NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are not just images, but tokens that point to digital content: an image, audio file, video, or metadata. However, the media files themselves are most often not stored on the blockchain, as this is expensive and technically impractical. To avoid dependence on centralized servers and ensure the longevity of digital content, creators use decentralized storage solutions such as IPFS and Arweave.
Why can’t you just store files on a regular server?
If you place an NFT image on regular hosting, such as in the cloud or on a web server, there is a risk that the server will stop working, the domain will disappear, or the company will close. In this case, the NFT token will continue to exist on the blockchain, but it will refer to a non-existent file — and its value will plummet. Therefore, reliability, independence, and durability are important for storing NFT content.
IPFS: one of the most popular solutions
IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) is a peer-to-peer network that allows you to store files and access them using a unique hash. Instead of the usual URL links (such as https://…), IPFS uses addresses based on the file’s content. This means that even if the file is placed on another node, it can still be accessed using the same link.
To prevent content from disappearing from the network, it needs to be pinned — a process called pinning. There are special services for this, such as Pinata, Web3.Storage, or NFT.Storage, which provide permanent storage of files in IPFS.
IPFS is actively used in projects such as OpenSea, Rarible, Zora, Foundation, and many others. It is a kind of standard in the NFT industry.
Arweave: storage “forever”
Unlike IPFS, where files can disappear without support, Arweave offers permanent storage, meaning that the file will always be available on the network — once uploaded, it will never be deleted. This is ensured by the special architecture of the network and the payment model: you pay once when you upload, and Arweave takes care of storing the content in the long term.
Arweave is especially popular with projects where it is important to guarantee the preservation of information, such as platforms for publishing texts (like Mirror), videos (Glass), or archival data. In addition, it can be used through the Bundlr service, which simplifies uploading and speeds up network operations.
NFTs and metadata: how it all works
Each NFT is associated with metadata that specifies the token name, description, image link, and possibly other data (video, attributes, rarity parameters, etc.). This metadata is usually presented in JSON format and is also stored in IPFS or Arweave.
Thus, the NFT storage structure looks like this:
- The NFT smart contract contains a link to metadata (URI).
- The metadata is stored on IPFS or Arweave.
- The metadata, in turn, contains a link to an image or other media file, also stored on IPFS or Arweave.
Which to choose: IPFS or Arweave?
Both options are reliable, but each has its own characteristics:
- IPFS is well suited for projects with an active community and a large number of files. It is flexible and free, but requires support (pinning) to prevent files from disappearing.
- Arweave is the best solution if long-term and immutable content storage is important to you. This is especially relevant for valuable collections, artifacts, or digital archives.
Many projects combine both approaches: they use IPFS for fast performance and convenient integration, and Arweave for a long-lasting copy that guarantees that the content will not disappear.
How to get started
If you are just entering the world of NFTs, you can start with free tools. Sign up for Pinata or NFT.Storage — these platforms allow you to upload images and metadata without paying. To work with Arweave, it is better to use the ArDrive or Bundlr interface, where you can easily upload data and pay for storage via a crypto wallet.
Also, don’t forget to check that your marketplace (e.g., OpenSea or Mintable) correctly supports IPFS or Arweave links.
Conclusion
IPFS and Arweave are the foundation of storage in the NFT ecosystem. They allow creators and collectors to be confident that their digital art, music, or collectible tokens will not disappear. If you are creating an NFT project, choosing decentralized storage is not just a matter of technology, it is a guarantee of trust and longevity for your collection.
