Imagine if scrolling, gaming, or learning could fill your crypto wallet. That’s the magic behind X-to-Earn models. It’s like turning everyday habits into digital income streams. Whether you walk, play, or even watch videos. 

Web3 pays you for it. These models are reshaping how we earn, own, and interact online. At the heart of it? Blockchain, smart contracts, and NFT marketplace development.

This blog breaks down the tech behind each X-to-Earn type. From Play-to-Earn to Stake-to-Earn.

If you’re building the next big platform or exploring monetized engagement… This is your guide. Let’s decode the future of earning through activity.

What is X-to-Earn?

The Web3 model X-to-Earn enables users to get digital rewards. through performing particular actions.

  • The model uses the term ‘X’. To describe any activity including playing, moving, learning or creating.
  • Users receive tokens or NFTs as rewards through the ‘Earn’ component of the system.

The blockchain technology gives the system transparency, automation, and trust. Users can access the platform through web or mobile applications. Which integrate with wallets such as MetaMask or Phantom. These applications track activities either directly or indirectly. For off-chain data sources, such as health trackers or GPS.

Smart contracts play a core role. They verify activities, distribute rewards, and mint NFTs without human control. If off-chain data is required… oracles like Chainlink bring that info securely into the blockchain.

The smart contracts embed the reward structure, token economics, and user participation. Tokens may follow standards like ERC-20 for currency. or ERC-721/1155 for non-fungible tokens.

All rewards are stored in the user’s wallet, creating verifiable ownership of effort. The process is trustless, permissionless, and automated.

In short… X-to-Earn transforms real-world actions into on-chain value. It creates a new way to take part in digital economies.

What Are the Different Types of X-to-Earn Models?

#1 Play-to-Earn (P2E)

#2 Move-to-Earn (M2E)

#3 Learn-to-Earn (L2E)

#4 Create-to-Earn (C2E)

#5 Engage-to-Earn (E2E)

#6 Stake-to-Earn (S2E)

#7 Watch-to-Earn (W2E)

X-to-Earn Models Explained: From Play-to-Earn to Watch-to-Earn

#1 Play-to-Earn (P2E)

In the Play-to-Earn (P2E) model, blockchain games reward players with real digital assets. Such as tokens or NFTs for completing in-game tasks. These rewards have real-world value and can be traded, sold, or used across platforms.

How Does Play-to-Earn Model Works:

Blockchain Infrastructure

The development of P2E games occurs through blockchain technology. It includes Ethereum, BNB Chain, Solana and Polygon. These platforms:

  • Host the game’s economy.
  • Store assets like in-game currencies or NFTs.
  • Record transactions permanently.
  • The choice of blockchain impacts transaction speed, gas fees, and scalability.

Smart contracts (Game Logic)

Smart contracts control all game mechanics related to earnings. They are deployed on-chain and perform actions like:

  • Validating player actions (e.g., wins, battles, missions).
  • Calculating reward amounts.
  • Minting NFTs or tokens.
  • Sending rewards directly to the player’s wallet.

These contracts are autonomous and transparent—no human admin is needed once deployed.

Reward Distribution

Rewards come in two forms:

  • It uses tokens which function as ERC-20 or equal standards. to enable trading, upgrades and provide real-world value.
  • It uses NFTs through ERC-721 or ERC-1155 standards. To represent items such as characters and weapons and skins.

The rewards earned by players exist directly in their wallet storage. Which supports MetaMask, Phantom and WalletConnect

Game Engine & Onchain Record

The actual game is built using engines like Unity or Unreal.

  • On-chain calls to smart contracts.
  • Off-chain logic (animations, movement, AI) to interact with blockchain records.

So, while the game visuals run off-chain. The value layer, rewards, items, ownership—is all secured on on-chain.

#2 Move-to-Earn (M2E)

The Move-to-Earn (M2E) model provides digital rewards to users for real-world physical activity. These rewards include walking, running, cycling and sleeping activities. The system distributes crypto tokens and NFTs as rewards which have their own real value. Users have the ability to exchange their rewards. or lock them for future use or sell them through marketplaces.

How Does the Move-to-Earn Model Work?

Blockchain Infrastructure

M2E apps are built on blockchains like Solana, BNB Chain, and Polygon. These chains:

  • Record user actions permanently.
  • Store earned rewards securely.
  • Host the app’s token economy.

