SAMOURAÏ COOPDecentralized protocols: a complete guide for artists
Decentralized protocols, built on the blockchain, are transforming the way artists manage, distribute and monetize their work. By cutting out traditional intermediaries such as labels and galleries, they let creators keep up to 90% of the revenue they generate. NFTs (non-fungible tokens) guarantee the ownership and authenticity of works, while smart contracts automate payments and royalties. DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) offer collaborative models for managing decisions and resources collectively.
- Create NFTs: Use blockchains such as Ethereum, Tezos or Solana to turn your digital files into unique assets.
- Decentralized platforms: Audius and Emanate let musicians keep the major share of the revenue.
- Secure storage: IPFS and Livepeer ensure files are preserved durably and independently.
- DAOs: Join or create collectives to take part in strategic decisions.
With these tools, artists can take back full control over their production and distribution, while exploring fairer revenue models.
Artist revenue comparison: traditional vs decentralized platforms
Hack The World #0.3 - Cryptoart and NFTs
Blockchain and tokenization for artists
Tokenization turns your artistic creations into unique, permanent digital assets on the blockchain. In practice, this means converting a digital file into an NFT (non-fungible token) that can be neither modified nor deleted [8]. Each NFT comes with crucial metadata – such as the creation date, the number of editions and the artist’s wallet address – forming an immutable digital signature that guarantees your authorship of the work [7].
When you create an NFT, you can include royalties of 5 to 10% that are paid to you on every resale [8]. A striking example is Imogen Heap, a musician who, in October 2015, distributed her single “Tiny Human” through Ujomusic, a platform built on Ethereum. Thanks to a smart contract, 91.25% of the revenue went directly to her, while 1.25% went to her musicians. This example shows how smart contracts can automate the distribution of earnings [4].
The blockchain also acts as a universal registry for your copyright, reducing the fees tied to intermediaries such as labels or collective management societies [4]. It also makes it possible to fractionalize the ownership of your works, letting several collectors acquire a share of the same creation [10]. This approach broadens your audience worldwide, without depending on traditional distribution channels.
How to create NFTs and use smart contracts
To put tokenization into practice, start by choosing a blockchain suited to your needs. Ethereum is often the first choice, but its high fees push many artists to explore other options such as Polygon, Solana or Tezos, which offer faster, cheaper transactions [14]. When making your choice, weigh factors such as security, decentralization, scalability and environmental impact [7].
Next, set up a compatible crypto wallet. For example, MetaMask is ideal for Ethereum and Polygon, Phantom for Solana, and Temple for Tezos. This wallet will serve as your private key and your digital bank account. Fund it with a small amount of the native cryptocurrency (ETH, SOL or XTZ) to cover transaction fees [14].
Prepare your files in a compatible format (JPEG, PNG, GIF, MP3 or MP4), generally under 100 MB in size [14]. During minting (creating the NFT), fill in the metadata carefully – name, description, properties such as rarity – and mark it as immutable to guarantee its integrity [7]. Tools like Manifold Creator simplify the process by letting you deploy your own custom smart contracts without any coding [13].
“NFTs allow absolutely ANYTHING to be tokenized, owned by you, and programmed with your own conditions – autonomously.” - Ledger [13]
Once your NFTs are created, building an engaged community is crucial to maximize their impact. Platforms like Twitter and Discord are essential for establishing a presence in the Web3 world, because popularity on classic social networks does not guarantee NFT sales [7]. For example, in August 2022, OpenSea partnered with the Friends with Benefits (FWB) DAO to commission 10 “phygital” works from contemporary artists. The project, approved by a vote of more than 3,000 active FWB members, put the works on display on OpenSea’s homepage as well as at a physical event [6].
