Despite the drop in its popularity, NFTs still record 3.62 billion dollars in sales in 2025. Since 2017, they have accumulated 71.55 billion, most of it on Ethereum. After the explosion of 2021-2022 followed by the slowdown in 2023, the market has stabilized. Less speculative, NFTs are now based on more concrete digital uses.
In summary
• In 2025, NFTs total 3.62 billion dollars despite the slowdown post-2022.
• Ethereum still dominates, while Solana and Bitcoin confirm their growth in the ecosystem.
• Less speculative, NFTs are now turning to concrete uses, strengthening their foundation in Web3.
Ethereum in front, Solana and Bitcoin lurking
No surprise, Ethereum dominates the scene. With over 46 billion dollars in real sales, despite the shadow of wash trading (almost 34.6 billion identified), it remains the backbone of the ecosystem. Its position confirms the preference of creators and investors for its liquidity and market depth.
Just behind, Solana continues to forge its path. Its 6.43 billion in authentic sales illustrate the emergence of an alternative ecosystem, appreciated for its speed and low fees. Bitcoin, in turn, surprises: its 5.56 billion comes almost entirely from the last two years, revealing the late but strong growth of NFTs on the first blockchain.
This diversity shows that it is no longer an isolated phenomenon. Each blockchain brings its style, its communities, and its niches, outlining a fragmented yet vibrant market.
Towards the maturity of the NFT market
The time of record volumes driven by speculation seems to have passed. Today, NFTs find space in concrete uses: games, digital identity, tokenized tickets, or institutionalized digital art. The case of Axie Infinity on Ronin, which generated 4.29 billion dollars in sales with virtually no wash trading, illustrates this transition to healthier models.
For 2025, the numbers speak for themselves: reaching the level of 2024 would require a remarkable acceleration, and surpassing the historic peak of 2022 seems out of reach. However, the real battle is no longer just about values, but about the legitimacy and integration of NFTs in the digital economy.
The coming years will tell if NFTs assert themselves, despite the drop in ether in the market, as essential blocks of Web3. One thing is certain: despite the tremors, the sector has not said its last word.
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