NFT Avatars — A New Identity

NFT avatars are digital portraits, often illustrating animated or pixelated characters. Avatars are algorithmically generated to give each NFT unique identifiable traits, such as a particular hairstyle, mustache, glasses, or even laser eyes — a social trend Bitcoiners cite to support the cryptocurrency’s climb to US$100,000.

In many instances, the ownership of these avatars represent community membership. Bored Ape Yacht Club is one of the most successful NFT avatar collections in the world, charming world-famous stars such as two-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Stephen Curry and rap icon Eminem into its prestigious community. In February 2022, the average price for a single Bored Ape was US$319,947, or 110 ETH.

Nine of the top 10 NFT collections by sales volume were avatars in February 2022, up from January’s eight in 10. Azuki, an anime inspired NFT collection that provides owners access to The Garden metaverse, dethroned January champion Bored Ape Yacht Club by selling US$148 million from its collection. In this metaverse, Azuki NFT avatars become their owners’ identity to interact with the community.

The rise of the metaverse may be the catalyst to shift mainstream perception of NFTs from simple pictures to unique assets that represent ownership in the digital realm.

Big brands have already started to connect digital and physical properties. For one, Adidas has partnered with Bored Ape Yacht Club for its upcoming collection of NFTs titled “Into the Metaverse.” Owners of these NFTs will gain access to four exclusive physical products at no additional cost. The popular sportswear brand also said its upcoming lineup of physical apparel will complement virtual wearables in the form of NFTs.

With the pandemic accelerating digital transformation, the metaverse may be transitioning from sci-fi luxury into a future necessity.

Questions about the future include how our digital counterparts will look in the metaverse, and how that version can maintain a person’s uniqueness. So far, NFT avatars present a reasonable option.