Mostly NFT creators are interested in high-quality NFT creations like GIFs, HD resolution images, and animation videos. Because of their high quality, they have a large file size. If you are a creator, you might face file size upload limit in NFT Minting or errors when you try to upload these types of high-quality and big-sized NFTs.
NFTs themselves do not have any restrictions on file type or size. However, the marketplaces we use to mint NFTs have their own rules and restrictions on file types and sizes. Most of the time in these marketplaces the file size upload limit depends on the file type you select to mint like photos, gifs, audio, or video.
I have created a table of the most popular marketplaces with these file size upload limits.
| NFT Marketplace | Accepted File Types | Minting File Size |
| OpenSea.io | Images, videos, audios, and 3D models | File size should not exceed 100MB |
| Rarible.com | PNG, GIF, WEBP, MP4, or MP3 | File size should not exceed 30MB |
| BinanceNFT | Image formats JPEG, PNG, and GIF, video formats MP4, MPEG, and AVI, and audio formats WAV and MP3 | File size should not exceed 50MB |
| Foundation.app | JPG or MP4 format | File size should not exceed 50MB |
| SuperRare.com | Image, video, audio, and 3D model | File size should not exceed 50MB (Thumbnail: 10MB) |
| KnownOrigin.io | Image, video, audio, and 3D model | File size should not exceed 75MB (Cover Image: 25MB) |
| BakerySwap | jpg, png, or gif | File size should not exceed 10MB, with a 3:4 ratio |
| Mintable.app | All image formats are supported, mp4 videos and GLB 3D files | File size should not exceed 200MB |
In NFTs different marketplaces have different file size upload limits. There are some marketplaces that allow maximum 10MBs of file size, and others that allow over 200MBs of file size, with different file types supported such as jpg, jpeg, png, gif, svg, webp, mp4, and mp3. Each marketplace varies on file size upload limit and file types, so be sure to check the marketplaces according to your criteria.
OpenSea.io:
Opensea is the most popular marketplace in the NFTs space and supports a variety of file types.
Supported file types: Opensea accepts gifs, jpgs, pngs, svgs, wavs, glb, oggs, and gltfs.
File Size: Maximum file size limit is 100MB.
Rarible.com:
This platform also allows users to upload multiple file types as NFT and has a limit for file size.
Supported file types: png, gif, webP, mp3, and mp4.
File Size: Any file type should be under 10 MB.
SuperRare.com:
SuperRare is also an NFT marketplace that works in auction style.
Supported file types: Allow users to mint GLP files which are binary output files from GLTF format.
File Size: Maximum 50 MB for images and 10 MB for thumbnails.
Foundation.app:
Foundation also has some rules and limitations for minting NFTs.
File Size and types:
- No file should exceed 50MB in size, including JPGs, PNGs, and MP4s. The ideal width of a still image should be at least 3000 pixels.
- A video with a resolution of 1080p or 4K is recommended. Maximum file size is 50MB.
BinanceNFT:
Binance is the world’s biggest cryptocurrency exchange and binanceNFT is the NFT marketplace by Binance.
Supported file types: Allow users to mint Image formats JPEG, PNG, and GIF, video formats MP4, MPEG, and AVI, and audio formats WAV and MP3.
File Size: Any file type should not exceed 50 MB.
Bakeryswap:
The MuskDoge NFT option has been introduced to BakerySwap to make minting NFT easier and faster for its users. This is another important market for NFTs.
Supported file types: Allow users to mint jpg, png, or gif format files.
File Size: Any file type should not exceed 10MB, with a 3:4 ratio.
Mintbase.io:
Mintbase marketplace is based on a carbon-neutral blockchain-like polygon. It is also called NEAR. So it has a very low gas fee as compared to others. Mintbase is using the Arweave hybrid blockchain to store NFT files and metadata. Arweave hybrid is a global hard drive that is used to store data.
Supported file types: A wide range of formats is supported by Mintbase, including gif, png, jpg, pdf, ogg, mp3, and mp4.
File Size: You can upload images up to 10MB. There is a 16MB file size limit on other files (mp4, mp3, ogg).
Understanding File Size Upload Limits in NFT Minting
When minting an NFT, the process involves uploading a digital asset to a blockchain network. This asset could be an image, video, audio, or any other digital media. However, blockchain technology has some limitations, including the amount of data that can be stored in each block. These limitations translate to file size upload limits, which are crucial in NFT minting.
