Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, have been growing in popularity over the last few years. In 2021, a study found that there were approximately 360,000 NFT owners globally, with 9% of these investors (around 32,400 wallets) holding 80% of the market's value. As of 2024, there are still around 360,000 people who own NFTs. However, this number may be higher as people can own multiple NFT wallets.
In the US, it is estimated that 4% of the population owns an NFT, with 4% of men and 1% of women reporting ownership. This equates to roughly 6.6 million Americans. However, the majority (70%) of the US population is still unclear about what an NFT is. Globally, 3% of people say they own an NFT, with the Philippines having the most NFT owners (32%) out of 20 countries compared.
The demand for NFTs is rising, with investors seeking new ways to expand their portfolios. NFT sales in 2021 were valued at $24.9 billion, a huge increase from the $95 million trade volume in 2020.
What You'll Learn
9.3 million Americans have bought or sold NFTs
NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are unique digital items such as art, collectibles, or game items that can be bought and sold. NFTs are created and traded on blockchain networks like Ethereum. The concept has gained traction in recent years, particularly among cryptocurrency enthusiasts.
According to a 2024 report, approximately 9.3 million Americans, or around 4% of the US population, have bought or sold NFTs. This represents a 100% increase from 2021, with ownership doubling over the same time period. While this figure may seem low, it is worth noting that the vast majority (70%) of the US population still don't know what an NFT is.
The demand for NFTs is rising, with investors looking for new ways to expand their portfolios. NFTs offer a convenient digital means of establishing and verifying ownership of any type of asset, as well as fractionalizing ownership, making it easier for multiple investors to own portions of an asset. Additionally, NFTs can be used to memorialize portable contracts, creating an electronic contract that is difficult to tamper with and reducing the time and costs associated with physical contracts.
However, it is important to note that the NFT market is largely unregulated, with little to no investment laws and consumer protections in most jurisdictions. This lack of regulation makes the market susceptible to fraud, scams, and market manipulation. NFTs are also susceptible to the same issues as other blockchain transactions, including potential disputes, theft, and infringement.
Despite these challenges, the NFT market is expected to grow, with experts predicting that the market value of NFTs will increase to more than $13 billion by 2030. The digital realm is evolving and growing, and with the popularity of NFTs continuing to rise, it is likely that this trend will continue in the future.
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3.9% of US adults are interested in buying NFTs
Interest in non-fungible tokens (NFTs) has been growing rapidly over the last few years, with NFT sales and ownership skyrocketing between 2021 and 2022. Despite this, only a small percentage of people are currently investing in NFTs. According to a 2024 report, 3.9% of US adults plan on buying NFTs. This is a relatively low figure compared to other countries, such as Nigeria, which has the highest percentage of people interested in purchasing NFTs at 21.7%.
While the number of people investing in NFTs is still relatively low, the market value of NFTs is predicted to increase to more than $13 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by investors looking for new ways to expand their portfolios and the increasing popularity of NFTs worldwide.
In the US, men are more likely to own NFTs than women, with approximately 4% of men reporting ownership compared to only 1% of women. Additionally, younger adults are more likely to be interested in NFTs, with 25 to 34-year-olds being the most likely age group to purchase NFTs in the next 12 months.
The rise in NFT popularity can be attributed to several factors, including the increased awareness and participation in cryptocurrency, celebrity endorsements, and the growing number of NFT creators and artists. However, recent inflation and the crashing cryptocurrency market have impacted the NFT market, with many people viewing NFTs as a passing fad or something only the wealthy can afford.
Despite the challenges, the NFT market is expected to grow and become a more popular aspect of the digital economy. As more people learn about NFTs and their benefits, the number of investors is likely to increase.
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4% of the US population owns an NFT
Recent data reveals that 4% of the US population owns an NFT, equating to approximately 9.3 million people. This figure has doubled in the span of a year, with California being the top state for NFT purchases. However, it is worth noting that the vast majority (70%) of the US population is still unfamiliar with NFTs.
NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are unique digital items that are created and traded on blockchain networks. The concept has gained traction in recent years, particularly among cryptocurrency enthusiasts. NFTs can represent a range of digital or real assets, including art, collectibles, sports trading cards, or computer-generated media.
