Social Media Platform Weighs USDC Integration While Retiring Legacy Revenue-Sharing Model
Elon Musk’s X has begun exploring the use of stablecoins, including Circle’s USDC, as potential payment mechanisms for content creators. These discussions coincide with preparations to retire the platform’s existing revenue-sharing structure and replace it with a new rewards program.
Evaluating Stablecoins for Global Creator Payouts
Discussions regarding stablecoin payouts remain active, though X has not yet selected a specific token or confirmed an official launch timeline. Circle Internet Group’s USDC is among the digital assets being evaluated for creator rewards, offering a dollar-linked alternative that could streamline cross-border transfers across multiple countries without relying entirely on traditional local banking infrastructure.
While the global stablecoin market has surpassed $300 billion, implementing blockchain-based payouts requires careful selection of networks, wallets, conversion services, and robust compliance frameworks. Furthermore, because blockchain transactions are generally irreversible, any rollout would need to account for wallet verification, failed transfers, and account recovery assistance.
Original Content Rewards Replaces Revenue Sharing
On September 8, X will formally end its current Revenue Sharing program and launch Original Content Rewards, with legacy payments continuing through September 7. The updated framework is designed to reward creators who bring high-value reporting, expertise, and originality to the platform.
To qualify for payouts under the new system, users must meet specific eligibility requirements:
- Maintain a minimum of 500 verified followers.
- Accumulate at least 500,000 Home Timeline impressions from verified users over the preceding 90 days.
- Meet all general platform monetization guidelines.
Compensation will be calculated based on qualified impressions, defined as unique views where at least half of the post appears on screen, generated by Premium subscribers viewing eligible original material in their Home Timeline. Reposted or scraped content designed to manipulate engagement will be excluded from the rewards calculations.
Broader Financial Services and Regulatory Context
The exploration of stablecoin payouts follows the July introduction of X Money for U.S. Premium and Premium+ subscribers, which offers deposit accounts, instant peer-to-peer transfers, and a Visa debit card backed by Cross River Bank infrastructure. While X Money provides FDIC-insured deposit accounts and cashback incentives, it did not initially integrate cryptocurrencies or stablecoins, keeping the creator-payment discussions distinct.
For U.S. users, any future stablecoin implementation will operate within the evolving federal framework established by the GENIUS Act, signed into law in July 2025. This legislation, alongside proposed U.S. Treasury rules regarding digital asset distribution and licensing, will shape how platforms incorporate dollar-linked tokens for domestic and international recipients.