File size upload limits refer to the maximum size of digital assets that can be uploaded to a blockchain network to create an NFT. These limits vary across different NFT marketplaces and platforms, and they can range from as low as 1 MB to as high as 50 MB or more.
Importance of File Size Upload Limits in NFT Minting
File size upload limits are essential in NFT minting for several reasons. Firstly, blockchain networks have a limited amount of storage space, and file size upload limits help to ensure that the network doesn’t get congested with large files that could slow down the entire system.
Secondly, file size limits are essential in ensuring that NFTs remain accessible and affordable to a wider audience. Large files require more storage space and computing power, which could lead to higher fees for minting and purchasing NFTs. By limiting the file size, NFT creators can keep the costs down, making it easier for more people to participate in the NFT ecosystem.
Common File Size Limits Across Various NFT Marketplaces and Platforms
Different NFT marketplaces and platforms have different file size upload limits, depending on their blockchain network and technology infrastructure. For example, OpenSea, one of the largest NFT marketplaces, has a file size limit of 50 MB. Rarible, another popular NFT marketplace, allows files up to 30 MB, while SuperRare limits file sizes to 20 MB.
It’s important for NFT creators to check the file size upload limits on the marketplace or platform they plan to use before creating their digital asset. This helps them to avoid creating a file that exceeds the upload limit, which could cause the minting process to fail or result in additional costs.
Challenges and Limitations
While file size upload limits are crucial in NFT minting, they also come with some challenges and limitations that NFT creators need to be aware of. Here are some of the common challenges and limitations:
Technical Limitations
One of the main challenges of file size upload limits is the technical limitations of blockchain technology. Blockchain networks have limited storage capacity and computational power, which can affect the quality of the digital assets that can be uploaded. This could result in a loss of image or audio quality, which could affect the overall value of the NFT.
Creativity Constraints
File size upload limits can also constrain the creative process of NFT creators. For example, a photographer may want to upload high-resolution images to showcase the details of their work, but the file size limit could force them to compress the images, resulting in lower image quality.
Market Fragmentation
Another limitation of file size upload limits is market fragmentation. Different NFT marketplaces and platforms have different file size limits, which could lead to market fragmentation. This means that NFT creators may have to create multiple versions of their digital asset to meet the requirements of different marketplaces, which could be time-consuming and expensive.
Solutions to File Size Upload Limits in NFT Minting
To overcome the challenges and limitations associated with file size upload limits in NFT minting, several solutions have been implemented by NFT marketplaces and platforms. Here are some of the most common solutions:
Decentralized Storage Solutions
Decentralized storage solutions, such as IPFS (InterPlanetary File System), allow NFT creators to store their digital assets off-chain while still linking them to the blockchain network. This can help to overcome the technical limitations of the blockchain network and increase the file size upload limit.
Compression Techniques
Compression techniques can also be used to reduce the file size of digital assets without compromising their quality. These techniques can be used to create smaller file sizes that meet the requirements of the blockchain network and marketplaces while still maintaining the creative and visual integrity of the asset.
Marketplaces with Higher File Size Limits
NFT creators can also choose to use marketplaces or platforms that have higher file size upload limits. These platforms can offer more storage capacity and computational power, which can accommodate larger digital assets.
Fractional NFTs
Fractional NFTs are a solution that allows NFT creators to divide their digital assets into smaller pieces, making them easier to store and transfer on the blockchain network. This solution can help to reduce the file size of the digital asset while still maintaining the value and ownership of the asset.
Collaboration Between NFT Marketplaces and Platforms
Finally, collaboration between NFT marketplaces and platforms can help to overcome market fragmentation and increase the accessibility of NFTs. By working together, these platforms can create standardized file size upload limits and storage solutions, making it easier for NFT creators to create and sell their digital assets across different platforms.
Costs
File size upload limits can also affect the costs associated with NFT minting. Larger files require more storage space and computational power, which could result in higher fees for minting and transaction costs. This could make it more difficult for NFT creators to sell their digital assets, as buyers may not be willing to pay higher prices.
