The NFT market is roaring back to life in 2025, fueled by an altcoin season that’s attracting both seasoned investors and curious newcomers. In just 24 hours, the total NFT market value soared past $6.4 billion, with trading volume exceeding $50 million, a six-month high. Ethereum-based NFTs like CryptoPunks and Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) are leading the charge, alongside newer Solana-native projects and platform tokens like Blur Token (BLUR) and Pudgy Penguins (PENGU).
NFT market growth in the past one month | Source: CoinGecko
This article explores seven standout NFT projects you should watch closely during this altcoin season. We’ll dive into what makes them special, their recent performance, and why they could define the next wave of NFT growth.
What Are NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens)?
How NFTs work | Source: DataScienceCentral
Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) are unique digital assets stored on blockchains like Ethereum and Solana. They represent ownership of art, music, virtual land, in-game items, and more. Unlike cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, each NFT is distinct, with its own metadata and attributes.
NFTs gained global attention in 2021, peaking with billion-dollar sales weeks and celebrity endorsements. After a prolonged bear market in 2024, the sector is showing signs of revival in 2025, driven by stronger blockchain infrastructure, growing institutional interest, and the cultural staying power of top collections.
Why Are NFTs Thriving in 2025?
Top NFT collections' dominance | Source: CoinGecko
NFTs are making a strong comeback in 2025, riding the wave of a broader crypto market rally. In just 24 hours, the NFT market cap jumped 29% to $6.82 billion, and weekly trading volume hit a six-month high of $140 million. This surge reflects renewed investor interest, as traders flock back to blue-chip collections and explore new projects during the ongoing altcoin season. Ethereum’s price climbing past $3,700 and Solana’s surge above $195 have also played a big role in lifting NFT ecosystems across multiple blockchains.
Much of this momentum comes from headline-making whale activity and institutional moves. A single buyer recently swept 45 CryptoPunks worth nearly $10 million, triggering a chain reaction across blue-chip NFTs like Pudgy Penguins and Moonbirds, which saw floor prices rise between 15–30% in a single day. Meanwhile, Canary Capital’s filing for a PENGU ETF has further strengthened market confidence, signaling that institutional players are beginning to take NFTs more seriously. This mix of retail excitement and institutional interest is helping to consolidate blue-chip NFTs as safe-haven assets in the digital collectibles space.
Top 7 NFT Projects to Watch in the 2025 AltSeason
As the NFT market heats up during the 2025 altcoin season, here are seven of the most popular NFT projects capturing attention for their strong communities, innovative ecosystems, and impressive market performance.
1. CryptoPunks (Ethereum)
Launched in June 2017 by Larva Labs, CryptoPunks is widely regarded as the project that sparked the modern NFT movement. These 10,000 uniquely generated 24x24 pixel art characters, ranging from humans to rare zombies, apes, and aliens, were initially given away for free to anyone with an Ethereum wallet. Today, they’ve become cultural icons, inspiring the ERC-721 standard that underpins most NFTs and earning places in renowned art institutions like the Centre Pompidou and LACMA. As one of the earliest examples of blockchain-based digital collectibles, CryptoPunks remain a symbol of digital identity and status, with some individual Punks selling for millions at auctions like Christie’s and Sotheby’s.
In July 2025, CryptoPunks proved their staying power yet again when a single buyer swept 45 Punks worth over 2,080 ETH ($7.8 million). This massive purchase triggered a 500% surge in weekly trading volume and pushed the floor price up 17% to 47.75 ETH (~$183,000). Often viewed as a “blue-chip” asset in the NFT world, CryptoPunks are seen by many investors as a safe haven during volatile market cycles, making them one of the most watched collections as NFTs rally during this altcoin season.
2. Pudgy Penguins (Ethereum/Solana)
Launched in July 2021, Pudgy Penguins quickly became one of the most beloved NFT collections on Ethereum, featuring 8,888 adorable penguin avatars that symbolize positivity, community, and creativity. Over the years, the project evolved from a simple NFT series into a global brand, producing toys, merchandise, and viral social media content. Its strong focus on storytelling through “Pengu Lore” and an inclusive community called The Huddle has helped Pudgy Penguins stand out in the crowded NFT space. With initiatives like Lil Pudgys and partnerships beyond Web3, the brand has managed to blend digital collectibles with mainstream consumer culture.
In late 2024, the project expanded its ecosystem by launching PENGU, a Solana-based meme coin designed to reach a broader audience. This move paid off in 2025, as PENGU surged 26.7% in 24 hours to hit a $2.4 billion market cap, while the NFT collection’s floor price climbed 13% to 16.57 ETH (~$63,154). Adding to its momentum, a proposed PENGU ETF by Canary Capital and plans for more physical products position Pudgy Penguins as a leader in NFT brand-building and cross-chain innovation during this altcoin season.