Smart Contracts (Activity & Rewards Logic)

Smart contracts run the reward logic. They:

  • Track verified activity data.
  • Match it to pre-defined reward rules.
  • Trigger minting of tokens or NFTs.
  • Send rewards to the user’s wallet.

Data Input: Off-chain + On-chain

M2E apps rely on both on-chain and off-chain data. Off-chain sensors (like GPS or step trackers) feed data into the blockchain. Oracles like Chainlink or Band ensure this data is accurate.

Token & NFT Rewards

  • Tokens (ERC-20 or SPL): Used for upgrades, purchases, or trading.
  • NFTs (ERC-721/1155): Represent wearable assets like digital shoes or badges.
  • All rewards are stored in user wallets like MetaMask, Phantom, or WalletConnect.

Front-End + Engine

The front-end runs on mobile apps. It collects movement data and displays rewards. The value system ownership, token logic, and NFTs is secured on-chain.

M2E turns real-life motion into digital income

#3 Learn-to-Earn (L2E)

The Learn-to-Earn (L2E) model operates as a Web3 system. Which provides crypto rewards to users who get new skills. It transforms education into a financial opportunity. Users complete lessons, tutorials, or quizzes. To receive tokens or NFTs as proof of knowledge.

How Does the Learn-to-Earn Model Work?

Blockchain Infrastructure

L2E platforms use blockchains like Polygon, BNB Chain, or Ethereum. These networks:

  • Record learning achievements.
  • Store tokens and NFT credentials.
  • Power the app’s reward economy.

They offer low fees and high security, which is ideal for frequent learner activity.

Smart Contracts (Reward Logic)

Smart contracts control the earning rules. They:

  • Verify completed tasks or quiz scores.
  • Assign reward values to each learning action.
  • Mint tokens or NFTs as proof.
  • Send rewards to the user’s wallet.

Learning Data: Off-Chain Input

Most learning happens off-chain—through video, text, or live courses. Oracles verify task completion or test results and feed this data to smart contracts. This ensures only real learners get rewarded.

Token & NFT Rewards

  • Tokens (ERC-20): Used to unlock advanced content or withdrawn.
  • NFTs (ERC-721/1155): Represent course completions or skills.
  • Rewards go directly to Web3 wallets like MetaMask or WalletConnect.

Front-End + Experience

The learning interface is a web or mobile app. It connects users to their wallets and tracks progress. Smart contracts handle value and rewards behind the scenes.

L2E turns education into real, verifiable income.

#4 Create-to-Earn (C2E)

The Web3 model Create-to-Earn (C2E) provides blockchain-based rewards to creators. Who develops original digital content. The model supports various forms of digital content creation including art, music, and videos blog posts. Creators receive direct blockchain-based rewards instead of depending on platform revenue or advertising.

How Does Create-to-Earn Model Work?

Blockchain Infrastructure

C2E platforms are built on blockchains like Ethereum, BNB Chain, or Polygon. These networks:

  • Register content as NFTs or digital assets.
  • Store ownership and creator rights.
  • Power the ecosystem’s reward and resale economy.
  • The choice of chain impacts speed, fees, and reach.

Smart Contracts (Ownership & Royalty Logic)

Smart contracts handle the content lifecycle. They:

  • Mint NFTs for digital creations.
  • Link the creator’s wallet to ownership.
  • Automate royalty payments on each resale.
  • Distribute rewards for content engagement (likes, shares, views).

Content Verification: On-Chain + Off-Chain

Content lives off-chain (on IPFS or cloud). Metadata, proof of ownership, and royalties live on-chain. This keeps the system efficient but secure.

Rewards: Tokens + NFTs

  • Tokens (ERC-20): Given for engagement, sales, or community contributions.
  • NFTs (ERC-721/1155): Represent content ownership or licensing.

C2E gives power back to creators—by making their content valuable and traceable on-chain.

#5 Engage-to-Earn (E2E)

Engage-to-Earn (E2E) is a Web3 model that rewards users for interacting with platforms. Users earn tokens or NFTs by liking, commenting, reviewing, or voting. E2E flips traditional attention economics by paying users for their engagement.

How Does Engage-to-Earn Model Work?

Blockchain Infrastructure

E2E apps run on chains like Polygon, BNB Chain, or Arbitrum. These chains:

  • Track user interactions securely.
  • Store engagement data as on-chain records.
  • Power the reward system using native tokens or NFTs.

The blockchain ensures transparency and prevents fake engagement.

