Metadata
Data about datainformation that describes an NFT such as its name, description, image URL, and other attributes.
Last Updated
2026-03-29
Related Concepts
What is Metadata?
Metadata is the JSON file linked from an NFT contract that defines its name, image URL, and traits. It bridges the on-chain token ID with the actual digital asset it represents.
How does Metadata work?
The NFT contract stores a URI pointing to a JSON file. That file contains the name, description, image link, and trait attributes.
Marketplaces fetch this file to display the NFT correctly.
Why does Metadata matter?
How metadata is stored centralized servers vs. IPFS determines whether an NFT's image and traits survive long term.
Centralized metadata can disappear; IPFS-stored metadata is permanent.
Key features of Metadata
- Stored as a JSON file, usually off-chain
- Contains image links and rarity traits
- Can be mutable or permanently frozen
- Critical for marketplace display
Examples of Metadata
An ERC-721 token points to a JSON file with name "Bored Ape #10" and an IPFS image link. Traits like "Golden Fur" or "Laser Eyes" in that file determine the NFT's rarity rank on OpenSea.