A deeper level of protection
The NFT space may still seem like a new frontier for many, but those who have been around the space for a while know this isn’t going anywhere. If anything as NFTs continue to grow in popularity and more people want to get involved, the need for more security and control of your data is a top priority for this creative community. And like any new concept that unfolds as fast as this, there are kinks that need to be ironed out. One of the biggest concerns among users in the community has been the need for a solution that provides permission controls of their data based on NFT ownership. The team at Pinata has been hard at work behind the scenes, and we’re thrilled to present for the first time ever: Submarining.
What is Submarining?
Submarining is a new feature in the Pinata app that allows users to make an IPFS file they upload private from the public IPFS network. This capability allows people to attach data to an NFT and control who can view it based on ownership of the NFT.
Who can benefit from Pinata’s Submarining feature?
After collecting data from multiple rounds of customer interviews, user surveys, and research within the space, there was a clear demand for this feature. Since the majority of our current customers are developers or creators deeply involved in the NFT space, it was clear that users counting on Pinata for NFT storage would benefit from this new feature.
For developers, submarining provides the security to store files for apps and marketplaces, without the risk of their data being exposed. Similarly, creators who use NFTs to monetize their creative work can now share content with their customers without leaving their data on public IPFS, which reduces the risk of stolen content and NFT media. While these are just two examples of users who will benefit from Pinata’s submarining feature, there are bound to be more as new users join the NFT space daily and need this kind of protection.
Some frequently asked questions on submarining:
Since the arrival of Pinata’s submarining feature is still fresh on the market, we want to provide some guided questions and answers to help you better understand this feature. If you’re looking for a deeper understanding of how to use Submarining, perhaps from a technical perspective, check out our technical blog here.
Will I be able to make my NFTs private with submarining?
Yes, if you do not want to share your NFTs or content on the public IPFS network, submarining is a great new feature for you to try out.
Can I make my content public after I submarine it?
Yes! If you want to make a file public that’s been submarined, simply go into your account and set that file to 'public.'
How can I start using submarining?

Submarining is available for all Picnic Plan users of Pinata. To get started, simply sign up for an account with Pinata. For only $20 a month, you’ll be able to store your content, create your own dedicated gateway, and begin submarining any files you want.
We believe that the future of the internet will be a place that serves and elevates the creators and builders of our world, not the other way around. Submarining is the next step in this direction, giving users more control over their content with the ability to choose how you want to share content, and with whomever they please.
With more in the works at Pinata, it’s an exciting time to join our growing team. At the moment, Pinata is hiring backend engineers based in the United States. If you or someone you know is interested or would like to learn more, visit pinata.cloud/about.