IPFS NFT Storage | How to Use Decentralized File Storage for Non-Fungible Tokens

Have you ever wanted to upload your Non-Fungible Tokens somewhere safe, secure, and decentralized? Good news! Using IPFS NFT storage is now easier than ever. You’ll never again have to worry about the headaches of centralized servers going down or companies going out of business and taking your files with them. IPFS, the InterPlanetary File System, allows you to store your NFTs in a distributed, peer-to-peer network that keeps your files online permanently.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to upload your NFTs to IPFS for safekeeping. We’ll walk you through creating an IPFS node, adding your NFT files, and viewing them. You’ll see how IPFS makes a unique content identifier for your files that anyone can share and access. Most importantly, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing your NFTs are safe, secure, and accessible anytime, anywhere in the world using IPFS.

What Is IPFS and How Does It Work?

Ever wondered how those collectible CryptoKitties or other NFTs are stored on the blockchain? The answer is IPFS, the InterPlanetary File System. IPFS is a peer-to-peer protocol and network for storing and sharing data in a distributed file system.

How IPFS Works

Instead of downloading files from a single server, IPFS allows you to download fragments of files from multiple locations. 

This makes file storage and sharing faster, more secure, and censorship-resistant. Here’s how it works:

  1. When you add a file to IPFS, the file is split into chunks.
  1. A unique fingerprint (hash) is generated for each piece and the entire file.
  1. The file chunks and hashes are distributed and stored on IPFS nodes around the world.
  1. To retrieve the file, you just need to provide the hash of the entire file to any IPFS node.
  1. That node can then find all the chunks, reassemble the file, and deliver it to you!

No single entity controls or stores all the data in IPFS. And because files are content-addressed by their hash, they can’t be changed without altering the hash. This makes it perfect for IPFS  NFT storage and management. NFT creators and owners can rest assured their digital assets are safe, secure, and verifiable at any time.

IPFS is an exciting new technology allowing us to build a faster, fairer, and more open internet. By using IPFS, NFTs tap into the power of decentralization and help push the boundaries of blockchain innovation. The future is distributed!

Benefits of Using IPFS NFT Storage

Using IPFS NFT storage is a total game-changer! This decentralized file system lets you host digital collectibles on a peer-to-peer network instead of traditional servers.

The benefits are huge:

  1. Your NFTs will be accessible even if one node goes down. IPFS distributes file storage across its network, so there’s no single point of failure. Your files are always available!
  1. No more paying expensive storage fees. The IPFS network is open and free to use. Say goodbye to those pesky monthly bills from centralized cloud storage providers.
  1. Enhanced security and privacy. IPFS doesn’t store your files on any server, making them nearly impossible to hack or steal. And since IPFS is decentralized, no single entity controls or monitors the network. Your NFT data stays private!
  1. Permanent, tamper-proof storage. Once you add a file to IPFS, its content is locked in and can’t be changed. This immutability ensures your NFTs maintain their authenticity and scarcity over time.

Using IPFS NFT storage is the best choice you can make. This revolutionary peer-to-peer network delivers reliability, affordability, security, and permanence – everything you need to keep your digital collectibles safe and accessible for future generations!

Popular NFT Marketplaces With IPFS Integration

NFT marketplaces are embracing IPFS for the decentralized storage of digital assets. Several popular NFT platforms have integrated IPFS, allowing creators to upload their files and have them hosted on the peer-to-peer network. This means your NFTs are no longer reliant on a single company’s servers. Even if the marketplace goes down, your NFT files will still be accessible.

OpenSea

OpenSea is the largest NFT marketplace and has full support for files stored on IPFS. When you create an NFT, simply upload your file and OpenSea will pin it to their IPFS node, generating a CID for your item. This allows anyone to access your NFT’s content via the IPFS gateway or by running their own IPFS node.

