How To Make an NFT with Hidden Links / YouTube Videos

While exploring OpenSea and creating my first NFTs, I came up with an idea.

During the creation process you have the option to add Unlockable Content to the NFT.

This unlockable content can be any text such as a redeem code or a link, and can only be accessed by the NFT owner.

The unlockable content could for example be an unlisted YouTube playlist or video. The way unlisted YouTube content works is that you have to access the link directly, the video doesn't show up on your profile or in searches. This allows you to sell access to your video by selling or auctioning your NFT. You will also receive revenue for any future sales of the NFT.

Creating your NFT on OpenSea is pretty easy, and it's is free as well.

Step 1. 

Get a Web 3 browser wallet such as MetaMask to interact with the blockchain.

You can use MetaMask to collect NFTs across several marketplaces.

Set up your wallet and use it to sign in to OpenSea.

You will need some Ethereum in your wallet to get started.

Listing your first two items will require a special signature from your wallet, and a one time fee to initialize your account for making sell orders. This is how they achieve an almost gas-free system on OpenSea. If the current gas fees are very high when you initialize your account just try again later.

On OpenSea, in the create menu click Submit NFT.

Create a new collection for your first NFT. This is like a folder, I'd name it YouTube videos.

Inside of the collection, Add New Item.

The NFT needs a thumbnail item. Upload or drag an image or gif from a folder on your computer into the first slot. You can use a thumbnail from a YouTube video by right clicking the video and 'Open image in new tab', then right click the image and save it. Or use a tool such as this youtube screenshot extractor.

The next requirement is a name for the NFT.

A description can be helpful  too.

The external link slot is not where you put the secret link. But you can put your website here if you wish. 

Scroll down to Unlockable Content, activate it, and add the link for your unlisted youtube video or playlist.

Now your NFT is ready to Create, and it will then belong to you. You will receive a link for the nft and it will have its own address on the Ethereum network

All of this is free. Listing the item for sale is fairly easy as well, just have to find a time when the gas prices aren't so high.

This is a great way to use NFTs as a paywall in general. Do you have any other ideas for things you could lock inside an NFT?

Update: Found yet another tool for adding links behind NFTs. This one lets you use any NFT you already own! Check out Nftclub.in

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