X Explores Stablecoins for Creator Payouts in Monetization Overhaul

X, the social platform owned by Elon Musk, is examining the use of stablecoins as a payment method for digital content creators, according to two people familiar with the discussions. The talks remain preliminary and have not resulted in any formal commitment, one of the people said.

Representatives for X did not respond to requests for comment.

The exploration comes as X overhauls its creator monetization framework. The platform plans to discontinue its existing Revenue Sharing initiative and replace it with an Original Content Rewards Program, which compensates users for unique insights, journalistic reporting, creative works, and thoughtful commentary. The shift moves away from purely ad-driven metrics toward content quality.

Stablecoins are digital tokens pegged to traditional currencies, such as Circle's USDC. The stablecoin market has grown to more than $300 billion in combined value. For a global creator base, these assets enable near-instant settlement and lower transaction costs compared with traditional wire transfers, which often face delays and intermediary fees from varying banking regulations and currency conversions.

The interest in stablecoins at X fits a pattern of crypto engagement across Musk's companies. SpaceX already uses stablecoins for certain cross-border collections tied to its Starlink satellite internet service, particularly in emerging markets where banking infrastructure is limited, a person familiar with the matter said.

In March, X hired Benji Taylor, a design executive who previously led efforts at Coinbase's Base blockchain network and has expertise in digital wallets and decentralized finance protocols. His role spans design responsibilities at X, xAI, and SpaceX.

No specific stablecoin has been selected, and no timeline for implementation has been disclosed. Practical considerations such as wallet integration, regulatory compliance, user onboarding, and conversion options would need resolution before any rollout. Platforms including Mastercard are testing compliance frameworks for stablecoins, as AlphaScala reported earlier this month.

The broader creator economy is experimenting with blockchain-based payment rails. The source involved in the X talks also works with other social platforms testing similar stablecoin systems for influencer compensation, indicating wider industry interest.

If pursued, the approach would mark another step toward integrating blockchain technology into mainstream social media operations. It could make X's rewards system more attractive for creators seeking reliable, borderless compensation. The company continues refining how it values and remunerates original contributions as digital finance tools evolve.