The history of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) can be traced back to colored coins, which were created to represent real-world assets on the blockchain. Unlike Bitcoin, colored coins had a unique utility that made it possible to manage ownership of assets efficiently. The tiny fractions of a Bitcoin that made up colored coins enabled them to represent property, coupons, digital collectibles, subscriptions, shares, and access tokens.
Although Bitcoin was not intended to be used as a database for tokens, colored coins sparked a series of experiments that paved the way for NFTs. Quantum, an octagon-shaped animation, was the first NFT, followed by the release of Rare Pepes NFTs on The Counterparty platform built on Bitcoin. Spells of Genesis, an Ethereum-based project, was another significant NFT project.
The arrival of Ethereum provided NFTs with the platform they required to flourish. With Ethereum, developers can easily create and manage NFTs, and users can easily buy, sell, and trade them. Today, NFTs are in high demand, with millions of dollars being spent on them every day.
As the NFT market continues to grow, creators and collectors alike are exploring new and innovative use cases for these unique digital assets. NFTs are becoming increasingly relevant in the world of art, music, and sports, with many high-profile sales and collaborations showcasing the full potential of NFTs.
Sources:
https://www.coindesk.com/colored-coins-initial-coin-offerings
https://beincrypto.com/nfts-rise-to-prominence-the-history-of-the-first-nft/