Advantages and challenges of tokenization
Here is an overview of the main advantages and challenges of tokenization:
Aspect Advantages Challenges Provenance
The blockchain guarantees the authenticity of the work [7]
Lack of standardized licensing norms [11]
Revenue
Automatic royalties of 5 to 10% on every resale [8]
Sometimes high transaction fees, especially on Ethereum [8]
Market access
Worldwide peer-to-peer distribution with no intermediary [1]
Need to build a Web3 community from day one [7]
Ownership
Fractional ownership possible for high-value works [10]
Risk of permanent loss if the private key is lost [7]
Environmental impact
Proof-of-Stake blockchains like Tezos or Polygon consume little energy [7]
Before 2022, each NFT on Ethereum consumed around 340 kWh [11]
The global NFT market has exploded, going from $62.9 million in 2018 to more than $15.5 billion by the end of 2021 [11]. Projections point to growth reaching $84.13 billion between 2025 and 2029 [12]. However, one study shows that 10% of traders account for 85% of NFT transactions, underlining a heavy concentration of the market [11].
Finally, platform fees vary considerably. OpenSea takes around 2.5% on each sale, while SuperRare applies 15% on the first sale and 10% on the following ones. Rarible, for its part, charges around 2.5% on both purchase and sale [1]. On Tezos, platforms like Objkt offer fees often under €0.30, whereas the Ethereum network can incur far higher costs depending on congestion [14].
Decentralized music and streaming platforms
Decentralized platforms are radically changing how musicians distribute and monetize their work. Unlike classic services such as Spotify, where artists receive only around 12% of the revenue generated[16][18], these new protocols let creators keep between 80% and 100% of their earnings. Why? Because they remove the intermediaries – labels, distributors, aggregators – who traditionally capture most of the revenue. Thanks to smart contracts, payment becomes automatic and immediate the moment an action takes place.
These smart contracts enable instant royalty distribution: with every stream or sale, a payment goes straight to the artist’s crypto wallet[18]. A striking example is the band Kings of Leon, who released an album as an NFT, making direct sales to fans easier.
For independent artists, who today account for more than 90% of the content on streaming platforms, these protocols offer a solid alternative[20]. Platforms like Audius or Emanate redistribute the majority of the revenue directly to creators in the form of tokens, while setting aside a small share to reward the “stakers” who support the network[16].
Blockchain-based audio sharing
The blockchain is not limited to distribution: it also secures the sharing of audio content. For example, platforms like Audius use IPFS to store files, guaranteeing permanent access and resistance to censorship[16][17]. This structure gives artists full control over their creations.
These technologies also introduce entirely new forms of engagement. Fans can “stake” tokens to support their favorite artists. Some platforms, like BitSong, go even further by letting artists create their own custom tokens, turning listeners into genuine stakeholders with a vote on certain creative decisions[20].
A striking example of these new models is 3LAU, an electronic musician who, in February 2021, sold NFTs to celebrate his album Ultraviolet. The project demonstrated the potential of these approaches to transform music monetization[18][19].
Jolene Creighton and Langston Thomas describe the decentralized infrastructure of Web3 streaming as helping independent artists take back control of their art — and their pay — by removing the intermediaries who currently hold the power.[16]
Decentralized marketplaces and governance
Decentralized marketplaces are a game changer for artists, offering a new way to sell their works and manage their income. These platforms let creators take a direct part in decisions about policies, fees or partnerships. This removes the “single point of failure” of centralized structures[23].
Thanks to the blockchain, intermediaries such as labels, publishers or collective management organizations become unnecessary. The technology reduces transaction costs by standardizing rights and metadata[4]. Smart contracts, for their part, automatically split payments between collaborators as soon as a sale is closed.
Another major advantage lies in programmable royalties on secondary sales. For example, the Sound Protocol ensures that artists keep earning revenue as their works gain value on the secondary market[15]. Some NFTs even include legal licenses directly in their on-chain metadata, clarifying ownership rights from the moment they are transferred[22].
“…the blockchain promises among other things a more direct, transparent, and individualized remuneration of artists, de facto eliminating most of the activities performed by traditional intermediaries” – Laurent Bach, Rémy Guichardaz, Eric Schenk[4]
These innovations also extend to collaborative governance through DAOs, where artists take an active part in strategic decisions.