3. Bored Ape Yacht Club (Ethereum)
Launched in April 2021 by Yuga Labs, Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) has become one of the most iconic NFT collections in the world. It features 10,000 algorithmically generated cartoon apes, each with unique traits and accessories, hosted on the Ethereum blockchain. Initially priced at just 0.08 ETH, these digital avatars have evolved into powerful status symbols, attracting celebrity holders like Justin Bieber, Madonna, Snoop Dogg, and Steph Curry. Owning a Bored Ape offers more than a profile picture. It grants access to exclusive events like ApeFest, holder-only merchandise drops, and even commercial rights to use the artwork for personal ventures. Yuga Labs has also expanded the ecosystem with companion collections such as Mutant Ape Yacht Club (MAYC), Bored Ape Kennel Club (BAKC), and a governance token, ApeCoin, while working on an ambitious metaverse project called Otherside.
In July 2025, BAYC reaffirmed its blue-chip status with a 23% floor price increase to 13.5 ETH (~$51,410) as market momentum returned. Mutant Ape Yacht Club (MAYC) and other Yuga Labs projects also recorded double-digit gains during the same period. Adding to the excitement, Yuga Labs’ co-founder hinted at launching an NFT treasury company, sparking speculation about institutional-grade products tied to BAYC assets. With a strong community, celebrity backing, and plans for metaverse and financial innovation, BAYC continues to lead as a cornerstone of the NFT ecosystem in this altcoin season.
4. Moonbirds (Ethereum)
Launched in April 2022 by PROOF Collective, Moonbirds quickly became one of Ethereum’s most prominent NFT collections, featuring 10,000 pixelated owl avatars. These NFTs are more than just profile pictures—they act as keys to an exclusive community of artists, collectors, and builders shaping the future of Web3 art and culture. Each Moonbird comes with unique traits and fully on-chain pixel art (rendered directly from smart contracts), offering holders both personal and commercial rights. The project introduced innovative mechanics like Proof-of-Ownership, allowing customization of avatars and access to perks such as airdrops, curated art exhibitions like Diamond Exhibition, and reward points called Talons that can be redeemed for physical goods, digital collectibles, and live event experiences.
In 2025, Moonbirds has been regaining momentum after a period of transition. Once acquired by Yuga Labs and now under new management, the collection saw its trading volume surge 62% in a week, with floor prices rising to 1.67 ETH (~$6,250). Recent ecosystem expansions like Mythics, a new generation of bird NFTs, and collaborations with renowned artists have rekindled community interest. As Moonbirds integrates further with the broader PROOF ecosystem and re-establishes its focus on utility-driven NFTs, it is emerging as a strong contender in the 2025 NFT altcoin season.
5. Taproot Wizards (Bitcoin)
Launched in early 2023, Taproot Wizards is one of the first major NFT collections built on the Bitcoin network, leveraging the Taproot upgrade and Bitcoin Ordinals to inscribe digital art directly onto the blockchain. Featuring 2,108 hand-drawn wizard avatars, the collection aims to “Make Bitcoin Magical Again” by merging Bitcoin’s technical innovations with the creativity of NFTs. Each Taproot Wizard is a unique digital collectible that embodies a whimsical, fantasy-inspired aesthetic, complete with hats, staffs, and spellbooks. Beyond art, the project’s Wizard Manifesto calls on the Bitcoin community to embrace innovation and explore use cases beyond currency, like digital ownership and decentralized culture.
In 2025, Taproot Wizards has emerged as a leading force in Bitcoin’s growing NFT ecosystem. The collection’s floor price jumped over 30% in one day to 0.22 BTC (~$26,900) amid surging interest in Bitcoin Ordinals and the broader adoption of Taproot-based protocols. As activity on Bitcoin’s NFT layer increases, Taproot Wizards stands out for its early-mover advantage and vibrant community of “Wizards” committed to rebuilding the “Wizard Village” in the digital realm. It’s a clear signal that Bitcoin, long seen purely as digital gold, is becoming a serious player in the NFT space.
