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X explores stablecoin payments for creators

X explores stablecoin payments for creators

X is exploring Circle’s USDC stablecoin for creator royalties as it replaces its Revenue Sharing program with the Original Content Rewards Program.

USDC

Fact Check
Four independent crypto outlets (ChainCatcher, Odaily, CoinNess, PANews) consistently report the same August 20, 2026 CoinDesk story that X is in discussions to pay creators/influencers in stablecoins including USDC, described as ongoing talks. The claim's contextual framing—that this follows the end of X's revenue-sharing program and a new rewards rollout—is independently confirmed by the official X Help Center Original Content Rewards Program page. The CoinDesk original could not be directly accessed (security checkpoint), and the underlying report rests on anonymous sources describing exploratory talks rather than a finalized decision, which limits certainty and warrants medium confidence rather than high.
Summary

X is exploring stablecoins including Circle’s USDC for creator and content provider payments while transitioning from its Revenue Sharing program to the Original Content Rewards Program on September 8. Discussions remain active with no token selected or launch confirmed. The new rewards system pays based on qualified impressions from Premium subscribers viewing eligible original content in the Home Timeline. The stablecoin market has surpassed $300 billion. X Money, expanded in July, offers up to 6% yields on deposits and 3% cashback on card purchases. Any USDC payouts would follow rules in the GENIUS Act signed by President Trump in July 2025, with most provisions effective January 18, 2027, and Treasury guidelines proposed in August. A similar USDC rollout occurred at Meta in Colombia and the Philippines.

Terms & Concepts
  • stablecoin: A digital token designed to hold a steady value, often by being pegged to a fiat currency such as the U.S. dollar.
  • Original Content Rewards Program: X's new creator rewards system based on impressions from Premium users.
  • X Money: X's payment product featuring a dollar-based wallet with instant transfers and Visa debit card spending.