“NFTs will never go mainstream.” Oh, no? Let us introduce you to the Ethereum-based NFT collection Pudgy Penguins. Pudgy Penguins has sold more than $400 million in digital collectibles, grown to 900,000+ followers on Instagram (and counting), and launched toys in 2,000 Walmart stores around the United States. In other words, this penguin NFT project has waddled into the mainstream.
Not familiar? Here’s what you need to know.
What is Pudgy Penguins?
Pudgy Penguins is a collection of 8,888 penguin NFTs on the Ethereum blockchain. It was founded by a group of college students in July 2021, and sold to Luca Netz for $2.5 million in April 2022. Its art features chubby “pengus” with a delightful mix of traits, such as headwear, clothing, and accessories. Due to this adorable IP, along with its cutesy content and merchandise, Pudgy Penguins has built a strong community and achieved broad appeal.
Rather than opt for crecked-out felines or intoxicated apes, Pudgy Penguins went with meme-able, chubby penguins. And it’s paid off. The friendly, approachable branding has allowed it to reach non-web3 users. On Instagram alone, Pudgy Penguins has attracted more than one million followers. How? Through cutesy, relatable content such as daily affirmations, inspirational messages, and other sentimental posts.
Outside of social, the pengus have also waddled their way into the physical world. Where? Walmart, Five Below, Amazon, Hot Topic, Toys R Us, Smyths, and other retail locations that continue to snowball. At these retailers, you’ll find Pudgy Toys plushies and collectibles, which come with codes that are redeemable for digital characters in Pudgy World, an open virtual world.
Through its adorable IP, cutesy content, and phygital merch, Pudgy Penguins has built a committed following—one that transcends web3 into the mainstream.
Why collect Pudgy Penguins?
Join the Huddle
Club Pengu. Pengu Nation. The Huddle. Whatever you prefer to call it, it’s a kind and joyous community. As soon as you join, you’ll be embraced by a flurry of welcome messages. And the love doesn’t stop there. As a Pudgy Penguins holder, you’ll get invited to notable NFT events and IRL meetups, receive member shoutouts, and benefit from other fun perks.
Consume and contribute cutesy content
Since the beginning, the Pengus were made for memes. Perhaps that’s why they’re so cute and shareable. On Instagram, you’ll find pick-me-up posts, daily affirmations, cutesy couples content, and other positive messages.
If you’re the creator type, contribute your own penguin-themed content. Create pengu memes with the Meme Generator, submit Pudgy GIFs, design Pudgy wallpapers, and/or become one with your Penguin using Hologram.
Play with Pudgy Toys
Pudgy Penguins is committed to helping you unlock your inner child. And it does so through cute collectibles. When you pick up a Pudgy plushie or figurine, you not only get a fun toy (for you or a loved one), you get a unique “adoption certificate,” redeemable for a digital experience in Pudgy World. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might even find the golden ticket, which rewards you with a rare trait for your Forever Pudgy Penguin in Pudgy World.
How to get started with Pudgy Penguins?
Ready to slide into the world of Pudgy Penguins? Pick up a Pudgy Toy. They only cost between $2.99 and $11.97, so you don’t have to break the bank. Here’s how…
Buy a Pudgy Toy from Walmart:
- Go to walmart.com (or your nearest store)
- Browse available Pudgy Toys
- Find the one you like the most
- Order your Pudgy Toy!
- If it’s not available online, you can “check availability nearby” to find the closest Walmart with toys in stock.
Want to get more involved? We recommend you pick up your own Pudgy Penguins NFT. Here’s how…
Buy a Pudgy Penguins NFT:
You’re now part of the Huddle.