6. BLUR (Ethereum)
Launched in late 2022, Blur has rapidly become one of Ethereum’s most dominant NFT marketplaces by catering specifically to professional traders and high-volume collectors. Unlike platforms like OpenSea that focus on casual users, Blur offers advanced features such as faster sweeping tools, zero marketplace fees, and real-time portfolio analytics, giving it an edge among NFT power users. Its native token, BLUR, plays a central role in incentivizing activity through airdrops and reward seasons, distributing over 700 million tokens to the community during its first two seasons. With backing from prominent crypto investors like Paradigm and a strong integration into the emerging Blast Ethereum Layer 2 ecosystem, Blur is building a comprehensive platform for NFT liquidity and trading efficiency.
In July 2025, BLUR surged 34% in 24 hours to reach $0.1246, driven by renewed marketplace activity and the launch of Season 3 rewards. As competition heats up with OpenSea and others, Blur’s aggressive incentive programs and focus on institutional-grade tools position it as a critical infrastructure token in the NFT space. The marketplace now boasts over $7.4 billion in total GMV and nearly 325,000 users, signaling its growing influence as NFTs rebound during this altcoin season.
7. Azuki (Ethereum)
Launched in January 2022 by Chiru Labs, Azuki quickly became a flagship NFT project on Ethereum, celebrated for its anime-inspired artwork and vibrant community rooted in Asian pop culture. The collection of 10,000 unique avatars blends digital art with storytelling, creating an immersive universe known as The Garden. Holders gain access to exclusive benefits like physical merchandise, real-world collaborations, and gamified experiences through interactive lore and events. Azuki has also pioneered innovations like the Physical Backed Token (PBT), bridging NFTs with tangible collectibles such as skateboards and apparel. Its spin-off collections, BEANZ and Elementals, expand the ecosystem, while partnerships with brands like Red Bull Racing and Line Friends position Azuki at the intersection of Web3 and mainstream culture.
After a turbulent 2024 marked by leadership changes and market headwinds, Azuki staged an impressive comeback in 2025. Weekly trading volume surged 213%, and floor prices climbed to 2.18 ETH (~$8,012) amid renewed collector interest. New initiatives like the anime anthology Enter the Garden, trading card games, and global events have reignited community engagement. As the project explores broader entertainment ventures and gamified experiences, Azuki is cementing itself as a cultural and technological innovator in the NFT space, appealing to both crypto natives and mainstream audiences.
How to Trade NFT Tokens on BingX
PENGU/USDT trading pair with BingX AI insights on the spot market
Getting started with NFT-related tokens like PENGU, BLUR, and other ecosystem coins on BingX is straightforward, even if you’re new to crypto trading. These tokens represent the growing synergy between NFTs and DeFi, allowing you to participate in the market without directly buying NFTs.
Here's how to trade popular NFT project tokens on BingX
1. Create a BingX Account – Visit the BingX website or app to sign up. Complete the simple registration process using your email or mobile number, and verify your identity (KYC) for full access to trading features.
2. Deposit Funds – Add funds to your account using multiple options, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, or peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions. This ensures you’re ready to trade when opportunities arise.
3. Search for NFT Tokens – Navigate to the Spot trading section and search for NFT-related pairs like PENGU/USDT or BLUR/USDT. These pairs let you buy and sell NFT ecosystem tokens with ease.
4. Leverage BingX AI Tools – Use BingX’s AI-powered insights to analyze price trends, track whale activity, and monitor floor price movements in real-time. This can help you make smarter, data-driven trading decisions.
5. Explore Advanced Features – Once you’re comfortable, expand your strategy by using futures trading for leverage or copy trading to follow experienced traders in the NFT sector. These tools offer additional ways to capitalize on NFT market momentum.
Whether you’re looking for short-term gains or long-term exposure to NFT ecosystems, BingX provides a beginner-friendly platform with powerful tools to help you trade confidently.
Key Considerations Before Buying NFT Tokens
Before investing in NFT-related tokens, it’s important to understand the risks. Prices can be highly volatile, with floor values and platform tokens swinging sharply in short periods. Liquidity may also be a concern, especially for lesser-known collections that don’t trade as frequently as blue-chip NFTs. Security threats like phishing scams and wallet hacks are becoming more common, so always use trusted wallets and double-check transactions. Finally, regulatory uncertainty around NFT-focused ETFs and platform tokens could impact market stability as authorities explore new rules for the space.
Final Thoughts
The NFT sector’s 2025 revival is rewriting the narrative after years of decline. Blue-chip projects like CryptoPunks and BAYC, alongside emerging players like Taproot Wizards and Pudgy Penguins, are redefining what NFTs can be in the altcoin season.
NFTs remain one of crypto’s most exciting, but riskiest, frontiers. As always, invest cautiously. Diversify your portfolio, leverage BingX AI tools for insights, and stay vigilant against market hype and scams.