NFT Marketplace Guide: Best Platforms to Buy, Sell, and Create NFTs

Did you know that NFT marketplace trading volumes for Ethereum NFTs topped $18 billion in 2023, signaling an unstoppable rise in digital art and collectibles? As more people join the NFT space, understanding how NFT marketplaces work has never been more important. This guide explains what an NFT marketplace is, how it's powering the boom in Ethereum NFTs, and what you need to know—whether you're buying, selling, or creating. We’ll cover leading platforms, compare their features, walk through step-by-step processes, share security tips, and show how creators benefit. Read on for everything you need about NFT marketplaces, with trusted examples from the best in the business.

What Is an NFT Marketplace?

An NFT marketplace is a digital platform where you can buy, sell, create (mint), or trade non-fungible tokens (NFTs) like digital art, music, game assets, and more. Unlike regular crypto exchanges, which focus on fungible assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum, NFT marketplaces handle unique, one-of-a-kind items linked to the blockchain, making each asset provably rare.

The core difference is that a standard crypto exchange matches buyers and sellers of identical coins, while an NFT marketplace matches buyers and sellers of distinct digital collectibles. For most users, the Ethereum blockchain is the main stage for NFTs, supporting vast ecosystems such as ERC-721 and ERC-1155 tokens. However, multichain options now exist too, with Polygon, Solana, and Cardano offering their own NFT experiences. Still, Ethereum's early dominance means most of the highest-profile NFTs trade there.

💡 Pro Tip: Before your first NFT purchase, always double-check which blockchain the marketplace supports—fees and supported wallets can differ.

OKX offers a secure, beginner-friendly NFT marketplace, making it easy to discover, buy, or create NFTs on Ethereum and other leading networks. Thanks to robust security and clear onboarding, even first-time users can confidently explore the world of digital collectibles.

Top Ethereum NFT Marketplaces (2024)

Choosing the best NFT marketplace depends on what matters to you: fees, features, community, or security. Here’s a quick look at the most popular Ethereum NFT platforms—plus how they compare on essentials:

• Opensea: The largest marketplace overall, supporting Ethereum, Polygon, and others with a simple interface. It’s known for huge collections, futures auctions, and user tools.
• OKX NFT Marketplace: Combining low 1% fees with top-tier security, OKX is ideal for new users and seasoned traders alike—offering easy onboarding, mobile trading, and broad wallet integration.
• LooksRare: Community-focused with rewards for trading and listing, best for active traders and those looking to earn $LOOKS tokens.
• Rarible: Great for creators; supports custom royalties across Ethereum, Polygon, and Tezos. Offers easy minting features and supports many wallets.
• Magic Eden: Cross-chain capabilities shine here, making it a top pick for Solana and Ethereum gamers and collectors.

💡 Pro Tip: OKX’s NFT marketplace stands out for security (with anti-phishing alerts and escrow), fast onboarding, and fees lower than Opensea and LooksRare.

Trending Ethereum NFT Collections

Keeping up with trending NFT collections helps you spot opportunities and stay ahead of market shifts. On major marketplaces like Opensea and OKX, you can explore rankings for Ethereum NFTs based on metrics like volume traded, number of sales, and rising floor prices.

Here’s how to discover what’s hot:

• Browse "Trending" or "Top Collections" on Opensea or OKX's NFT homepage.
• Check stats like floor price, 24-hour volume, and number of unique owners.
• Filter by category (art, PFPs, gaming, music) or by blockchain (Ethereum, Polygon, etc.).

Some trending Ethereum NFT collections (as of early 2024):

• Azuki: Anime-inspired art, consistently high floor prices.
• Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC): Celebrity following, exclusive perks for holders.
• ArtBlocks: Generative, on-chain art projects known for innovation.
• Pudgy Penguins: Strong Twitter/X community, major 2024 comeback.
• Beanz: Newer but fast-growing, often piggybacking on parent project momentum.

To find hidden gems, watch for new projects that show sudden spikes in volume and positive community buzz.

With the OKX NFT marketplace, you can use advanced filters to search by trending stats, rarity, or last sale price—perfect for spotting the next breakout hit before it goes mainstream.

How to Buy, Sell, and List NFTs: Step-by-Step

Getting started with buying and selling NFTs is increasingly simple, especially with beginner-friendly platforms like OKX.

1. Wallet Setup:

• Download a crypto wallet like MetaMask, OKX Wallet, or Trust Wallet.
• Fund your wallet with Ethereum. Transfer ETH from a trusted source—learn more in the crypto wallet guide.
• Always enable security features (e.g., 2FA, hardware wallet integration).

