SOCIAL SIGNALPLAYBOOK
PARTIALLY CORRECT
GVFeaturing Gary Vaynerchuk

The Future of NFTs: From Collectibles to Essential Utilities

In a decade, NFTs will be ubiquitous, serving as essential utilities rather than mere collectibles, particularly for functions like travel.

Apr 17, 2026|2 min read|Social Signal Playbook Editorial

Signal Score

Intelligence Engine Factors
  • Source Authority
  • Quote Accuracy
  • Content Depth
  • Cross-Expert Relevance
  • Editorial Flags

Algorithmically generated intelligence rating measuring comprehensive signal value.

NONE
17

The Claim

“There's not a person in this room that's not going to have NFTs in 10 years not because it's a collectible because it's a utility you're not going to be able to take a flight on a plane because the nft is going to be the ticket”

In a decade, NFTs will be ubiquitous, serving as essential utilities rather than mere collectibles, particularly for functions like travel.

Original Context

The prediction that 'everyone will own NFTs in 10 years' rests on the transformative potential of blockchain technology, which underlies NFTs. Originally, NFTs gained prominence in the art and gaming sectors, where they were primarily viewed as digital collectibles. However, the speaker, during a keynote at the 'Grow With Video' event, emphasized a paradigm shift: NFTs would evolve beyond their collectible status to become integral to everyday transactions. The claim posits that NFTs would serve as digital tickets for travel and other utilities, streamlining processes that currently rely on physical or less secure digital formats. This shift is not merely speculative; it is rooted in the growing acceptance of blockchain technology across various industries, including finance, real estate, and supply chain management. The original context highlights a vision where NFTs could authenticate identity, ownership, and access, thereby enhancing user experiences and operational efficiencies in everyday life.

"if making videos doesn't come as easy as drinking oxygen you have friction you're insecure about the way you look you're insecure about what you got to say"

Gary Vaynerchuk— If You’re Afraid To Make Videos Watch This - Grow With Video Keynote

What Happened

Since the prediction was made, the NFT market has experienced significant fluctuations. In the early days of 2021, NFTs exploded in popularity, with high-profile sales and celebrity endorsements driving mainstream interest. However, by mid-2022, the market faced a downturn, with many projects failing to sustain interest, leading to skepticism about the long-term viability of NFTs as collectibles. Despite this, certain sectors have begun to explore the utility of NFTs more seriously. For instance, companies like Ticketmaster have started to experiment with NFT ticketing, allowing for secure and verifiable access to events. Additionally, various airlines and travel companies are investigating the use of NFTs for digital boarding passes and loyalty programs. While the speculative bubble around NFTs as collectibles has burst, the underlying technology continues to find applications in sectors that require secure, verifiable transactions.

"self-awareness is one of the most significant aspects in winning in video"

Gary Vaynerchuk— If You’re Afraid To Make Videos Watch This - Grow With Video Keynote

Assessment

The prediction that NFTs will become essential utilities within ten years reflects a fundamental understanding of the technology's potential beyond collectibles. However, the trajectory of NFT adoption has proven more complex than initially anticipated. While there is a growing interest in utilizing NFTs for practical applications—such as ticketing, identity verification, and loyalty rewards—the widespread ownership of NFTs as essential utilities remains uncertain. The current market dynamics indicate that while NFTs may not be universally owned, their integration into everyday transactions is plausible. The shift from speculative collectibles to functional assets is underway, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer behaviors. However, the success of NFTs as utilities will depend on overcoming challenges such as regulatory compliance, user education, and the establishment of industry standards. As companies experiment with NFT applications, the landscape will likely continue to evolve, suggesting that the prediction captures a significant trend, albeit with caveats regarding the timeline and scope of adoption.

"I'm a very big fan of eliminating friction"

Gary Vaynerchuk— If You’re Afraid To Make Videos Watch This - Grow With Video Keynote

What Has Changed Since

The current state of NFTs has shifted dramatically from the initial hype surrounding digital collectibles. The volatility of the NFT market has prompted a reevaluation of their utility. Major corporations are increasingly recognizing the potential of NFTs as tools for enhancing customer engagement and operational efficiency. For example, the integration of NFTs in loyalty programs is gaining traction, allowing companies to offer unique rewards that can be traded or sold. Furthermore, the rise of decentralized finance (DeFi) has opened new avenues for NFTs, enabling them to serve as collateral for loans or as part of complex financial products. Regulatory scrutiny has also intensified, leading to discussions about standards and best practices for NFT transactions. This evolving landscape suggests that while the prediction may have been overly optimistic regarding universal ownership within ten years, the utility of NFTs is becoming more pronounced, particularly in sectors that prioritize security and efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are NFTs and how do they function as utilities?
NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are unique digital assets verified on a blockchain. As utilities, they can serve various functions, including acting as tickets for events or verifying ownership of digital and physical goods.
How are companies currently using NFTs in practical applications?
Companies are exploring NFTs for ticketing, loyalty programs, and identity verification. For example, airlines are testing NFTs for digital boarding passes, enhancing security and user experience.
What challenges do NFTs face in becoming essential utilities?
NFTs face challenges such as regulatory scrutiny, market volatility, and the need for user education. Establishing industry standards and ensuring consumer trust are critical for broader adoption.
Will NFTs replace traditional forms of ownership and access?
While NFTs offer innovative solutions for ownership and access, they are unlikely to fully replace traditional methods in the near term. Instead, they may coexist, providing enhanced security and efficiency.

Works Cited & Evidence

1

If You’re Afraid To Make Videos Watch This - Grow With Video Keynote

primary source·Tier 1: Official Primary·GaryVee·Jul 19, 2022

Primary source video

View Source
Disclosure: Prediction assessments reflect editorial analysis as of the date shown. Outcome evaluations may be updated as new evidence emerges. This page was generated with AI assistance.

Continue Reading

Share or Save

PostLinkedInEmail