How to Create NFTs on Polkadot (Koda, Chaotic, Unique Network)

A practical, up-to-date guide to minting and selling NFTs on Polkadot using three routes: Koda/Kodadot on Asset Hub, the newly opened Chaotic (beta) marketplace, and Unique Network (NFT-centric parachain). Includes steps, comparisons, pitfalls, and FAQs—no external links.

Why mint NFTs on Polkadot

Polkadot combines low fees, shared security, and interoperability. You can mint on a common-good chain (Asset Hub) with broad reach or on a purpose-built parachain (Unique Network) with advanced NFT primitives. Marketplaces like Koda/Kodadot and Chaotic (beta now open) provide friendly UIs for creators.

ELI5

• Asset Hub = a public gallery where anyone can create a room (collection) and hang pieces (NFTs).
• Koda/Kodadot = the concierge/storefront that makes using Asset Hub easy.
• Chaotic (beta) = a fresh, curated marketplace experience now open for creators and early adopters.
• Unique Network = a building designed just for NFTs, with advanced features for utility and programmability.

Your main options

1) Koda/Kodadot (on Polkadot Asset Hub)

• Mature, creator-friendly UI.
• Fast path to minting and listing on Asset Hub.
• Supports images, audio, video, 3D, and editions; royalties and collection settings included.

2) Chaotic (beta) — now open

• New flagship marketplace experience for Polkadot.
• Beta is live: you can connect, mint (as available), and list.
• Strong focus on discovery and community momentum during the beta phase.

3) Unique Network (NFT-centric parachain)

• Advanced NFT features and dev tooling (Substrate & EVM-style APIs).
• Ideal for custom logic, on-chain utilities, and complex metadata workflows.
• Multiple routes: no-code minting UIs and full developer SDKs.

Key concepts: Asset Hub, EDs, deposits

• Existential Deposit (ED): Minimum native balance to keep an account alive on Asset Hub (commonly 0.01 DOT).
• Returnable Deposits: Creating collections/items on Asset Hub requires deposits to deter spam; burning items/collections typically unlocks them.
• Budgeting: Keep extra DOT for deposits and tx fees beyond the ED.

Koda/Kodadot: step-by-step

Target: Polkadot Asset Hub (system chain). Wallet examples: Talisman, SubWallet, Nova (extension/desktop as appropriate).

1. Prepare wallet & funds

   • Install your Polkadot wallet.
   • XCM-transfer a small amount of DOT to Asset Hub (≥ ED + buffer for deposits/fees).

2. Connect to Koda/Kodadot

   • Open Koda/Kodadot and connect your Asset Hub account.
   • Verify the account holding the DOT you just moved.

3. Create a collection

   • Go to Create → Collection.
   • Upload cover image, set Name, Description, and optional supply cap (uncheck “Unlimited” to cap).
   • Choose Chain: Polkadot Asset Hub.
   • Set royalties (percentage) and optional payout address.
   • Sign to pay the returnable deposit and finalize the collection.

4. Mint NFTs

   • Create → NFT. Upload media (PNG/JPG/GIF/SVG, audio/video/3D).
   • Name, description, attributes/traits, supply (editions), and select the collection.
   • (Optional) enable For Sale and set price in DOT.
   • Sign to mint (per-item deposit + fees).

5. Manage & sell

   • Edit metadata (where supported), list/unlist, transfer, or burn to reclaim deposits.
   • Track primary sales and royalties on secondary trades within supported markets.

Chaotic (beta): step-by-step

Beta is active. Interfaces and exact flows can evolve—watch the app’s UI cues.

1. Connect wallet

   • Use a Polkadot wallet and ensure DOT on Asset Hub (≥ ED + buffer).

2. Create or import collection

   • If the beta UI supports creating new collections, follow prompts similar to Koda/Kodadot.
   • If importing, point to an existing Asset Hub collection you own.

3. Mint items

   • Upload media, set metadata and traits, choose editions/supply.
   • Confirm deposits/fees and sign.