2. Buying an NFT:

• Connect your wallet to the marketplace (OKX, Opensea, etc.).
• Use search and filters to find NFTs: explore by trending, price, category, or rarity.
• Click "Buy Now" or place a bid; confirm the transaction in your wallet.

3. Listing/Selling an NFT:

• Go to your collection and choose the NFT to list.
• Set a fixed price or start an auction; specify royalties for resale (if supported).
• Confirm and sign the listing transaction in your wallet.

4. Fees:

• Typical service fees range from 1–2.5% per sale.
• Ethereum gas fees may also apply (can fluctuate based on network demand).

With OKX’s user interface, you can buy or list NFTs in a few clicks, and fees are just 1%—well below industry average.

💡 Pro Tip: Never share your wallet seed phrase. For maximum security, store your recovery phrase offline.

NFT Drops & Launchpads

An NFT drop is a scheduled release of new NFTs, typically from a notable artist or project. Drops often happen via "launchpads," dedicated sections on platforms where users mint new tokens at launch.

How to participate:

• Follow project and marketplace social channels for drop announcements.
• Register early if allowlisting/whitelisting is required.
• Connect your wallet to the drop page and mint your NFT at launch.

To avoid scams:

• Only click official links from the project or marketplace site.
• Never respond to unsolicited wallet connect requests.
• Double-check collection smart contract addresses.

OKX offers its own NFT Launchpad, featuring curated drops and added security, so you can mint with confidence. Top upcoming drops are frequently highlighted in the OKX ecosystem—making it easy for you to catch the next big project.

Rewards, Security & Mobile: OKX Advantages

Trading or creating NFTs comes with unique challenges—but with OKX, users enjoy powerful advantages:

Rewards & Loyalty:

• Earn periodic rewards for frequent trading or minting.
• Creators benefit from lower minting fees and featured placement opportunities.

Security Practices:

• Industry-leading escrow protection on all trades.
• Proof-of-reserves claims add platform transparency.
• Two-factor authentication for web and mobile.

Check out OKX’s NFT security tips for safeguarding your assets.

Mobile Features:

• Fully-featured NFT app for iOS/Android: buy, sell, mint, and get instant alerts.
• Upload and list NFTs directly from your phone, manage collections on-the-go.

OKX’s all-in-one platform experience ensures you never miss an opportunity, whether you're at home or mobile.

Artist and Creator Guide: Selling and Promoting Your NFTs

If you're a creator, getting started is easier than ever. Here's how:

Minting and Listing NFTs:

• Use OKX’s self-serve minting tools to turn your digital art into NFTs—just upload your file, set metadata, and mint on Ethereum.
• Set custom royalties to ensure you earn a percentage of each future resale.

Promoting and Growing Your Audience:

• Apply to get featured on the homepage—boosting your discovery.
• Join creator communities, participate in AMAs and social campaigns.
• Share your drops early and encourage feedback to build loyal collectors.

OKX provides an onboarding flow that guides you through minting, listing, and promoting, while offering lower fees so more of your earnings stay in your pocket.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NFT marketplace?

An NFT marketplace is a platform where users can buy, sell, and trade unique digital assets (NFTs) powered by blockchain. See the "What Is an NFT Marketplace?" section above for details.

How to build an NFT marketplace?

Building an NFT marketplace requires knowledge of smart contracts, blockchain (typically Ethereum), and secure user interfaces. For fast solutions, explore OKX developer tools and third-party API resources.

How do I buy or sell NFTs on Ethereum?

Set up a wallet (like MetaMask or OKX Wallet), connect to a marketplace (e.g., OKX), find an NFT to buy, confirm your transaction, or list your own NFT following prompts. Always verify wallet security.

Which NFT marketplace is best?

It depends on your needs—compare fees, features, collections, and security. See the platform comparison table above for a quick overview.

Is it safe to buy NFTs?

NFT trading involves some risks—always use official marketplaces like OKX, enable wallet security, and follow NFT security tips.

What are NFT royalties?

Royalties are automatic payments to creators on each resale of their NFT. On OKX, you can set royalties when minting, ensuring recurring income.

Conclusion

Navigating the NFT marketplace landscape can be thrilling—and safe—when you choose the right platform and stay alert to trends. From understanding what an NFT marketplace is, to comparing the best platforms, exploring trending Ethereum NFT collections, and following best practices for buying or minting, you’ll be better equipped to find success. Remember: prioritize platform security, stay curious about new drops, and use tools that empower both creators and collectors. Ready to dive in? Try the OKX NFT marketplace for a trusted, low-fee, and beginner-friendly NFT experience.

Risk Disclaimer: NFTs and cryptocurrency trading involve risks. Prices can fluctuate, and losses are possible. Always do your own research and never invest more than you can afford to lose.