# Ordinals and Bitcoin-NFT: a new era of digital artifacts
The world of cryptocurrencies is evolving not only in the realm of financial transactions but also in the cultural sphere. One of the most discussed trends of late has been **ordinals** (Ordinals) — a technology that allows the creation of **NFTs directly on the Bitcoin network**.
## What are ordinals?
Traditionally, NFTs were issued on blockchains that support smart contracts, such as Ethereum, Solana, or Polygon. However, in 2023, the Ordinals protocol emerged, allowing 'to inscribe' unique data (images, texts, audio, and even mini-programs) directly into individual satoshis — the smallest particles of Bitcoin.
Thus, each satoshi can become a **digital artifact**, unique and immutable.
## How do ordinals differ from classic NFTs?
1. **Data storage**
Most NFTs only contain a link to a file hosted on third-party servers or in IPFS. Ordinals, however, write data **directly into the Bitcoin blockchain**, making them as reliable as possible.
2. **Tied to satoshis**
Uniqueness is created not by the token, but by the satoshi itself to which the information is 'attached'.
3. **Limitedness**
Since there are only 2.1 quintillion satoshis in the Bitcoin network, theoretically that is the limit of possible 'artifacts'.
## Why is this important?
* **New life for Bitcoin**
Before the emergence of ordinals, the Bitcoin blockchain was considered 'only financial'. Now it has become a platform for digital art and collecting.
* **Increased miner activity**
Ordinals create increased demand for blocks and fees, which stimulates miners and strengthens the ecosystem.
* **Cultural phenomenon**
Collections like **Ordinal Punks** have already emerged — an analog of the famous CryptoPunks, but on the Bitcoin network. These works sell for tens of thousands of dollars.
## Criticism and risks
There have been disputes. Some Bitcoin maximalists believe that ordinals 'clutter' the blockchain with unnecessary data and hinder financial transactions. Others, on the contrary, see this as a new stage in the evolution of Bitcoin.
## What's next?
Experts predict that ordinals may drive a new wave of interest in Bitcoin, especially among collectors and artists. Startups are emerging that create marketplaces and tools for working with ordinals, and the phenomenon is gradually gaining popularity in the Web3 community.
