Archive · 5 Oct 2026
NFT Boom Turns to Bust as High-Profile Tokens Lose Value
NFTs are digital records that show who owns a particular online item.
A few years ago, many people bought them because they hoped the items would become more valuable.
Famous people buying NFTs made others interested, too.
But interest later faded, and many buyers could not find people willing to pay high prices.
Justin Bieber's NFT, for example, was once bought for $1.3 million but was later estimated to be worth much less.
An NFT connected to Jack Dorsey's first tweet also attracted a top bid of only $280 when its owner tried to sell it.
Virtual land projects lost much of their value as well.
The story shows that prices based mostly on excitement can fall quickly.
NFTs surged in popularity during the 2021–2022 cryptocurrency boom, with buyers drawn by exclusivity, celebrity attention and hopes of resale profits.
Some prominent NFTs have reportedly lost 95% to 99% of their value as demand and investment in risky digital assets weakened.
Justin Bieber paid $1.3 million for Bored Ape Yacht Club token 3001 in January 2022; its estimated value by 2026 was about $12,000 to $16,000.
Sina Estavi bought an NFT linked to Jack Dorsey's first tweet for $2.9 million, but a later attempt to sell it for $48 million received a top bid of just $280.
Virtual land projects also fell sharply: The Sandbox's average floor price reportedly dropped 96%, while Decentraland declined by more than 90%.
- Who
- NFT buyers and sellers, including Justin Bieber and Sina Estavi, were affected by the market decline.
- What
- The article describes a steep fall in NFT values and examples of assets that became difficult to sell.
- When
- The boom took place during 2021 and early 2022; the article cites estimates through 2026.
- Where
- The decline affected NFT markets, including digital artwork and virtual land projects such as The Sandbox and Decentraland.
- Why
- Demand and money flowing into risky digital assets weakened after prices had been driven by exclusivity, celebrity attention and hopes of reselling at a profit.
Reasons buyers were drawn to NFTs
Risks exposed by the downturn
NFT ownership and appeal
Reasons buyers were drawn to NFTs
Buyers valued digital ownership, rarity, social status and access to exclusive communities.
Risks exposed by the downturn
The article says NFT prices depended heavily on celebrity attention and expectations of future price increases.
Resale prospects
Reasons buyers were drawn to NFTs
Many buyers hoped to sell their assets later for a higher price.
Risks exposed by the downturn
As interest fell, some owners struggled to find buyers, and attempted sales attracted very low bids.
- NFT boom
- NFTs gained popularity during 2021 and early 2022.
- Reported losses
- Some prominent assets reportedly lost between 95% and 99% of their value.
- Justin Bieber purchase
- He paid $1.3 million for Bored Ape Yacht Club token 3001 in January 2022.
- Bieber NFT estimate
- Its estimated value by 2026 was about $12,000 to $16,000; the article says this is roughly a 99% loss.
- Jack Dorsey tweet NFT
- Sina Estavi bought it for $2.9 million in March 2021 and later sought $48 million; the highest bid was $280.
- Virtual land
- The Sandbox's average floor price reportedly fell 96%, and Decentraland declined by more than 90%.
- Sale uncertainty
- Estimated values do not guarantee a buyer, particularly when interest is low.