Twitter’s virtual tip jar is rolling out to everyone—with the option to pay using cryptocurrency.
Introduced in May, the feature allows prolific tweeters to receive donations directly from followers. Tips (formerly known as Tip Jar) offers a fixed spot on your profile to link to Cash App, Patreon, Venmo, and other payment platforms.
“Whether you want to tip your favorite account because you adore their commentary, send some love to an emerging comedy creator for their hilarious tweets, help a small business owner through a difficult time, give to an important cause,” Twitter staff product manager Esther Crawford wrote in a blog announcement. “Whatever you want to support (and we know you already have some ideas), Tips is here to help you do it.”
Twitter knows not everyone pays in banknotes and coins, though. Which is why the social network enabled tipping with Bitcoin via Strike. Folks in the US (excluding New York and Hawaii) must create a Strike account before receiving Bitcoin tips; you can use any Bitcoin Lightning wallet to send money to an existing Strike account.
“We want everyone on Twitter to have access to pathways to get paid,” Crawford said. “Digital currencies that encourage more people to participate in the economy and help people send each other money across borders and with as little friction as possible help get us there.”
Look for the money icon next to the Follow button on gratuity-friendly accounts and click to see a list of enabled payment services or platforms. Services available so far include Bandcamp, Cash App, Chipper, GoFundMe, Patreon, PicPay, Razorpay, Wealthsimple Cash, and Venmo. Availability and features vary by region.
Choose your favorite and you’ll be redirected to the selected app to send funds. Twitter does not take a cut of the donation. Available first on iOS, Tips will reach Android users “over the coming weeks.” Users must be 18 years or older to send and receive cash rewards.