4. List for sale

   • Set price (DOT) and listing parameters (fixed price / other modes as available).
   • Confirm and sign the listing transaction.

5. Promote

   • Announce on social, share previews, and leverage Chaotic’s beta-phase discovery to reach early collectors.

Unique Network: step-by-step

No-code route

1. Create a Unique Network account.
2. Use the chain’s web minting UI (or partner UIs) to define collection, royalties, and metadata.
3. Upload media; mint items; optionally list on supported markets.

Developer route

1. Choose Substrate SDK or EVM-style API.
2. Define schemas, attributes, and logic (e.g., upgradeable traits, tickets, in-app utility).
3. Script collection creation, minting, and marketplace integration in CI.

When to pick Unique

• You need programmable utility, unusual ownership logic, or heavier on-chain features than Asset Hub workflows typically offer.

Feature comparison

Capability	Koda/Kodadot (Asset Hub)	Chaotic (Beta)	Unique Network
Focus	Mature, creator-friendly UI on Asset Hub	New marketplace experience (beta active)	NFT-centric parachain with advanced features
Minting	Full UI for collections & items	Beta minting/listing (features evolving)	No-code UI + SDKs (Substrate/EVM)
Costs	Asset Hub deposits + low tx fees	Similar, if using Asset Hub	Chain-specific fees; no Asset Hub deposits
Royalties	Configurable in flow	Supported in marketplace listing (beta)	Highly flexible via chain features
Best for	Quick start, broad reach on Polkadot	Early discovery in a fresh market	Complex logic & utility-heavy collections

Launch checklist

• Wallet installed and Asset Hub funded (≥ 0.01 DOT + buffer).
• Collection basics: name, cover, description, license, royalty split.
• Metadata plan: traits/attributes schema, versioning, image derivatives.
• Storage: IPFS/Arweave + pinning; keep CIDs manifest.
• Editions & pricing: fixed price, auctions (if supported), allowlist or open.
• Reveal plan: pre-reveal placeholder, final metadata switch.
• QA: test a small “Gen-0” mint end-to-end.
• Go-to-market: teaser thread, spaces/AMAs, collabs, cross-post to communities.

Common pitfalls & pro tips

Pitfall: Funding only the Relay Chain account. Fix: XCM-transfer DOT to Asset Hub before minting/listing.

Pitfall: Forgetting returnable deposits. Fix: Budget for collection + per-item deposits + tx fees; remember you can reclaim on burn.

Pitfall: Unpinned media/metadata. Fix: Pin files and keep a CID manifest; test renders on mobile/desktop.

Pitfall: Royalty path not tested. Fix: Mint a low-price test item, run a secondary sale, and verify payouts.

Pro tips:

• Use a cap for scarcity; document it in the collection description.
• Keep a press kit (logo, banners, artist statement) to streamline listings and PR.
• In beta markets (Chaotic), ship smaller drops to learn the flow, then scale.

FAQs

1) What’s the minimum DOT I need on Asset Hub? Keep at least 0.01 DOT for the ED and extra for deposits/fees.

2) Are Asset Hub deposits permanent costs? No. They are returnable when you burn the items/collection.

3) Can I start on Koda and also list on Chaotic? Yes—if both target the same chain (e.g., Asset Hub) and your collection is compatible, you can broaden distribution.

4) How do I choose between Asset Hub and Unique Network? If you want speed and simplicity, pick Asset Hub (Koda/Chaotic). If you need advanced logic/utility, use Unique.

5) What media types can I mint? Common formats (images, audio, video, 3D) are supported; check the UI for current limits.

6) How do royalties work? Set a royalty % and payout address during collection/NFT creation, then verify behavior on your marketplace.

7) Can I migrate chains later? Yes. You can re-issue a collection elsewhere, but plan for brand continuity and collector communication.

8) Is Chaotic safe to use during beta? Treat beta as production-lite: test small, monitor updates, and read all prompts carefully.