Smart Contracts (Engagement Logic)

Smart contracts control how users earn. They:

  • Detect and log on-chain or verified off-chain actions.
  • Assign value to each interaction (e.g., share = 5 tokens).
  • Automate reward distribution.
  • Prevent bot or spam activities using filters and cooldowns.

Rewards: Tokens & NFTs

  • Tokens (ERC-20): Given for daily activity or quality engagement.
  • NFTs (ERC-721/1155): Represent badges, achievements, or tier-based perks.
  • Users connect wallets (MetaMask, WalletConnect) to receive and use these rewards.

Data Sources: On-Chain + Oracles

Likes or comments often happen off-chain (on websites or apps). Oracles like Chainlink send this data to the blockchain. The contract verifies the input before issuing rewards.

Front-End & Interaction Engine

The platform’s front-end (web or mobile) handles user input. A back-end engine manages sessions, engagement history, and sends data to smart contracts. It acts as a bridge between user actions and blockchain logic.

E2E transforms social attention into a new kind of digital currency. Where every click counts.

#6 Stake-to-Earn (S2E)

Stake-to-Earn (S2E) is a Web3 framework. In which users deposit their tokens into smart contracts to generate passive income. The greater and more extensive the stake, the larger the rewards. This model powers decentralized finance (DeFi), gaming economies, and NFT platforms.

How Does Stake-to-Earn Model Work?

Blockchain Infrastructure

S2E platforms run on chains like Ethereum, BNB Chain, Polygon, or Solana. These chains:

  • Store staking contracts.
  • Secure reward calculations.
  • Record all transactions on-chain for transparency.

Smart Contracts (Staking Logic)

Smart contracts manage the staking pool. They:

  • Lock tokens submitted by users.
  • Track stake duration and amount.
  • Calculate reward ratios dynamically.
  • Distribute earnings automatically.

Rewards: Native Tokens + NFTs

Stakers receive:

  • ERC-20 tokens as yield, either fixed or variable.
  • NFTs as loyalty badges, access passes, or tier upgrades.
  • Rewards go directly into the user’s wallet. No middleman involved.

Front-End + Engine

The platform’s front-end lets users connect wallets like MetaMask or WalletConnect. The back-end engine tracks staking data, pulls real-time values, and interacts with smart contracts.

Ownership + Transparency

All stakes and rewards are on-chain. Users can verify their positions anytime. Full ownership remains with the user—nothing is held by the platform.

S2E empowers users to earn by supporting the network. No tasks. No gameplay. Just stake and earn

#7 Watch-to-Earn (W2E)

Watch-to-Earn (W2E) rewards users with tokens or NFTs for consuming video content. This includes ads, movies, streams, or educational clips. The more you watch, the more you earn. It flips the Web2 model by paying viewers instead of just content owners.

How Does a Watch-to-Earn Model Work?

Blockchain Infrastructure

W2E platforms run on chains like BNB Chain, Polygon, or Avalanche. These chains:

  • Track viewer activity on-chain.
  • Store earned rewards as tokens or NFTs.
  • Support fast, low-cost transactions.

The chain choice affects viewer experience and payout efficiency.

Smart Contracts (View Tracking & Reward Logic)

Smart contracts handle:

  • Tracking watch time or completion rates.
  • Validating user sessions to avoid bots.
  • Releasing tokens based on predefined logic.
  • Minting NFTs for loyalty, badges, or milestones.

Oracles + Off-chain Input

Most video plays happen off-chain. Oracles bring in verified data like watch time or IP location. This ensures accurate, fair payouts.

Front-End + Playback Engine

Users watch videos via a web or mobile app. The front-end integrates wallet login (MetaMask, WalletConnect). The playback engine interacts with smart contracts to trigger rewards.

Rewards + Ownership

Users earn:

  • ERC-20 tokens per view/session.
  • NFTs for engagement, rarity, or access passes.

Rewards go straight to the user’s wallet—fully owned and tradable.

W2E puts real value on attention. Watch content. Earn assets. Simple and fair.

Here’s the Takeaway

The X-to-Earn wave isn’t just a trend… it’s a shift in how people earn, interact, and own. From gamers to creators, everyone’s becoming part of a tokenized economy. But behind every successful model lies strong infrastructure—powered by smart contracts and NFTs. If you’re an entrepreneur, now’s the time to build.NFT marketplace development is the engine that fuels these earning models. It connects users, assets, and real rewards. Don’t just watch this trend…lead it. Build a platform where users earn, and value flows on-chain. The future of digital income is here. And it’s waiting for entrepreneurs like you.