The debate between on-chain and off-chain storage for Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) is intensifying, with Web3 executives providing insights for creators on making the best choice for their digital assets.
The recent emergence of Bitcoin Ordinals has sparked a new discussion around the optimal storage solution for NFTs, challenging the traditional off-chain storage norms.
Navigating NFT Storage Solutions
Historically, NFTs have been linked to external data storage locations, rather than being stored directly on the blockchain.
This approach, however, faced its limitations, as demonstrated during the FTX bankruptcy saga when NFTs stored on the platform displayed blank images, underscoring the vulnerabilities of off-chain storage. Jana Bertram, Head of Strategy at Rari Foundation, underscores the risk associated with off-chain storage, stating:
“Off-chain storage relies on the network’s accessibility and the storage layer availability. This implies that the security of the NFT is susceptible to more potential compromises, affecting its permanence.”
The introduction of Bitcoin Ordinals has shifted the conversation, offering on-chain storage that ensures permanence but also raises concerns about the impact on the Bitcoin network.
Without the inscriptions, that bug wouldn't have been fixed, without the ordinals, the miners' work wouldn't have been so rewarding, without the ordinals, we wouldn't have had such high volumes. #Bitcoin is freedom, and the goal has always been to make it accessible to everyone.…
— RAF (@RAF_BTC) December 6, 2023
Choosing the Right Storage for NFTs
As the landscape evolves, the dilemma for NFT creators lies in determining the most suitable storage method for their assets.
Witek Radomski, Co-founder and CTO of Atlas Development (Enjin), suggests weighing the benefits of on-chain storage against off-chain alternatives. Radomski proposes a balanced approach:
“I think creators should decide what deserves the vault treatment and what can live in the cloud.”
He further advocates for hybrid storage solutions like Filecoin and the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), which offer decentralized storage without the high costs associated with on-chain options.
Jana Bertram emphasizes the importance of aligning the storage method with the NFT’s purpose, suggesting that certain assets may necessitate the security of on-chain storage, while others are adequately served by off-chain solutions.
“For instance, an NFT representing a house title may warrant on-chain storage, whereas an NFT for a brand loyalty membership may find ample sufficiency in an off-chain existence.”
This nuanced approach encourages projects to carefully consider their specific needs, balancing security and scalability to determine the most effective storage solution for their NFTs.