Variable

Rarible is a community-owned NFT marketplace built on Ethereum. They leverage IPFS for decentralized file storage and content delivery of all NFTs listed on their platform. Uploading your digital creation to Rarible will pin the file to IPFS, ensuring it stays online even if Rarible were to go down.

Mintable

Mintable is an easy-to-use NFT marketplace that makes creating and selling NFTs accessible to everyone. They have integrated IPFS to provide decentralized hosting and content delivery for all media uploaded to their platform.

Using IPFS-integrated NFT marketplaces helps future-proof your digital creations. No longer do you have to worry about losing access to your files if a platform closes down or decides to change its terms of service? Your content persists on the peer-to-peer network, allowing you and your fans to access it at any time. The decentralized web is here, and these marketplaces are paving the way for NFTs that last forever!

Step-by-Step Guide to Storing NFT Metadata on IPFS

You’ve created your NFT collection and are ready to store the metadata on IPFS, the InterPlanetary File System. Keeping your NFT metadata on IPFS helps ensure it remains decentralized and permanent.

Install IPFS

Head to IPFS.io and download the IPFS desktop app. Once installed, your node will connect to the IPFS network. Next, you must initialize your IPFS node to store and access files. Click ‘ Initialize repo ‘ in the IPFS desktop app to set up your node.

Add your NFT metadata file.

Now you’re ready to add your NFT metadata file to IPFS! Click ‘ Add file ‘ in the IPFS desktop app and select your JSON metadata file. Give the file a name and click ‘Add.’ Your file will now be added to the IPFS network.

Get the CID for your NFT metadata.

IPFS will generate a unique Content Identifier or CID when your file is added. This CID points to your file on the IPFS network. Copy this CID by clicking the clipboard icon next to the file name. You’ll use this CID to retrieve your NFT metadata file from any IPFS node.

View your NFT metadata file.

To view your NFT metadata file on IPFS, paste the CID into the IPFS desktop app search bar and hit enter. Your file will appear in the search results. Click to view all the details of your NFT metadata. Anyone with this CID can now view your NFT metadata on IPFS!

Use the CID in your NFT smart contract.

The final step is adding the CID for your NFT metadata file to your NFT Smart Contract. When minting NFTs, pass the CID as the token URI. This will point your NFT to the decentralized metadata file on IPFS, ensuring it remains permanent and accessible.

Great work! You now know how to store NFT metadata on IPFS. Keeping data on this decentralized platform helps create NFTs that are transparent, permanent, and open. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Tips for Optimizing IPFS Performance for NFTs

To get the most out of IPFS for storing your NFTs, here are some tips to optimize performance:

Compress Large Files

For any NFT files over 10MB, compress them before uploading them to IPFS. Large uncompressed files can strain network resources and take longer to load for users. Compression is a quick and easy step that makes a big difference.

Pin Your NFTs

Simply adding a file to IPFS doesn’t guarantee it will stay on the network permanently. To ensure your NFT files are accessible long-term, you need to pin them. Pinning means storing the content in multiple locations across the IPFS network. Most IPFS gateway services offer pinning for a fee. It’s worth the cost to keep your NFTs available indefinitely.

Consider Filecoin for Storage

For valuable NFT collections, using Filecoin for storage is ideal. Filecoin is a decentralized storage network that provides more robust, long-term storage of data on IPFS.

IPFS NFT Storage for Decentralized Digital Ownership

You now have all the tools and knowledge to store your valuable NFT assets in a decentralized, tamper-proof way using IPFS. No more worrying about centralized servers going down or companies restricting access to your digital collectibles. 

Take control of your NFTs and ensure their scarcity and value using this cutting-edge Web 3.0 technology. What are you waiting for? The possibilities are endless in this open, permission less ecosystem. Learn more about Web 3.0 here.

Unleash your creativity and see where it takes you! IPFS and NFTs are the perfect match, and together they enable a whole new world of opportunities for artists, creators, and collectors alike.

Experience the Future of IPFS NFT Storage with Bakeree IPFS – Get Started Today!