NFTs have experienced a notable resurgence in 2025, with cumulative sales reaching $3.62 billion. While far from their 2021 peak, this growth is being driven by the recent upward trajectory of
+6.95%, which has pushed the NFT market capitalization past $28.4 billion as of late July, a 40% increase compared to the previous month [2]. This surge is evident in collections such as CryptoPunks, which hold a market capitalization of $2.4 billion, and Pudgy Penguins, which recently surpassed Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) in terms of weekly trading volume [2]. The rise in Ethereum’s price has also had a direct impact on the value of NFTs, as their prices are largely denominated in ETH. This has led to an overall increase in the market value of Ethereum-based NFTs, further reinforcing the sector’s recovery [3].
The renewed interest in NFTs is also reflected in increased buyer activity. In July 2025, NFT sales totaled $574 million, the second-highest monthly figure of the year and a 47.6% increase from June [3]. Despite a decline in the number of transactions, the average sale price reached $113, a six-month high. This suggests a shift in buyer behavior, with consumers increasingly opting for higher-value assets rather than quantity [3]. Additionally, the number of unique NFT buyers rose by 50% in May, reaching 936,000, signaling a broader return to the market [3]. These trends indicate a structural shift in the NFT space, with buyers focusing on quality assets and long-term value rather than speculative purchases.
Market activity has also seen a number of high-profile developments. Yuga Labs, the company behind Bored Ape Yacht Club, has sold the intellectual property rights for the Moonbirds, Mythics, and Oddities NFT collections to Orange Cap Games [4]. This has led to a significant spike in Moonbirds sales, with traders reacting positively to the new ownership structure [4]. In parallel, OpenSea, the leading NFT marketplace, has expanded its platform beyond NFTs with the rollout of OS2, which has led to a 40% increase in weekly unique collectors since January [4]. These moves suggest a broader industry effort to diversify offerings and attract a wider audience to the NFT ecosystem.
The resurgence of NFTs is also influencing the meme coin sector. Investors are showing renewed interest in low-cap tokens with high-growth potential, particularly those available during presales. Tokens like Snorter ($SNORT) and Best Wallet ($BEST) have gained traction as investors seek to capitalize on early-stage opportunities [2]. These projects offer utility-driven value, including trading bots, secure wallets, and high-yield staking options, which appeal to both speculative and utility-focused investors [2]. The rise of meme coins coincides with the NFT market rebound, further indicating a broader shift toward digital assets as alternative investments.
While the NFT market is showing signs of recovery, challenges remain. The market is still significantly below its 2021 peak in terms of both trading volumes and overall market capitalization [2]. Analysts caution that while the current momentum is positive, sustained growth will depend on continued adoption and innovation. Nevertheless, the current trajectory suggests that NFTs are regaining relevance, supported by a combination of strong Ethereum performance, institutional interest, and evolving market dynamics [2].
Source: https://www.ainvest.com/