Community-driven NFT marketplaces
DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) give artists the ability to form collectives where decisions are made collectively through token-based votes. Take Friends with Benefits (FWB), a DAO bringing together more than 3,000 creators. In August 2022, FWB worked with OpenSea to spotlight ten contemporary artists. The partnership was approved by a community vote, and a team of curators was assembled in a decentralized way[6].
These models encourage decentralized curation, where it is the DAO’s members, not gallery directors, who decide which works to promote. MUSE0DAO, for example, acts as an “internet museum”: artists submit their digital creations, and members vote on whether a work joins the permanent collection. Selected artists receive a membership token, which gives them a vote[24].
Specialized DAOs are emerging too. ObscuraDAO supports 100 photographers with commissions and grants to fund their ambitious projects. herstoryDAO, for its part, spotlights Black women creators in the NFT world[24]. PartyDAO built the “PartyBid” tool, which let 117 members pool 33 ETH to collectively win an NFT from the Blitmap Collection at auction[24].
PleasrDAO frames its ambition as setting industry standards that move the whole system forward, and showing what is technically possible with DAOs.[24]
Comparing governance models
Decentralized governance models offer artists very different approaches compared with traditional organizations:
Characteristic Traditional organizations Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) Structure
Hierarchical (CEO, managers)
Horizontal (community ownership)[3]
Decision-making
Top-down, private
Based on proposals and transparent voting[25]
Execution
Manual, human-led
Automated via smart contracts[25]
Trust model
Legal contracts and reputation
Trustless (code is law)[25]
Access
Restricted, employment-based
Open, token-based participation[3]
To join a DAO, artists generally need to acquire a governance token (like RARI on Rarible) or hold a specific NFT (for example, a NounsDAO NFT, which equals one vote)[3][14]. Those who want to create their own collective can use tools like Homebase or BaseDAO on Tezos to define their voting rules and treasury management[9].
There are risks, however. Without formal registration in certain jurisdictions (such as Wyoming or Tennessee), the members of a DAO can be held personally liable for the organization’s actions. In May 2022, the members of the bZx DAO faced a class action after a loss of $55 million in cryptocurrency[6].
Decentralized tools for storage, hosting and production
Artists who want to keep full control over their digital works now have tools that guarantee both durability and resistance to censorship. Solutions like IPFS and Livepeer offer an alternative to centralized servers, opening the way to more independent, more secure management.
IPFS: censorship-proof storage
The InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) stands out for operating without a centralized server. Unlike traditional web addresses (for example, www.example.com/image.jpg), IPFS gives each file a unique identifier, called a CID (Content Identifier), based on the file’s hash. If the file is modified, the CID changes automatically, guaranteeing that every link always points to a precise, immutable version of the content[26].
For NFTs, it is recommended to use the format in smart contract metadata, rather than classic HTTP links. Although HTTP gateways (such as ) make access through a browser easier, they remain vulnerable if the gateway goes down.
“IPFS allows NFTs to represent data of any size and format in a secure, verifiable, and distributed way that can stand the test of time.” – IPFS documentation[26]
To strengthen the durability of your files, it is wise to use pinning services such as nft.storage (free for public NFT data), Pinata or 4EVERLAND (with paid options from €1)[21]. To date, nft.storage has already stored more than 100 million NFTs on the Filecoin network[28].
Livepeer: decentralized video production
Once your creations are secured on IPFS, the Livepeer protocol steps in to meet the specific needs of video makers.
Livepeer makes it possible to go beyond the 100 MB limit imposed by many NFT platforms, handling files of up to 10 GB[27]. This Ethereum-based protocol distributes the video transcoding process across a decentralized network, automatically adapting videos to different devices and connection speeds.
Beyond its flexibility, Livepeer offers a considerable economic advantage, costing around 10 times less than classic cloud solutions[27]. To get started, create an account on Livepeer Studio to obtain an API key, then use the React SDK () to upload your videos[29]. Once transcoded, they can be stored directly on IPFS by enabling the option through the API.
