once you have a concept in mind, it’s time to create the artwork for your PFP NFT. You can do this using a digital art tool like Photoshop, or you can outsource it to an NFT graphic designer. 

Make sure to save your final image as a high-resolution file in PNG or JPEG format. Your artwork should also be scalable, meaning you can create multiple unique pieces using different combinations of base layers and traits.

Step 3: Upload NFTs to IPFS

Next, upload your NFTs to the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), a decentralized storage system. This step ensures the permanence of your NFT, as the artwork is stored on a decentralized network, not on a single server.

This can also be done by using various IPFS upload tools such as Pinata, Infura, or Fleek. Make sure to test your IPFS links thoroughly to ensure that your NFTs are accessible to potential buyers.

Step 4: Create a Smart Contract

A smart contract defines the rules of your NFT. It is a self-executing contract, with the terms of the agreement directly written into the code. You can use platforms like OpenSea or Ethereum’s Solidity language to create your smart contract.

Step 5: Deploy Smart Contracts

Deploy your smart contract to the Ethereum network (or another chosen blockchain). This step activates your smart contract, making your NFTs available for trading.

Step 6: Mint NFTs

Minting turns your digital art into a token on the blockchain. Minting can be done on platforms like OpenSea, Rarible, and Mintable or directly from the smart contract. After minting, your PFP NFT is officially on the blockchain and ready for sale.

Remember, each step requires careful consideration and technical knowledge, especially when creating and deploying smart contracts. Do thorough research and consider getting an NFT freelancer to handle the process.

Platforms to create PFP NFTs

Creating a PFP NFT requires a platform that supports the minting process. Here are a few notable platforms where you can create NFTs:

• Hey mints NFT
• Crossmint
• NFT Art Generator
• Appy Pie NFT Generator
• SketchAR

Now all the platforms listed are mostly ready-to-use platforms, with little or no coding knowledge required to create your first PFP NFT. You can check out our complete list of NFT generators you can use to create PFP collections.

PFP NFTs vs. Other NFTs: What’s the Difference?

We’ve already explained what are PFP NFTs and how you can create one. But are they the same with other NFTs?

PFP NFTs and other NFTs differ primarily in their use cases.

PFP NFTs are designed for use as digital profile pictures; they offer a unique way to personalize your online presence. They’re akin to flaunting your style in a virtual space, reflecting your individuality. 

In contrast, other NFTs can represent a range of digital assets like art, music, videos, or virtual real estate.

So, what’s your pick: expressive PFP NFTs or other NFTs? Share your choice and reasoning with us via Twitter DM, and don’t forget to follow us for more engaging discussions.

Final Thoughts on PFP NFTs

PFP NFTs, or Profile Picture Non-Fungible Tokens, have emerged as a captivating phenomenon in the realm of digital art. These unique tokens revolutionize the concept of personal expression, enabling individuals to showcase their creativity through one-of-a-kind avatars. 

As we navigate this exciting digital frontier, we invite you to join us on a journey of discovery. Follow us on Twitter to stay updated on the latest PFP NFT trends, explore captivating artwork, and engage in insightful discussions. 

Have questions? We’re here to provide answers and foster a vibrant community of like-minded enthusiasts.

What are PFP NFTs – FAQs

What is the most famous PFP NFT?

The most famous PFP NFT is “CryptoPunks,” a collection of 10,000 unique pixelated characters on the Ethereum blockchain.

What is the oldest PFP NFT?

The oldest PFP NFT is “CryptoPunks,” created in 2017, which is considered the first-ever PFP (Profile Picture) NFT collection.

What do PFPs mean on OpenSea?

PFPs on OpenSea refer to Profile Picture NFTs, which are unique digital artworks used to represent users’ identities on the platform.

Why are PFP NFTs so popular?

PFP NFTs have gained popularity due to their exclusivity, uniqueness, and potential for social status. They allow users to showcase their individuality and participate in the growing NFT market.