International NFT Day

Categories:: Arts & Entertainment
Tags:: Technology
Where:: International
Date change rule:: Every September 20
Holiday emoji:: 🖼️

International NFT Day lights up the calendar every September 20, commemorating the 2017 publication of the ERC-721 standard that defined non-fungible tokens. It’s a global celebration of digital ownership, blockchain innovation, and the vibrant communities built around unique digital assets. Explore the future of art, collectibles, and verifiable digital property.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Brands
Hero
History
Timeline
Businesses
FAQs
Importance
Celebrate

Expected International NFT Day Deals

While official 2027 promotions are yet to be announced, International NFT Day often sparks exciting deals across the digital asset landscape. Look for discounted minting fees on platforms like OpenSea and Rarible, special drops from prominent artists on Nifty Gateway, and exclusive bundles on marketplaces like Magic Eden. Crypto exchanges such as Coinbase and Binance may offer reduced trading fees for NFT-related tokens, while hardware wallet providers like Ledger could feature sales on secure storage solutions. Keep an eye on social media for flash sales from independent creators and art collectives. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as September 20 approaches.

Platform Guide for International NFT Day

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NFTDay. Share short videos showcasing your favorite NFT art, explaining blockchain basics, or documenting a new minting experience.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #InternationalNFTDay. Post visually stunning digital art, behind-the-scenes of NFT creation, or highlight unique collections with engaging Reels.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NFTDay. Join trending conversations about blockchain innovation, share insights on market trends, or participate in Spaces discussions with creators and collectors.

International NFT Day Hero

Dieter Shirley

Dieter Shirley is a key figure in the history of NFTs, recognized as the Chief Technology Officer of Dapper Labs and a co-author of the ERC-721 standard. This Ethereum standard, published on September 20, 2017, formally defined non-fungible tokens, laying the foundational technical framework for the entire NFT ecosystem. His work was instrumental in enabling the unique digital ownership that NFTs represent today.

History of International NFT Day

In a short period of time, non-fungible tokens (or NFTs) have made their mark in the digital world as tradeable tokens, as well as a form of artistic expression. Add to this the fact that NFTs cannot be replicated or have their ownership manipulated, and the result is a thriving community that’s a haven for passionate creators and collectors.

What began as an exploration of how blockchain can be used has now taken a life of its own. On September 20, 2017, a paper called the ERC-721 standard was published, it would become the template for non-fungible tokens and was the first time the term “NFT” was used. In this proposal, the term ‘Non-Fungible Token’ was first introduced and has become the abbreviation used since the entity’s introduction. International NFT Day marks not only the annual anniversary of this revolutionary publication but also the actual birthday of NFTs.

NFTs have only grown since then, with early staples like CryptoPunks becoming status symbols, Bored Apes reaching mainstream recognition through influencers and celebrities, and huge platforms like NBA Top Shot showing the power of authentic licensed collectibles from major intellectual property. It’s been estimated that the NFT industry is en-route to becoming an $80 Billion industry by 2025, an outlook that solidifies the notion that NFTs are definitely here to stay.

NFTs are more than just an industry, though. Their popularity goes beyond the dollar signs, becoming collectibles that people cherish and identify with. They’ve become a way for collectors to identify people with similar interests, sprouting communities of people that embrace this technology and where it’s headed. International NFT Day is a day to rejoice as an entire community and a significant chance to reflect on the history of how we got here.

International NFT Day timeline

May 2014

First “NFT” Quantum is Minted

The widely considered first NFT “Quantum” is minted on the Namecoin Bitcoin fork, long before the concept of NFTs as we know them today was explored.

September 2017

NFTs are Born

The first formal usage of the term “NFT” is used in a publication called the ERC-721 and it goes on to become the standard for building NFTs.

December 2017

Sailing the OpenSea

OpenSea, one of the most active NFT Marketplaces for the entire Web3 space, goes live— rapidly becoming a melting pot of creators, collectors, and NFT enthusiasts.

