From Viral To Valuable: 11 Memes That Made Millions As NFTs

rom Grumpy Cat to Doge, Harambe to Charlie Bit My Finger, it seems like every classic meme that has ever brought us joy on the internet is now up for sale as an NFT. But why stop there? Who knows, maybe the next big NFT sale will be the infamous "rickroll" video or even the original Dancing Baby animation from the '90s. One thing is for sure, the world of NFTs is bringing new value and recognition to the classics of internet culture.

The emergence of non-fungible token (NFT) memes has attracted widespread interest in the NFT and digital art industry, bolstering the market's growth and authenticity. The considerable sums paid for certain NFT memes have highlighted the significance of internet culture and the sentimental attachment individuals have with these memes.

Additionally, NFT memes have established a novel approach for creators and artists to earn money from their work, which could unlock fresh avenues and revenue streams in the digital landscape. These are internet memes that have been transformed into non-fungible tokens, a type of unique digital asset that is verified using blockchain technology. By converting memes into NFTs, the original creators can authenticate and potentially profit from their work.

So, let's take a look at some of the most iconic memes that have been sold as NFTs and see how they're making their mark in the world of digital art and collectibles.

In February 2021, the Nyan Cat, a pixelated feline with a Pop-Tart body, made history as the first meme to be sold as an NFT for approximately 300 Ether, establishing a landmark moment for the NFT community and contributing to the validation of the concept of digital art sales as NFTs.

Another meme, the Disaster Girl, featuring a picture of a mischievous-smiling girl in front of a burning house, was sold as an NFT for almost 180 ETH in April 2021.

The NFT sale of this demonstrated that lesser-known memes could also hold value in the NFT market. The sale garnered significant media coverage, further increasing the visibility and recognition of NFTs.

In 2021, the well-known meme featuring a Shiba Inu dog, commonly referred to as "Doge," gained immense popularity as an NFT. The original "Doge" meme was sold for a whopping 1,696.9 ETH in June 2021, contributing to the rising trend of NFT sales.

The NFTs featuring the Shiba Inu dog meme, known as Doge, gained widespread popularity and legitimacy in the NFT market following their success. Additionally, the high values of some of these Doge NFTs were covered by mainstream media, further increasing their exposure.

In May 2021, an NFT of the meme "Stonks," featuring a businessman holding a chart of a stock's upward trend, sold for $10,000, highlighting that even obscure memes can hold value as NFTs. This sale illustrated how NFTs can be a novel way for artists and creators to earn revenue and recoup their expenses.

Another one in the same year is an NFT of the viral video "Charlie Bit My Finger" featuring two young British brothers was sold for 389 ETH, highlighting that viral videos have the potential to be profitable as NFTs, just like static images.

‍Grumpy Cat, a meme featuring a displeased-looking feline, was transformed into an NFT and sold for more than 44.2 ETH in May 2021. This sale demonstrated that animal-themed memes have the potential to be as profitable as those featuring human subjects.

In the same month, an NFT featuring Harambe, a gorilla that was shot and killed at a zoo in 2016, sold for 30.3 ETH, illustrating how certain memes can elicit an emotional connection and lead to high prices.

‍Good Luck Brian‍

a photo of a teenage boy with braces, became an NFT in April 2021 and sold for 20 ETH, indicating that even older memes can still have a place in the NFT market.‍

The Keyboard Cat‍

a video of a feline playing a keyboard, sold for over 33 ETH as an NFT in March 2021, proving that videos can also hold value as NFTs. Additionally, Success Kid, a meme featuring a determined-looking young boy clenching his fist, sold as an NFT for 15 ETH.

It seems that classic memes have found a new lease on life as NFTs, proving that old dogs can indeed learn new tricks. From Nyan Cat to Doge to Charlie Bit My Finger, these memes have transcended their digital origins to become valuable and unique pieces of art. Who knows what classic meme will be next to join the NFT club? Only time will tell.