SRC-721 Recursive NFT Protocol
The SRC-721 Recursive NFT Protocol enables advanced non-fungible tokens with layered, composable artwork stored directly on Bitcoin. Unlike traditional NFTs, SRC-721 tokens reference multiple on-chain layers to create high-resolution, cost-effective NFTs.
Protocol Founder: DerpHerpstein - Community founder and architect of the SRC-721 Non-Fungible Token Standard, pioneering unique Bitcoin Stamps NFT functionality.
Key Features
- Recursive Composition: NFTs built from multiple pre-stored layer assets
- Cost Efficient: Store artwork layers once, reference in multiple NFTs
- High Resolution: Support for detailed, multi-layer compositions
- On-Chain Metadata: All data permanently stored on Bitcoin
- Flexible Minting: Multiple mint modes and trait allocation systems
- Counterparty Integration: Uses stable Counterparty asset IDs
Creating SRC-721 Collections
Simple Collection Creation Process:
Visit Stampchain.io → for SRC-721 creation tools
Step-by-Step Collection Building:
- Design Layers: Create individual artwork components (backgrounds, characters, accessories)
- Upload Layers: Store each layer as a separate Bitcoin Stamp
- Deploy Collection: Define collection parameters and pricing using web tools
- Set Traits: Configure how layers combine to create unique NFTs
- Enable Minting: Allow users to mint composed NFTs from your layers
Benefits for Artists:
- Lower Costs: Store layers once, use in multiple NFTs
- Higher Quality: Support detailed, layered artwork
- Flexible Design: Mix and match layers for infinite variety
- Permanent Storage: All artwork stored forever on Bitcoin
- Revenue Streams: Earn from both individual sales and royalties
Example Collection Structure:
- Background Layer: Sky, forest, city (3 options)
- Character Layer: Different characters (10 options)
- Accessory Layer: Hats, glasses, jewelry (5 options)
- Total Combinations: 3 × 10 × 5 = 150 unique NFTs
Technical Implementation
For developers implementing SRC-721 programmatically:
Collection Deployment Structure
The protocol uses JSON-formatted data with operations for deploy, reveal, mint, and transfer. Each operation requires specific parameters for collection management and NFT creation.
Key Technical Features
- Recursive Composition: NFTs reference multiple pre-stored stamp layers
- Cost Efficiency: Store common elements once, reference multiple times
- Unlimited Scale: No file size limits through layer composition
- Asset Stability: Uses Counterparty asset IDs for consistency
Development Resources
- OpenStamp Documentation → - Complete SRC-721 implementation guide
- GitHub Examples → - Code samples and templates
- Stamps SDK → - Technical integration tools
Minting Modes
Public vs Whitelist
- Public: Anyone can mint tokens
- Whitelist: Only approved addresses can mint
- Hybrid: Whitelist period followed by public sale
Trait Allocation
- Random: Traits assigned randomly using seed
- Authorized: Collection owner assigns specific traits
- Mixed: Combination of random and manual allocation
Pricing Models
- Fixed Price: Set price per NFT
- Dynamic: Price changes based on demand
- Free: No cost (only network fees)
Protocol Benefits
For Collectors
- Unique Compositions: Each NFT combines multiple artistic layers
- Verifiable Rarity: On-chain trait verification and scarcity
- True Ownership: Complete NFT data stored on Bitcoin
- Unlimited Scale: No file size limits through recursive composition
For Developers
- Efficient Storage: Reuse layers across multiple NFTs
- Rich Metadata: Support for complex attribute systems
- Scalable Architecture: Bypass single-transaction size limits
- Cost Optimization: Shared layers reduce per-NFT costs
Real-World Applications
Gaming Assets:
- Character customization systems
- Equipment and upgrade components
- Achievement badges and collectibles
Digital Art Collections:
- Generative art with trait variations
- Collaborative artwork projects
- Limited edition releases
Utility NFTs:
- Access tokens with visual representation
- Membership badges with customization
- Event tickets with unique designs
Network Integration
SRC-721 integrates with Bitcoin Stamps infrastructure:
- Counterparty Protocol: Stable asset ID system
- Stamps Indexer: Tracks NFT mints and transfers
- Layer Storage: Individual stamps store artwork layers
- API Access: Query collections and NFT data via stampchain.io APIs
Getting Started
For Creators:
- OpenStamp Documentation → - Complete SRC-721 guide
- Stamps SDK → - Technical integration
- Layer Creation Tutorial → - Learn stamp creation
For Developers:
- SRC-721 Examples → - Code samples
- API Integration → - Query NFT collections
- SDK Integration → - Build applications
SRC-721 brings advanced NFT functionality to Bitcoin, enabling composable, high-resolution digital collectibles with permanent on-chain storage and flexible trait systems.