X Initiates Discussions on Stablecoin Payments for Creators Amid Revenue Sharing Program Termination

This move reflects a broader trend in digital payments, particularly in the creator economy, where efficiency and cost-effectiveness are paramount.

• On August 20, 2026, reports surfaced that X is considering using stablecoins like USDC for creator payouts.
• This exploration coincides with the end of X's Revenue Sharing program, transitioning to a new Original Content Rewards Program.
• X has not confirmed the discussions or provided a timeline for implementation, leaving creators in uncertainty.

• X is restructuring its creator compensation model, focusing on original content and engagement metrics.
• Stablecoins, with a market cap over $300 billion, offer a solution for faster and cheaper cross-border payments, appealing to global creators.
• Musk's ecosystem has precedent for stablecoin use, as SpaceX has utilized them for international payments, indicating a strategic alignment.

On August 7, 2026, X announced the cessation of new enrollments in its Creator Revenue Sharing program, with a complete phase-out scheduled for September 7. This program's retirement is part of a broader strategy to pivot towards the Original Content Rewards Program, which incentivizes creators based on qualified impressions from Premium users. The shift aims to reward originality and creativity, aligning with industry trends that prioritize unique content.

In parallel, reports from CoinDesk on August 20 revealed that X is exploring the use of stablecoins, particularly USDC, for creator payouts. This move is designed to address the challenges of cross-border payments, which can be slow and costly due to traditional banking systems. By leveraging blockchain technology, X aims to facilitate quicker transactions and reduce fees, making it more appealing for creators operating globally.

The stablecoin market, boasting a collective capitalization exceeding $300 billion, provides a robust framework for these transactions. This exploration aligns with similar initiatives by competitors like Meta, which has begun offering USDC payouts to select creators on platforms like Solana and Polygon. The potential adoption of stablecoins by X could signify a significant shift in how creators receive compensation, particularly for those working across borders.

However, as of now, discussions remain preliminary, with no official confirmation from X regarding the implementation of stablecoin payments. The lack of a clear timeline or token selection leaves creators in a state of uncertainty about their future earnings. The ongoing transition to the Original Content Rewards Program is set to proceed without reference to the new payment methods, indicating that while the exploration of stablecoins is noteworthy, it may not immediately impact the current compensation structure.

• Content creators: Those relying on X for income may experience changes in payment speed and costs.
• Influencers: Individuals with cross-border audiences could benefit from reduced transaction fees.
• Digital marketers: Agencies managing creator partnerships may need to adapt to new payment structures.
• Geographies with high creator activity: Regions like North America and Europe, where many creators operate, will feel the impact of any changes in payment methods.

• Official announcements from X: Any confirmation regarding stablecoin payments will clarify the future for creators.
• Market reactions: Watch how other platforms respond to X's potential shift, particularly in terms of payment innovations.
• Regulatory developments: Changes in the regulatory landscape for stablecoins could influence X's ability to implement these payment methods.