NFT Trends to Watch in Q2 2025: Insights from the Rarible Team

The NFT world never sleeps, and Q2 2025 is looking like another wild ride. New trends are popping up faster than a degen aping into a hyped mint, and we’re here to break it all down. Whether you’re a creator, collector, or just here for the vibes (and maybe some alpha), there’s plenty to watch. Even thought leaders like Zeneca are predicting a new wave for NFTs. 

To get the inside scoop, we hit up the Rarible team to dish on what’s hot, what’s next, and what might just change the game. 

What’s the biggest NFT trend you see taking off in Q2 2025? 

Jana Bertram, Head of Strategy at RARI Foundation: "The market is warming up to NFTs again as a vehicle of crypto culture and a community bonding tool. New collections are being launched designed to create a sense of belonging and are to brand ambassadors. We’re also seeing projects launching NFTs as a means of funding, and I think we’ll be seeing more of that in the near future."

Ali Jassim, Social Media Analyst at Rarible: "I think something we’re seeing more and more of is NFTs that come with no promises. Just fun, memes, and a solid community. When NFT founders don’t make big promises, there’s less disappointment if things don’t get delivered on time. Instead, people buy in purely for the enjoyment and the culture, which can actually make for a stronger, more engaged community."

Russell Small, Head of Talent at Rarible: "Things are constantly evolving, and capital continues to rotate. Recently, we've seen successful mints, such as Defi Dungeons, likely emerging from the aftermath of the memecoin craze, showing that the speculative nature of these hybrid coin/NFT projects are still strong. 

At the same time, there's been a notable rise in community-focused projects, like Steady Teddies on Berachain. It's encouraging to observe people buying grail NFTs and making purchases well above the floor price. While I don't anticipate we reinvent the wheel with NFTs this year, the market definitely feels like it's warming up again—and I'm here for it!"

Jonathan Colón, Head of Ecosystem and Art at Rarible: "Art and community are two very important pieces of NFT culture at the moment, and I see this growing.

Community building prior to mints leads to a strong following of connected individuals excited to mint. Some find a home in these online social clubs, and I believe this will continue within new chains especially as there will always be a ‘blue-chip’ NFT project as the face of it.

Art will always be a way for people to participate onchain. When you’re collecting art, you’re supporting a creator and connecting with like minded appreciators. The use of the blockchain allows artists to use this as a medium for their work, something that evolves everyday. The modern day Picassos are among us, many just might not know it yet."

Marketplaces are always evolving—what changes do you think are coming next?

Jana: "The marketplaces are differentiating among themselves in who they target: professional traders, art-minded collectors, communities, normies. What they do have in common is embracing multichain transactions, which is a wider Web3 trend as we’re witnessing new chains launching every day. Seamless cross-chain transactions will be the new black."

Ali: "I’m seeing a lot of marketplaces start to adopt memecoins, and I think that’s something that will become a standard in the future. Memecoins and NFTs go hand in hand because they’re both deeply rooted in community culture. Memecoins thrive on collective belief and engagement, just like NFTs, and allowing people to buy NFTs with memecoins strengthens that connection."

Russell: "A laser focus on the user and delivering an enhanced experience is essential. Whether that’s achieved through improved UI/UX design, updated wallet integrations, or simplified payment methods with multiple coin and currency options, prioritizing the user is key. Combining this user-centric approach with a multichain strategy is where I see marketplaces evolving next."

Jonathan: "Collaborative experiences with artists and their artworks—seeing the way that collectors can purchase a piece that they’ve influenced has always been of interest to me. It creates an artist/collector bond that will be important as both parties navigate the blockchain space. Providing tools that allow these types of experiences to happen should be a focus for many."

How will various blockchains shape the NFT ecosystem? Is multichain the future?

Jonathan: "Creators and collectors will continue to see specific chains for specific use-cases. Examples could include ETH for fine art, Base for onboarding and ease of use, and Abstract for content creators. It will be interesting to see how these chains continue to grow with their interconnectedness, allowing projects and ecosystems to be built on various chains at the same time. Or artists experimenting with a variety of chains within the same artwork." 

Jana: "Liquidity will still be important, but multichain should lower this barrier, and collections can exist in value and brand-aligned ecosystems. Ex. Yuga NFTs on Ape chain, Pudgy NFTs on Abstract, and royalty-seeking creators on RARI chain." 

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to NFT creators and collectors to stay ahead this quarter?

Jana: "Think of how to make your NFTs different from what was done before and prepare your collectors and the NFT community for the drop. Close collaboration with the NFT platform or chain to help drive amplification helps, but the drop is ultimately yours to market.Ali: The best way to stay ahead is to stay curious. Try out new blockchains, check out different apps, and connect with new communities. The space moves fast, and the more you explore, the better you'll spot new opportunities before everyone else."

Russell: "There are many new chains to explore where it may be easier to make your stamp. Assess what makes other projects successful, and leverage those ideas with your own twist. It’s hard to create a new meta, but what you can create is a strong/engaged community, brilliant art, and great execution. To help with this, identify and engage with partners early on. They can provide valuable insights and potential connections within their network. 

The NFT space is moving at breakneck speed, and Q2 is shaping up to be another wave of innovation, experimentation, and (let’s be real) some chaos. Whether it’s new use cases, smarter marketplaces, or the great multi-chain expansion, the next few months will be packed with opportunities for those paying attention. Keep your eyes on the trends, your bags secure, and your JPEGs high-res—we’ll be here to break it all down along the way."

Jonathan: "Creators, make as many connections in the space as you can. So many of us are here to help and are one DM away. Build your community, allow feedback, and make promises you can keep. Lastly, continue to explore new ecosystems as they arise, there is always a new opportunity around the corner.

Collectors, continue to explore new blockchain tech that you see being released. There are opportunities to be early to many great chain ecosystems and to support creators that try those new ecosystems by releasing work there. And to everyone, always make sure you stay safe onchain - double-check every click you make, and never share your seed phrase!"

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