Social media giant Twitter has expanded its tipping functionality by adding support for Ethereum (ETH), marking a significant step in the platform’s ongoing integration of blockchain-based payment options. While this move brings greater flexibility for content creators and users alike, it has also sparked criticism — particularly around Ethereum’s notoriously high transaction fees. In this article, we’ll explore what the update means, how it works, and why reactions have been mixed.
Expanded Payment Options for Twitter Tips
Twitter’s support team confirmed the rollout in a tweet, announcing new regional and crypto-based payment methods available through the platform’s Tips feature:
“Have you set up Tips on your profile so people can easily show their support? Yes: cool, we’ve added Paga, Barter by Flutterwave, Paytm, and the option to add an Ethereum address. No: what are you waiting for?”
This update introduces several region-specific payment platforms — Paga (Nigeria), Barter by Flutterwave (Africa), and Paytm (India) — making it easier for creators in those markets to receive support. Alongside these, Ethereum is now an official option, joining Bitcoin as the second cryptocurrency supported for tipping.
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To receive ETH tips, users must enable the Tips feature in their profile settings and input a valid Ethereum wallet address. However, one limitation stands out: Twitter currently only accepts raw Ethereum addresses — not human-readable ENS (Ethereum Name Service) domains. This means users must share long, complex strings of characters instead of simple names like “alice.eth,” which could hinder usability and increase the risk of errors.
Notably, Twitter does not charge any fees for sending or receiving tips. However, third-party services and blockchain networks involved in processing transactions may apply their own costs. For Ethereum, this primarily refers to gas fees — network charges that fluctuate based on congestion.
Why High Gas Fees Are Sparking Backlash
Despite the excitement around broader crypto adoption, many users have voiced skepticism about using ETH for small-value transactions like tips. The core issue? Ethereum’s gas fees can sometimes exceed the tip amount itself.
One user sarcastically noted:
“Great, so if you want to tip someone $5, you have to pay $50 in gas fees.”
Another replied to CoinDesk’s announcement with biting irony:
“You can now easily tip in Ethereum on Twitter — just pay $5–20 in network fees. Truly revolutionary.”
These comments highlight a real-world challenge: Ethereum’s base layer (Layer 1) often experiences high demand, especially during NFT mints or DeFi activity, causing gas prices to spike unpredictably. For microtransactions like social media tipping, such volatility makes ETH impractical compared to lower-cost alternatives.
While solutions like Layer 2 scaling (e.g., Optimism, Arbitrum) or using stablecoins on sidechains could mitigate this, Twitter hasn’t yet integrated these options. Until then, ETH tipping remains more symbolic than functional for most users.
The Post-Dorsey Era: A Shift Toward Inclusivity
The timing of this update is notable — it follows the departure of former CEO Jack Dorsey, a well-known Bitcoin maximalist who long championed BTC as the only viable cryptocurrency. His Twitter bio famously read “#bitcoin” alongside a Bitcoin emoji, reflecting his ideological stance.
Under Dorsey’s leadership, Twitter showed strong support for Bitcoin — particularly through its integration with Strike, a Lightning Network-based payments app that enables fast, low-cost Bitcoin transactions. In contrast, Dorsey has publicly dismissed altcoins like Ethereum and Dogecoin, stating they hold little value in his vision of decentralized finance.
With Dorsey now focused on other ventures like Block (formerly Square) and Bluesky, Twitter appears to be adopting a more inclusive approach toward blockchain technology. Supporting Ethereum tips signals a strategic pivot — one that embraces multiple blockchains rather than betting solely on Bitcoin.
This shift aligns with broader trends in Web3 adoption. Even before this update, Twitter had laid the groundwork for deeper Ethereum integration by launching NFT profile pictures — a feature initially limited to Ethereum-hosted collections. That rollout began while Dorsey was still CEO, suggesting internal momentum toward multi-chain functionality predates his exit.
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What This Means for Creators and the Future of Social Tipping
For content creators, the addition of ETH tips opens new avenues for monetization — especially for those already embedded in the Web3 ecosystem. Artists, developers, and crypto educators who build on Ethereum may find it more convenient to receive support directly in their preferred wallet.
However, widespread adoption hinges on solving key usability issues:
- High gas fees need to be addressed via Layer 2 integrations.
- ENS support should be added to improve user experience.
- Clear educational resources must help users understand risks and best practices.
Twitter could also explore future enhancements such as:
- Smart contract-powered recurring tips
- Token-gated content access
- On-platform wallet creation or integration with major Web3 wallets
These innovations would position Twitter not just as a social network, but as a hub for decentralized creator economies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use an ENS name to receive ETH tips on Twitter?
A: Not currently. Twitter only accepts standard hexadecimal Ethereum addresses. You cannot use .eth domain names at this time.
Q: Does Twitter charge a fee for ETH tips?
A: No. Twitter does not take any cut of tips sent or received. However, Ethereum network gas fees still apply when sending transactions.
Q: Are there daily or per-tip limits on how much I can send?
A: There are no official limits set by Twitter for tip amounts. However, your ability to send large sums may depend on your wallet provider or payment method.
Q: How do I set up ETH tipping on my profile?
A: Go to Settings > Tips > Edit. Enable Ethereum and enter your public wallet address. Make sure it's correct — blockchain transactions are irreversible.
Q: Is tipping with Bitcoin cheaper than Ethereum on Twitter?
A: Generally yes. Bitcoin tips processed through Strike use the Lightning Network, which offers near-instant and almost free transactions compared to volatile Ethereum gas fees.
Q: Will Twitter add support for other cryptocurrencies like Solana or Dogecoin?
A: There’s no official confirmation yet. However, the expansion to include ETH suggests Twitter may consider additional cryptos in the future based on user demand and technical feasibility.
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Final Thoughts
Twitter’s decision to support Ethereum tips reflects a growing trend: social platforms embracing decentralized finance tools to empower creators. While the move broadens financial inclusion and aligns with Web3 values, practical challenges — especially high transaction costs — limit its immediate impact.
As the ecosystem evolves, expect further refinements that make crypto tipping more accessible, efficient, and secure. For now, ETH support is a promising step — but only the beginning of what could become a fully integrated digital economy within social media.