GlossaryIntermediate
NFT Metadata
The descriptive data (image, traits, name) associated with a specific NFT.
NFT metadata is the descriptive data associated with a specific token — such as its image, name, and traits — that's typically referenced by the on-chain token rather than stored directly on-chain in full, due to storage cost.
Where and how metadata is actually stored (fully on-chain, or referenced via a link to off-chain or decentralized storage) is a real, meaningful difference in an NFT's long-term durability and decentralization.
Examples
- An NFT's image and traits are generally defined by its metadata, not stored directly in the token itself.
- Metadata stored on decentralized storage is generally considered more durable than metadata on a single centralized server.