Importance of Metadata
While file size upload limits are important in NFT minting, metadata is also crucial. Metadata refers to the additional information attached to an NFT that provides context and details about the digital asset. This information can help to increase the value of the NFT and provide more transparency and trust to buyers.
What is Metadata?
Metadata is the descriptive information that is attached to an NFT. This information can include the name of the artist, creation date, provenance, and ownership history. The metadata is stored on the blockchain network along with the digital asset and provides a permanent record of the NFT’s history.
Importance of Metadata
Metadata is essential in NFT minting for several reasons. Firstly, it provides more information about the digital asset, which can increase its value. For example, if an NFT has a provenance that can be traced back to a famous artist or collector, this can increase the NFT’s value in the eyes of potential buyers.
Secondly, metadata can provide more transparency and trust to buyers. By providing information about the ownership and history of the NFT, buyers can have more confidence in the authenticity and value of the digital asset.
Best Practices for Metadata
To ensure that metadata is accurate and reliable, NFT creators and platforms should follow best practices when creating and storing metadata. These best practices include:
- Using standardized metadata formats to ensure that the information is consistent and can be easily understood by buyers and collectors.
- Including as much information as possible about the digital asset, such as the artist’s name, creation date, and provenance.
- Using digital signatures and smart contracts to ensure that the metadata is tamper-proof and cannot be altered or falsified.
- Providing clear and concise descriptions of the digital asset that accurately reflect its content and value.
What is the best file format for NFT?
The best file format for NFT depends on your preferences, but each marketplace has file size limitations according to file format. So it is recommended to check the marketplace restrictions on file types and file sizes.
What is the best resolution for NFT?
The best resolution for NFT images is 1080px. You can also go with 2048px by 2048px which gives you a square image for NFT. For minting, it is recommended to use compressed images and provide a high-resolution image with an external drive link. Minting high-resolution images cost more gas.
What is the best place to upload large NFT files?
Different marketplaces have different limitations on file size and file types. So the most convenient place to upload large NFT files is external online drives like Google Drive and Pinata.
You can upload your large files like high-resolution images, gifs, and videos to Google Drive and Pinata. Pinata is an InterPlanetary file system which I will discuss below. This will increase the storage capacity and you can also control who can access which files on your drive.
It is definitely a convenient way to share your drive links with your NFT holders. They will be able to access high-resolution files and also see the additional files you are providing with NFTs.
Google Drive provides users with free 15 GB drive space which you can use to upload large files. Additionally, your email and attachments are stored within these 15GB. As compared to other online drive options, it is a viable option.
Pinata is based on the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) which is a distributed file-sharing protocol. In simple words, it is a decentralized file-sharing drive. You can use Pinata to store and manage your files where you are unable to use Gmail or Dropbox. Users can use up to 1GB of space for free or can purchase extra space with monthly subscriptions for a small fee. You can upload all types of files to Pinata. This is a good way to mint your NFT and store your media files externally to Pinata.
When you mint a large file, what happens?
If you mint a too large file as an NFT, the results could be annoying. So what exactly happens when you try to upload a too large file while minting your NFT?
You can probably expect the following results.
- Your file could be rejected by blocking.
- Your file upload may be canceled.
- The file was uploaded, but it turned out to be a corrupt media file.
While you are minting NFT there is no way to undo your file and mint another media file. Once your NFT is minted, you can not make changes to the media file or you can not reupload the file. The only way to do this is mint another NFT with the right file. So you can mint another NFT and burn this one as well.
How to reduce the size to avoid the file size upload limit in NFT minting?
The above-mentioned errors can occur when you have a large file. Or in case you uploaded successfully a large file. You have to pay a higher gas fee for the large file size. So the solution to this file size problem is you can reduce the size of your NFT media file. Here’s how you can reduce NFT file sizes.
- You can compress media files like images, gifs, and videos online for free. You can find these file compression tools online by searching on google “compress {file type}”. You can change the file type variable as per your file.
- You can upload this compressed file while minting your NFT, store large files on an external file sharing drive and share its link.
Conclusion :
It is very important to check the file size upload limit in NFT minting before you start with any marketplace. If you mint your NFT without checking these details, you could face many issues, as well as have to pay a gas fee. In addition, you have to pay a higher gas fee for large media files, which can be a financial loss. So it is recommended to review these details before minting your NFT.
