NFT Market Sees Decline in Trading Volume and Sales
The NFT market experienced a significant decline in trading volume and sales in July, according to a report from DappRadar. The trading volume decreased by 29% and the number of sales dropped by 23% compared to the previous month. This slump in the market was accompanied by a decrease in floor prices for top-tier collections like Bored Ape Yacht Club and Azuki. However, there were a few bright spots, with Gods Unchained and CryptoPunks seeing small increases in floor prices. When compared to the beginning of the year, the decline is even more staggering, with a 49% drop in sales and a decrease in trading volume by over 45%.
Polygon Network Dominates NFT Trading
The Polygon network experienced a surge in activity, with 772,424 traders and 27% of all trades in July. This can be attributed to the lower gas fees on Polygon compared to the Ethereum blockchain, as well as the network being chosen by popular brands like Starbucks and Nike for their Web3 digital collectibles. Reddit’s launch of Gen 4 avatars in late July also contributed to the increased sales on Polygon. Despite the gains made by networks like Polygon, Ethereum remains the top blockchain in terms of trading volume.
Shifting Landscape of Top NFT Collections
Yuga Labs’ Bored Ape Yacht Club retained its position as the most traded collection in July, but other collections like Mutant Ape Yacht Club and CryptoPunks also made it into the top ten. This is a significant shift from a few months ago when Yuga Labs dominated the rankings. Azuki, on the other hand, has not recovered from the fallout of their Elementals mint, which caused prices to fall. Other collections like Pudgy Penguins and DeGods saw success due to factors such as the launch of real-life toys and anticipation for a new collection release.
Emerging Popularity of ‘Low Barrier Entry’ NFTs
The report suggests that the rise in trading volume and network activity may be attributed to the growing popularity of “low barrier entry” NFTs, which are more affordable and accessible to a wider audience. This shift indicates a broader trend in the NFT market towards platforms that offer more affordable options. This could potentially lead to a more diverse and inclusive NFT market in the future.
Hot Take: NFT Market Faces Challenges Amidst Crypto Winter
The decline in trading volume and sales in the NFT market in July reflects the challenges faced by the industry during the ongoing crypto winter. While there were some positive developments, such as increased activity on the Polygon network, the overall trend is one of decline. However, the emergence of more affordable and accessible NFT options indicates that there is still potential for growth and innovation in the market. The NFT market will need to adapt and evolve to attract a wider audience and overcome the current challenges.