When creating a video NFT, embed the IPFS CID in the metadata field. For smooth playback on marketplaces, insert the Livepeer player URL () in the field. This player automatically triggers transcoding on first playback, guaranteeing optimized delivery[27].
Samouraï Coop: decentralized technologies for artists
Based in Paris, Samouraï Coop offers creators a space where they can adopt and put decentralized protocols to work. The cooperative brings together professionals from a range of creative fields to offer a full set of services: audiovisual production, development of decentralized applications (dApps), UX/UI design and the setup of Web3 governance systems.
Samouraï Coop’s approach aligns with Web3’s “Read, Write, Own” philosophy. Here, creators and users truly own the value and the content they produce, through tokens[30]. The blockchain plays the role of a “trusted third party”, guaranteeing the transparency and integrity of digital data. This lets artists certify the authenticity and ownership of their creations without depending on centralized platforms[30].
To build custom dApps, Samouraï Coop relies on modular frameworks like the Sound Protocol. These tools make it possible to deploy tailored smart contracts, with custom metadata and royalties built in. The result: creators can design original, immersive digital experiences[15].
In parallel, the cooperative helps artists put decentralized governance in place through DAOs (decentralized autonomous organizations). These structures let communities manage resources collectively and distribute revenue transparently.
But Samouraï Coop does not stop at technical development. It covers the whole production chain: audiovisual direction, visual design and decentralized music. This complete approach guarantees seamless support, from the initial strategy through to final distribution on peer-to-peer networks.
Ready to explore this decentralized ecosystem? Discover the possibilities open to you today.
Getting started: a practical guide for artists
Here are a few concrete steps to dive into the decentralized world and start finding your way around it.
If you are ready to explore decentralized protocols, start by creating a crypto wallet. You have three types of wallets to choose from:
- Hosted wallets: managed by a third party, they are simple to use and allow easy recovery in case of loss.
- Software wallets: like MetaMask or Trust Wallet, they give you full control but require writing down a 12-word recovery phrase.
- Hardware wallets: physical devices like Ledger, offering maximum security, from around €100 [31].
Download the corresponding app, create your account without providing any personal information, and carefully write your recovery phrase down on paper, kept somewhere safe. Never share it, and avoid storing it on a digital device [32].
Once your wallet is set up, it is time to fund it so you can start creating your NFTs.
Funding your wallet
Add native cryptocurrency to your wallet according to the blockchain you have chosen. For example, use ETH for Ethereum, XTZ for Tezos, or SOL for Solana. A minimum of €5 is recommended to cover fees [14]. You can buy these tokens directly with a bank card through integrated services like MoonPay [33].
To create (mint) your first NFT, choose a platform suited to your needs:
- OpenSea (Ethereum): ideal for high visibility.
- Objkt (Tezos): very low fees, often under €0.30.
- Rarible: offers community governance [14][33].
Connect your wallet to the platform, create a “Collection” (which involves deploying a smart contract, costing around 1 XTZ on Tezos) [33], then upload your digital file (accepted formats: JPEG, PNG, MP4 or MP3, up to 100 MB) [7]. Fill in the essential metadata (name, description, properties) and set a royalty percentage (generally between 5% and 10%) to earn revenue on secondary sales [8].
Joining a DAO
Once your wallet is ready, you can join a DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) to take part in community projects. All it takes is acquiring its governance tokens or holding the required NFT [3]. For example, Friends with Benefits (FWB) brings together more than 3,000 active creators [6]. Join their Discord server and follow their Twitter account to take part in discussions and vote on proposals through platforms like Snapshot [3][14]. Be careful when signing with your wallet: always check that the logo and the URL match the platform you expect before approving [33].
Securing your assets
To protect your creations and your funds, use a dedicated wallet for marketplace transactions. Then transfer your assets to a hardware wallet or a multi-signature wallet (like Safe for collective projects) for added security [32].
