The NFT (non-fungible token) space has evolved far beyond digital art and profile pictures. Today, startups across industries—from gaming to real estate to fashion—are harnessing NFTs to bring innovation, transparency, and unique value to their products and services. If you’re a startup looking to launch your own NFT-based platform or integrate NFTs into your business model, one of the first decisions you’ll face is choosing the right NFT token standard.
Two of the most popular standards on the Ethereum blockchain are ERC-721 and ERC-1155. But which one is right for your business?
Understanding the core differences and practical use cases can help you make a smart, future-proof decision.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into comparisons, it’s essential to understand what these standards actually do.
ERC-721: This is the original NFT standard. It allows for the creation of unique, one-of-a-kind tokens. Each token has its own metadata and cannot be replaced by another. Think collectibles, tickets, or digital art—each item is distinguishable.
ERC-1155: This is a multi-token standard. It supports both fungible (like in-game currencies) and non-fungible tokens within the same smart contract. This means you can create multiple copies of an item (like a limited edition) or even batch transfer different types of assets in one transaction—saving gas fees and increasing efficiency.
Choosing the NFT Standard Based on Your Startup’s Use Case!
-
You’re Building a Digital Art or Collectibles Marketplace - ERC-721’s simplicity and widespread adoption make it great for projects that don’t need complex token structures.
-
You’re Launching a Game or Virtual World - ERC-1155 a favorite in the gaming industry and interactive digital environments.
Regardless of the standard you choose, your end users probably won’t know (or care) whether they’re interacting with ERC-721 or ERC-1155 tokens.
The NFT world is exciting, fast-moving, and full of potential. As a startup entering this space, selecting between ERC-721 and ERC-1155 isn’t just a technical decision—it’s a strategic one. Think about your business model, your users, and how you want to scale.
Whether you’re still sketching your product roadmap or ready to start minting, having experienced NFT developers by your side can save you time, money, and countless headaches.