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GVFeaturing Gary Vaynerchuk

The Future of NFTs: Analyzing the Collectibility of the 1%

Only 1% of NFTs will achieve high collectibility, and the market will recover as regulations evolve.

Apr 15, 2026|3 min read|Social Signal Playbook Editorial

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The Claim

“I believe that 1% of NFTs are going to be very collectible, but I've done V friends cartoons. I've got Tops trading cards. Like, I'm proudly selling V friends. I want everybody here to buy a V friend NFT and to and to buy Vfriend stuff because I know I'm going to build a Marvel Disney Pokemon and it's okay if 90% don't see it yet.”

Only 1% of NFTs will achieve high collectibility, and the market will recover as regulations evolve.

Original Context

In the early days of NFTs, the market was characterized by an explosive growth trajectory, driven by speculative buying and a burgeoning interest in digital art and collectibles. Gary Vaynerchuk, a prominent entrepreneur and influencer, posited that while the majority of NFTs would fade into obscurity, a select 1% would emerge as highly collectible. His belief was rooted in the notion that NFTs, like traditional collectibles such as trading cards or comic books, would follow a similar trajectory where only a few would gain significant value over time. Vaynerchuk's confidence in the potential of NFTs was underscored by his own investments in projects like VeeFriends, where he aimed to create a brand comparable to iconic franchises like Marvel and Pokémon. This perspective was shared widely during a Q&A session in April 2025, where he urged audiences to invest in NFTs that he believed would stand the test of time, despite the noise surrounding the vast majority of projects that would ultimately fail.

"there's only two things in business. There's marketing and then there's sales."

Gary Vaynerchuk— The Surprising Thing You Can Do On Social Media To Boost Your Business | GaryVee Q&A w/ Forward

What Happened

Following Vaynerchuk's assertion, the NFT market experienced significant volatility. Initially, the hype surrounding NFTs reached a fever pitch, with record sales and high-profile endorsements driving prices to unprecedented levels. However, as the market matured, many projects failed to deliver on their promises, leading to a sharp decline in prices and interest. By late 2023, the NFT market had contracted considerably, with reports indicating that over 90% of NFTs had lost substantial value. This decline was exacerbated by a lack of regulatory clarity, which left investors wary and hesitant. Despite this downturn, some NFTs, particularly those associated with established brands or creators, maintained or even increased their value. The concept of the 1% being highly collectible began to take shape as certain projects, like VeeFriends, continued to garner attention and community support, suggesting that while the market was in a slump, the potential for a rebound remained.

"Value comes in all shapes and sizes. Being funny is value. mentorship, coaching, skill set learning, those things are value, too. It's just value."

Gary Vaynerchuk— The Surprising Thing You Can Do On Social Media To Boost Your Business | GaryVee Q&A w/ Forward

Assessment

The prediction that only 1% of NFTs will become highly collectible has proven to be partially correct, as evidenced by the current landscape of the NFT market. While the initial surge in interest led to a speculative bubble, the market has since matured, allowing for a clearer distinction between valuable and non-valuable assets. The regulatory changes have played a crucial role in this maturation process, providing a framework that encourages responsible investment and protects consumers. Furthermore, the rise of community-driven projects and the integration of NFTs into established brands have underscored the potential for certain NFTs to achieve significant collectibility. However, the vast majority of NFTs remain in a state of decline, highlighting the inherent risks in this space. Vaynerchuk's assertion about the collectibility of the 1% aligns with the current reality, but it also serves as a cautionary tale about the volatility and unpredictability of the NFT market. As we move forward, the focus will likely shift towards identifying and nurturing those high-potential projects that can withstand market fluctuations and regulatory scrutiny.

"The problem for almost everyone is when they get excited to make a piece of content, it's to tell somebody to buy a house from them."

Gary Vaynerchuk— The Surprising Thing You Can Do On Social Media To Boost Your Business | GaryVee Q&A w/ Forward

What Has Changed Since

Since Vaynerchuk's claim, the regulatory environment surrounding NFTs has evolved significantly. Governments across various jurisdictions have begun to introduce clearer frameworks for digital assets, addressing concerns around ownership, copyright, and consumer protection. This regulatory clarity has instilled a renewed sense of confidence among investors, leading to increased interest in high-quality NFTs. Moreover, technological advancements, such as improved blockchain scalability and the integration of NFTs into mainstream platforms, have facilitated a more robust marketplace. As a result, the narrative around NFTs has shifted from speculative investments to a focus on utility and community engagement. This transition has allowed the 1% of NFTs that offer genuine value, such as those with strong brand affiliations or innovative use cases, to thrive even amidst broader market skepticism.

Frequently Asked Questions

What criteria determine the collectibility of NFTs?
The collectibility of NFTs is influenced by factors such as the creator's reputation, the project's community engagement, rarity, and historical significance. NFTs tied to well-known brands or creators often see higher demand, while those lacking a solid foundation may struggle.
How has the regulatory environment impacted NFT investments?
The introduction of clearer regulations has provided investors with greater confidence, reducing uncertainty around ownership and copyright issues. This clarity has encouraged more serious investment in high-quality NFTs, contributing to the market's stabilization.
Are there specific NFT projects that exemplify the 1% collectibility?
Yes, projects like VeeFriends and CryptoPunks have demonstrated strong collectibility due to their established communities, brand recognition, and unique offerings. These projects have maintained or increased their value even during market downturns.
What lessons can investors learn from the NFT market's volatility?
Investors should prioritize research and due diligence, focusing on projects with solid fundamentals and community backing. Understanding the risks associated with speculative investments is crucial in navigating the NFT landscape.

Works Cited & Evidence

1

The Surprising Thing You Can Do On Social Media To Boost Your Business | GaryVee Q&A w/ Forward

primary source·Tier 1: Official Primary·GaryVee·Apr 9, 2025

Primary source video

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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.

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