# From IPFS to Arweave: Where Your NFTs Really Live  When you buy an NFT, you're purchasing more than just a piece of digital art—you’re also buying into the technology that supports and stores that asset. But have you ever wondered where your NFT actually lives? Spoiler: it’s not always on the blockchain. Most NFTs rely on external storage solutions like IPFS or Arweave to host the content. So, let’s break down what that means and how it affects the safety and longevity of your digital collectibles. ## NFTs: More Than Just Blockchain Entries  An NFT (Non-Fungible Token) is a unique digital certificate of ownership stored on the blockchain. It points to a digital file an image, video, music track, or something else—which is usually too large to store directly on the blockchain. This is where decentralized storage solutions come into play. The two most popular ones are IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) and Arweave. These systems ensure that the actual content of your NFT—like the image or video is accessible even if a platform shuts down. ## What Is IPFS?  IPFS is a decentralized file storage system that breaks files into pieces, distributes them across a peer-to-peer network, and gives each file a unique hash (a digital fingerprint). Your NFT’s metadata usually includes this hash so your wallet or marketplace knows where to find the file. Many early NFT platforms, like **[hic et nunc NFT](https://topcoin9.com/nft-meaning/)** on the Tezos blockchain, used IPFS to store artwork data. This allowed users to access their collectibles even after the platform itself temporarily disappeared. The decentralized nature of IPFS makes it a solid solution for those concerned about long-term accessibility. However, there’s a small catch: unless someone is actively hosting the file, it could disappear. That's where Arweave comes in. ## What Is Arweave?  Arweave is another decentralized storage network, but with one big difference it focuses on permanent storage. That means once your NFT’s data is uploaded, it stays there forever (or at least that’s the promise). Arweave uses a system called “blockweave” to store data across a global network. It’s increasingly being adopted by platforms that want to guarantee long-term access to digital files. Projects using Arweave are often considered more secure for NFT collectors who want to make sure their digital assets don’t vanish in the future. Read more: **https://www.metroflog.co/post/40353_nft-based-gaming-the-real-potential-or-just-a-fad-in-recent-years-the-gaming-wor.html** ## Why Does Storage Matter? Imagine spending thousands on an NFT, only to find the image is no longer available because it was hosted on a central server that shut down. Yikes. That’s why it’s important to understand where your NFT’s data is stored. Choosing platforms that use decentralized storage like IPFS or Arweave ensures you’re not just buying a broken link. **[TopCoin9](https://topcoin9.com)**, a platform that tracks and analyzes NFT trends, often highlights storage solutions when reviewing new projects. It’s one of the best places to stay informed about which NFT platforms are truly secure and future-ready. ## Final Thoughts Whether it’s IPFS powering a piece from the hic et nunc NFT era or Arweave ensuring eternal preservation, understanding NFT storage is key to being a smart collector. As the Web3 world grows, so does the importance of where and how our digital assets are stored. So next time you buy an NFT, don’t just ask what it looks like—ask where it lives.