Platform Blockchain Estimated fees Compatible wallets OpenSea
Ethereum
Variable (high)
MetaMask, Rainbow, Trust Wallet, Coinbase Wallet
Objkt
Tezos
< €0.30
Kukai, Temple Wallet
Solana
Solana
From €0.50
Phantom, Solflare
Rarible
Ethereum / Flow
€1 to €2
MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet
Conclusion
Decentralized protocols are redefining how artists create, collaborate and monetize their work. By removing traditional intermediaries, you take back the reins of your artistic production. That means you can set your own prices while keeping up to 90% of your revenue [2]. Thanks to smart contracts, royalties are distributed automatically on every resale, guaranteeing fast, transparent payment [5][7].
These advances show just how much Web3 can transform your artistic practice.
“Web3 is handing the power over to artists, and it’s already changing the way we create!” - Ledger [2]
But Web3’s impact does not stop at the financial side. These technologies, like DAOs, give you an unprecedented level of digital sovereignty. Once tokenized, your works remain entirely under your control, protected by the blockchain. DAOs, for their part, open the way to collective governance models where every voice counts in creative decisions.
The decentralized ecosystem keeps evolving, with tools like secure storage via IPFS, decentralized video production with Livepeer, and streaming platforms such as Audius. These solutions make it possible to build an independent artistic career without being at the mercy of the algorithms or shifting policies of centralized platforms [2].
To take your first steps into the Web3 world, start by creating a crypto wallet. Then explore the many possibilities: mint an NFT on Tezos, join a creative DAO, or experiment with smart contracts. Every step in that direction brings you closer to a freer, fairer artistic practice.
FAQs
How can an artist choose the ideal blockchain for their NFTs?
For an artist looking to get into NFT creation, several essential criteria need to be weighed: costs, environmental impact, available tools and the platform’s long-term viability.
Take Ethereum. This blockchain is very popular thanks to its high visibility and its strong security. However, its transaction fees can often exceed several tens of euros, which can be a barrier, especially for beginners. At the other end of the spectrum, blockchains like Tezos stand out for very low fees and reduced energy consumption, making them a more environmentally friendly option.
To make a sound choice, here are a few points to consider:
- Compare costs in euros: Look at minting (creation) and transaction fees to gauge their impact on your budget.
- Think about environmental impact: If your audience cares about these questions, choosing a blockchain with a low carbon footprint can be an asset.
- Explore the ecosystem: Make sure the blockchain you choose has active marketplaces and tools suited to your needs.
Depending on your priorities – budget, visibility or environmental responsibility – it can be worth testing several platforms. That will help you identify the one that best matches your artistic and financial expectations.
What benefits do DAOs bring to artists?
DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) open new prospects for artists by transforming how they collaborate and manage their projects. By removing traditional intermediaries, they allow a fairer distribution of revenue, in particular through the direct sale of works on decentralized platforms. With community governance, every member has a say in key decisions, ensuring collective, transparent management.
These organizations also encourage collaboration between artists by pooling resources to fund ambitious projects. Smart contracts play a key role in this dynamic: they automate processes, reduce errors, guarantee fast payments and secure royalties. DAOs also make it possible to build international communities, connecting artists with collectors and partners around the world, while giving them greater independence and creative freedom.
How can artists protect their digital creations with IPFS?
To protect their digital works on IPFS, artists first need to add their files to the network. This generates a CID (Content Identifier), a unique and immutable identifier. The CID guarantees that the file stays intact: any modification would create a new identifier. For lasting availability, it is wise to “pin” the files on several nodes. This can be done through a local node or through specialized pinning services.
Another important step is to create a JSON file containing metadata such as the title, the description or the copyright. Once stored on IPFS, this file can be tied to a smart contract or a certificate of ownership, providing timestamped, verifiable proof. For evolving content, artists can rely on IPNS (InterPlanetary Naming System). This system redirects to the latest CID while keeping a fixed link.
To preserve confidentiality, files can be encrypted before being added to IPFS. That way, only those holding the right key can view the works. By adopting these practices, artists have a decentralized, secure way of protecting their digital creations.