NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) typically display content such as images, videos (MP4s), GIFs, and more by using a reference or “pointer” mechanism. Here’s how it works:

1. Token Metadata:

Each NFT is associated with a set of metadata that describes the token, including details about the content it represents. This metadata is often stored on the blockchain and contains essential information such as the title, creator, description, and a reference to the location of the actual content.

2. URL Pointer:

Instead of storing the actual content (image, video, GIF) directly on the blockchain, NFTs commonly include a URL or URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) that points to the location of the content. This URL can lead to either decentralized storage solutions like IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) or centralized servers.

3. Decentralized Storage:

In some cases, NFT creators opt to store the associated content on decentralized storage systems like IPFS. IPFS is a peer-to-peer protocol that allows for the distributed storage and retrieval of content. When the URL points to IPFS, the content is fetched from multiple nodes in the network, ensuring its availability and resilience.

4. Centralized Servers:

Alternatively, the URL might point to a centralized server where the content is hosted. This is a more traditional approach and may be suitable for NFTs where the creator or platform prefers centralized hosting.

In summary, NFTs do not typically store the actual content (e.g., images, videos) on the blockchain itself due to the cost and scalability limitations of doing so. Instead, they store metadata and provide a reference (URL) to the location of the content, which can be hosted on decentralized storage systems like IPFS or centralized servers. This allows NFTs to efficiently represent a wide range of digital assets while keeping the blockchain lightweight.