The demand for NFTs is rising, with a growing number of investors seeking to diversify their portfolios. In 2021, the trade volume for NFTs reached $24.9 billion, a significant increase from the $95 million trade volume in 2020. This surge in interest has been driven by several factors, including the rise in cryptocurrency popularity, celebrity endorsements, and an increasing number of NFT creators and artists.
While the NFT market is experiencing rapid growth, it is not without its challenges. Recent inflation and the volatile cryptocurrency market have impacted the NFT space, with many consumers viewing NFTs as a passing fad accessible only to the wealthy. Additionally, the high cost of creating NFTs, due to the "gas fees" associated with popular blockchains like Ethereum, poses a barrier to wider adoption.
Despite these obstacles, the NFT market is projected to continue its upward trajectory. Experts predict that the market value of NFTs will surpass $13 billion by 2030, and the sector's market cap is expected to exceed $230 billion by 2030. As awareness and understanding of NFTs increase, more people are expected to join the growing community of NFT owners.
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2.8% of American internet users own an NFT
Overview
According to a September 2022 report by Finder, 2.8% of American internet users own non-fungible tokens (NFTs). This equates to approximately 6.6 million Americans. The percentage of NFT owners in the US is in line with the global average of 3%. However, it is important to note that the percentage of NFT owners varies across different countries, with India leading at 7% and Germany at the lowest with only 1%.
Gender Differences
There is a significant gap in NFT ownership between men and women in the US. Approximately 4% of men in the US own an NFT, compared to only 1% of women. This gender disparity is wider in the US than the global average, which stands at 2.7 percentage points. The widest gap is seen in the US, where 4% of men own NFTs compared to just 1% of women. On the other hand, Japan has the smallest gap, with 2% of women and 1% of men owning NFTs.
Age Differences
Age also plays a factor in NFT ownership rates. In the US, individuals aged 18-34 are the most likely to own NFTs, with 5% reporting ownership. In contrast, those aged 55 and above are the least likely to own NFTs, making up only 1% of owners.
Future Prospects
While the current NFT ownership rate in the US is relatively low, there is potential for growth. In the Finder survey, an additional 3.9% of respondents stated that they plan to acquire NFTs in the future. This indicates that NFT adoption in the US could soon reach 6.7%.
Comparison with Other Countries
The US ranks third last for NFT adoption out of the 20 countries surveyed by Finder. The Philippines has the highest percentage of NFT owners at 32%, followed by Thailand at 27%, and Malaysia at 24%. On the other hand, Japan has the lowest percentage of NFT owners, with only 2% of internet users in the country owning NFTs.
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29% of US men say they collect NFTs
While the exact percentage of people who invest in NFTs is unclear, it is estimated that around 4% of the US population owns an NFT. This equates to approximately 9.3 million people. However, there is a significant gender gap in NFT ownership, with 4% of men saying they own an NFT compared to only 1% of women. This means that 29% of US men say they collect NFTs.
The number of people investing in NFTs has been increasing rapidly. NFT familiarity and ownership doubled between 2021 and 2022 and continues to grow. This growth is driven by several factors, including the rise in popularity of cryptocurrencies, celebrity endorsements, and the increasing number of NFT creators and artists.
Despite the increasing popularity of NFTs, there are still many people who view them as a passing fad or a waste of money. Additionally, the recent volatility in the cryptocurrency market may make some people hesitant to invest in NFTs.
It is worth noting that the percentage of people who own NFTs varies by country. For example, the Philippines has the highest percentage of NFT owners at 32%, while Germany has the lowest at 1%.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2024, there are around 360,000 people who own NFTs. This number is up from 9.3 million Americans in 2022.
In the US, 2.9% of men own NFTs, compared to 1.2% of women. Globally, 2% of women and 4% of men own NFTs.
Millennials and men are the most likely to be involved with NFT collecting in the future. 15% of men and 23% of millennials already collect NFTs.
The Philippines has the most NFT owners (32%) out of 20 countries compared, followed by Thailand (27%), Malaysia (24%), the UAE (23%), and Vietnam (17%).