X Explores USDC Stablecoin payments for creator rewards

Elon Musk’s X is exploring stablecoins such as Circle’s USDC as a potential payment method for creator rewards, according to people familiar with the discussions. The move could give X a faster and more flexible way to pay creators globally as the platform prepares to replace its existing revenue-sharing system.

However, X has not officially confirmed that it will use USDC for creator payouts. The discussions remain ongoing.

X Considers USDC for Creator Payments

The reported discussions include USDC, the dollar-pegged stablecoin issued by Circle, although other stablecoins are also being considered.

Using stablecoins could make international creator payments easier by allowing X to send dollar-denominated digital assets without relying entirely on traditional banking rails. This could be particularly relevant for creators operating across different countries.

The discussions also reportedly involve other social-media platforms exploring stablecoins for influencer and creator payments.

The potential move comes as X restructures how creators earn money on the platform.

X Is Replacing Its Revenue-Sharing Program

X began transitioning away from its existing Creator Revenue Sharing program in August. The platform stopped accepting new enrollments on August 7, while the existing program is scheduled to be retired on September 7.

It is being replaced by the Original Content Rewards Program, which focuses more heavily on rewarding original reporting, analysis, creativity and commentary.

Under X’s published terms, payments under the new program are currently processed through a payment processor. The company has not announced stablecoins as an official payout option.

That leaves the reported USDC discussions as a potential future development rather than a confirmed feature.

Why Stablecoins Could Matter for X

Stablecoins have become an increasingly important part of digital payments, particularly for cross-border transactions.

The development also comes as U.S. regulators move toward clearer rules for crypto-based financial infrastructure, including stablecoins and token-based activity, as discussed in our SEC Reg Crypto article.

For X, adding stablecoin payouts could potentially reduce friction for international creators and provide a standardized dollar-based payment method. It would also fit with Elon Musk’s broader interest in integrating payments and financial services into X.

Musk's other businesses have also explored crypto-based payments, while X has added executives with cryptocurrency experience to its leadership team.

Still, the most important detail is that USDC payments remain under discussion. Until X officially announces the payment method, creators should not assume that future Original Content Rewards will be paid in USDC.

If implemented, however, X could become one of the largest mainstream social platforms to use a stablecoin directly for creator compensation, potentially giving USDC and stablecoin payments another major real-world use case.