Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) have emerged as a groundbreaking innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of digital art and collectibles, transforming how creators monetize their work. Central to this revolution is the concept of NFT royalties—a mechanism that allows creators to continue profiting from their art even after its initial sale.
In this guide, we explore the fundamentals of NFT royalties, exploring how they work, benefits, setup methods, tracking procedures, and dispute resolution strategies.
What are NFT royalties?
NFT royalties are a way for creators to earn long-term passive income from their work, even after the initial sale of the NFT. When an NFT is created, the creator can set a royalty percentage, which is the amount of money they will receive from each subsequent sale of the NFT. This means that the creator can continue to earn money from their work for years to come.
NFT royalties are a powerful tool for creators, as they can help them to protect their intellectual property and ensure that they are fairly compensated for their work.
How NFT Royalties Work
At the heart of NFT royalties lies the ingenious application of blockchain technology. When an NFT is minted, its smart contract can be programmed to automatically allocate a percentage of any future resale value to the original creator. This programming ensures that creators receive their due share every time the NFT changes hands, be it once or a hundred times.
The calculation and distribution of royalty payments are baked into the very code of the NFT. When a secondary sale occurs, the smart contract triggers the transfer of the predefined percentage to the creator's wallet, ensuring an equitable distribution of profits between creators and collectors.
There are two primary types of NFT royalties: fixed royalties and percentage royalties. A fixed royalty entails a fixed monetary amount paid to the creator on each resale, while a percentage royalty allocates a specific percentage of the resale price. This flexibility empowers creators to choose the royalty model that aligns best with their creative and financial goals.
Benefits of NFT Royalties
- Passive Income: NFT royalties can generate passive income for creators, even after the initial sale of the NFT. This means that creators can earn money from their work without having to do anything else.
- Long-Term Revenue Generation: The beauty of NFT royalties lies in their ability to generate long-term revenue. As NFTs are bought and sold in the secondary market, creators can enjoy a continuous flow of income over time, effectively transcending the limitations of traditional one-time sales.
- Increased Value of NFTs: NFTs with royalties attached to them can be more valuable than NFTs without royalties, as they offer the potential for ongoing income. This can make NFTs more attractive to buyers, which can drive up their prices.
- Improved Creator-Collector Relationships: NFT royalties can help to improve creator-collector relationships, as collectors are more likely to support creators who share their profits. This can lead to more sales and a stronger community of supporters for creators.
- Increased Transparency: NFT royalties can help to increase transparency in the art market, as it allows collectors to see how much money the creator is making from each sale. This can help to build trust and confidence in the NFT market.
How to Set Up NFT Royalties
The process of implementing NFT royalties varies across platforms, each with its own nuances. Here are some popular methods:
- Built-In Smart Contracts: Some NFT marketplaces offer built-in royalty functionalities, streamlining the process for creators. OpenSea, Blur and Rarible are prime examples.Â
- Custom Smart Contracts: For more intricate royalty models, creators can explore custom smart contracts that cater to specific needs. While this approach demands technical know-how, it offers greater flexibility.
How to Avoid Disputes over NFT Royalties
- Be clear about the royalty terms before you buy an NFT. Make sure you understand how much royalty the creator will receive from each subsequent sale of the NFT, and whether there are any restrictions on how the royalty can be used.
- Consider using a platform that offers flexible royalty terms. Some platforms, such as X2Y2, allow you to set your own royalty percentage or even eliminate royalties altogether. This can be a good option if you are concerned about the high royalty fees that some NFT projects charge.
- Be aware of the potential for disputes. Even if you are careful to read the fine print, there is always the potential for disputes over royalty payments. If you are involved in a dispute, it is important to document everything and seek legal advice if necessary.
- Use a reputable NFT marketplace. Reputable marketplaces are more likely to have systems in place to resolve disputes over royalty payments.
- Do your research on the NFT project before you buy. Make sure the project is legitimate and that the creators have a good reputation.
As you embark on your NFT journey, remember that setting up royalties is more than just a financial strategy—it's a step towards reshaping the landscape of creative ownership.
