The social media giant, Twitter Wednesday, February 16, 2022, announced that users can now add their Ethereum wallet addresses to their profiles as part of its iOS and Android Tips payment feature.
Tips allow Twitter users to add public-facing payment methods to their accounts, in order for creators to get rewarded for tweets, pictures, images/memes and send payments to others on the platform.
It is noteworthy that this development is coming three months after the resignation of Jack Dorsey, the co-founder and former CEO of the platform – known as a ‘bitcoin maximalist’. He has always been bullish about bitcoin and has openly questioned the basis and utility of other cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum.
“Bitcoin changes absolutely everything,” Dorsey said at the Bitcoin 2021 Conference. “I don’t think there is anything more important in my lifetime to work on.”
“If I were not at Square or Twitter, I would be working on bitcoin. If [bitcoin] needed more help than Square or Twitter, I would leave them for bitcoin,” he said. “But, I believe both companies have a role to play.”
So, it did not come as a surprise when, in September 2021, Twitter announced that people can tip with Bitcoin using Strike – an American payment application platform that incorporates the use of the Bitcoin Lightning network to enable instant payments globally at no cost.
Despite Jack’s disposition towards Ethereum and other ‘altcoins’, Twitter gave away NFTs minted on the Ethereum blockchain in June 2021 and announced that users could link NFTs to their user display pictures in January 2022 (limited to iOS).
To fully integrate Ethereum blockchain into the ecosystem, Twitter took a step further on Wednesday, February 16, 2022. The social media giant tweeted that it has enabled an option for users to send and receive Ethereum. This means that Ethereum wallet addresses can now be added as a means of tipping on Twitter.
So, it did not come as a surprise when, in September 2021, Twitter announced that people can tip with Bitcoin using Strike – an American payment application platform that incorporates the use of the Bitcoin Lightning network to enable instant payments globally at no cost.
Flutterwave, Paga get into Twitter’s book
In a move to recognize the seemingly unfettered rise of fintech in Africa, Twitter has added Barter by Flutterwave, and Paga, as payment providers for Tips.
The feature, which the micro-blogging platform rolled out in 2021 as “Tips Jar” and mirrors ClubHouse’ “Send Money” which was released a month earlier, provides an option for influencers to make money, as users lament the need for a monetized reward system on the app, 15 years after its launch.
Paga and Barter join Chipper Cash which had been a payment option for Tips since last year.
Twitter Move With Tips
As part of its plan to expand its presence across the world, Twitter has been gradually increasing the reach of Tips, adding Paytm to the payment options for India-based users. Twitter has an office in Ghana and has plans to open another in Nigeria, having reached an agreement with the federal government.
“The inclusion of additional payment providers to Twitter’s Tips feature represents an expansion of access to pathways for people on the continent to get paid,” Twitter said in a statement. “It also marks a major step in 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.”
Twitter said that it takes no cuts on the Tips sent to creators.
The CEO and founder of Africa’s most valued fintech company, Flutterwave, Olugbenga Agboola said, “we’re excited to be partnering with them to create a safe, fast and easy way to tip these amazing creators through Barter by Flutterwave.”
We are happy to announce Barter as an official payment partner for Twitter
Now, you can accept or make tips and donations on Twitter with Barter.