What is Pinata? IPFS storage and file delivery

Pinata is a service provider for storing and delivering IPFS files. It is neither the IPFS protocol itself nor a cryptocurrency wallet. A project delegates some storage and delivery tasks to the provider.

Keeping a file and serving it to visitors consume different resources. A small image collection can generate substantial data transfer if it attracts many views. Pricing and access options depend on the chosen service plan.

Example: Displaying an NFT image

An artist stores an NFT image through Pinata. A marketplace uses the content identifier to retrieve the image for visitors. Removing the file from the Pinata account does not erase the NFT's on-chain record or copies retained by other computers.

NFT ownership, image storage and continued availability are separate questions. Keeping an independent copy of the original file and its content identifier makes a later move to another provider easier.

Sources

• Pinata file delivery
• Pinata file deletion