FAQ - Token Metadata Account Size Reduction

On 10th of October 2024 a Metaplex Token Metadata program change was deployed to mainnet that reduces the size of all new metadata accounts created. Subsequently on October 25th, Metaplex introduced a new Resize instruction that enables existing metadata accounts to be resized. If your product fetches any metadata from TM, this change might affect you. Make sure to read below and implement any necessary changes so things don't break!

What is the reason for this update?

The update reduces metadata account sizes, lowering the data storage cost, while making Solana lighter & more cost-efficient.

Why is this important?

There is ~15GB of state taken up with unused Token Metadata buffer space, which is an added tax on those who maintain and power the network. This optimization is an important step in benefitting every Solana user and the validator infrastructure the network depends on.

How much is the Size reduced?

The Account sizes are reduced as you can see in the table below.

What does it mean to "resize" an asset?

We've allowed NFT holders to optimize the network directly by adding a Resize instruction which enables the release of excess SOL not previously accessible without fully closing (aka burning) the Token Metadata accounts.

How many Token Metadata accounts are eligible to be resized and how much SOL can I claim?

There are 25.7M eligible Token Metadata NFTs with Token Metadata accounts that are eligible to be resized (as of October 30th). 0.0023 excess SOL can be claimed per Master Edition and 0.0019 excess SOL can be claimed per Edition.

Where can I resize my NFT?

You can use our free UI at resize.metaplex.com to resize your eligible assets between now and April 25th, 2025.

Alternative tools exist that offer a paid service for processing the Resize instruction, such as Sol Incinerator (5% of the resize amount).

If I resize my NFT now, can I still burn the NFT later and claim the remaining rent?

Yes, resizing the NFT now and burning the NFT later would enable NFT holders to receive the same amount of SOL as if they closed all of the Token Metadata accounts today.

What happens to my NFT if I resize?

Resize does not impact your NFT’s functionality. TM accounts associated with your NFT will be optimized to free up space on the Solana network. You will receive the excess SOL from the optimization. However, as stated below, programs using exceedingly old SDK versions will need to update to handle the smaller Token Metadata accounts.

Why does the the resize window end after 6 months? And why will the remaining excess SOL no longer needed for rent be transferred to the Metaplex DAO?

The goal of the resize initiative is to improve performance of the Solana network.

In order to do this, we've allowed NFT holders to optimize the network directly by adding a Resize instruction which enables the release of excess SOL not previously accessible without fully closing (aka burning) the Token Metadata accounts.

Six months is a reasonable time frame to allow NFT holders to access this new benefit while also making sure the benefits to the network are realized in a timely manner.

After that point any remaining SOL will be contributed to the Metaplex DAO which is responsible for stewarding the Protocol, at which point the DAO can vote to airdrop the SOL, distribute grants to ecosystem builders, or other initiatives.

Who is affected by the Change?

Every Program and Tool that is based on our Rust SDK and deserializes Data from the TM Accounts and is using very old SDK Versions might be affected.

Which SDK Versions are affected?

• Javascript: The JS SDKs (both @metaplex-foundation/js and Umi-based SDKs) are not affected
• Rust: The Rust SDK became compatible over a Year ago starting with v2.0.0 (Available since August 2023)
• Anchor: Anchor 0.29 and above is compatible to the new sizes (Available since October 2023)

How to make your Program compatible?

If you are using an older SDK Version than listed above and deserializing Token Metadata Data it is recommended to update the used Packages to ensure compatibility.

Where can I find Help and more Information?

In case something is unclear after reading this FAQ please feel free to join our Discord and drop your questions!