October 2020

The NBA Top Shot

NBA Top Shot is launched on Flow blockchain and is widely considered the spark that sets off the NFT craze.

September 2022

The First Celebration

Dapper Labs sponsors the first International NFT Day and the first celebration takes place. Want to be a sponsor: learn how.

How Businesses Can Celebrate International NFT Day

Local businesses can engage with International NFT Day by exploring how digital assets can enhance their brand presence and customer engagement. Consider hosting a workshop on creating NFTs for local artists, showcasing digital art from community members, or even integrating NFTs into loyalty programs. Restaurants could offer special discounts for customers who own specific digital collectibles, while tech startups might launch limited-edition NFTs to commemorate product milestones. Highlighting blockchain’s potential for verifiable ownership and community building can attract a new demographic.

International NFT Day FAQs

When is International NFT Day?

International NFT Day 2026 falls on Sunday, September 20, marking the anniversary of the ERC-721 standard’s publication. It’s a global observance celebrating digital ownership and blockchain innovation.

How many people own NFTs?

While exact figures fluctuate, estimates suggest millions of individuals globally own at least one NFT, with the market seeing significant growth in recent years. The number continues to expand as digital collectibles gain wider acceptance.

What is the history behind NFTs?

The concept of non-fungible tokens emerged from early blockchain experiments, with projects like Colored Coins on Bitcoin. However, the modern NFT era truly began on September 20, 2017, with the publication of the ERC-721 standard on Ethereum, which formalized their creation.

What does 'non-fungible' mean for a digital token?

Non-fungible means that each token is unique and cannot be replaced by another identical item. Unlike fungible assets like Bitcoin or traditional currency, where one unit is interchangeable with another, an NFT has distinct properties that make it one-of-a-kind.

International NFT Day Activities

Use the hashtag #NFTDay
Get the conversation going about NFTs using the hashtag #NFTDay on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Share your favorite NFT projects and collectibles, discuss the latest NFT trends, and discover more NFTs.
Find an in-person event to attend
Celebrate International NFT Day by attending one of the many spectacular NFT events and conventions being hosted in locations around the world! Everybody is welcome and you are sure to have a great time.
Mint your first NFT in minutes
Take your original art and photos to blockchain, completely free, with a frictionless experience. Even if you don’t currently own a wallet, within minutes you can be all set up and ready to mint.

5 Facts About NFTs That Will Make You Start Collecting Them

The value of NFTs is booming
The NFT market is expected to reach $80 Billion in value by 2025.
CryptoKitties Galore
NFT giant CryptoKitties famously crashed the Ethereum blockchain for driving a previously unseen amount of transactions.
More and more people are joining the NFT revolution
It is estimated that 9.3 Million people own at least one NFT as of 2022.
NFTs are super accessible
Despite big ticket sales making headlines, over 50% of all NFT sales are below $200.
Community brings value to collectors
One of the true values of collecting an NFT is finding a community that has the same interests as you. Even better, NFT projects often give away free tickets to events, rewards, and other fun things to do together with the friends you make along the way. This is one of the reasons NFT communities are so passionate — there’s intangible value in the connections being made.

Why We Love International NFT Day

NFTs are more than just digital tradeables
NFTs have also built communities and changed lives. The welcoming NFT community is open to all and has given creators around the world a way to channel their creativity and innovative ideas. NFTs mean a lot to people: They represent self-expression and a chance for people to own something truly unique and authentic.
It’s the birthday of NFTs
Since September 20 is the day when the term NFT was officially coined, we are celebrating the birthday of this revolutionary digital entity that has opened a world of endless possibilities for immortalizing unique moments, music, art—all the things that matter most to us.
Encouraging more people to join
We definitely don’t want to keep NFTs all to ourselves! The beauty of the NFT community is that it is open for anyone to join anytime! From NFT beginners to passionate advanced NFT collectors and blockchain lovers—there is something for everyone.