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The Evolution of NFTs: From Digital Collectibles to Global Infrastructure

The Evolution of NFTs: From Digital Collectibles to Global Infrastructure Introduction Since their mainstream explosion in 2021, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) have moved through a complete market cycle. After a period of extreme volatility, the 2026 NFT landscape has transitioned from a speculative "Gold Rush" to a sophisticated ecosystem of utility, identity, and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization . Today, NFTs are no longer just an experimental trend; they are a fundamental layer of the digital economy. 1. What are NFTs Today? While the core technology remains the same—unique digital assets verified on a blockchain—their application has broadened. In 2026, we distinguish between PFP (Profile Picture) NFTs and Utility NFTs . Key Characteristics in 2026: Dynamic Metadata: Many modern NFTs are "living" assets that can change based on real-world data or owner interactions. Cross-Chain Interoperability: Through protocols like LayerZero and Polkadot, an NFT minted on E...