Social media continues to evolve as a financial ecosystem, and Twitter—now rebranded as X—is pushing boundaries by integrating blockchain-based tipping. Recently, the platform expanded its "Tips" feature to include Ethereum (ETH), marking a significant move beyond its initial Bitcoin-only support. While this update broadens payment options for content creators, it has sparked mixed reactions, particularly around Ethereum’s notoriously high transaction fees.
This article explores the details of Twitter’s new ETH tipping functionality, user sentiment, and what this shift means in the post-Jack Dorsey era—all while addressing core concerns about usability and long-term adoption.
Expanded Payment Options Enhance Global Accessibility
Twitter has updated its Tips feature to support a wider range of payment methods, including Ethereum (ETH), Paga, Flutterwave’s Barter, and Paytm. This expansion reflects the platform’s effort to cater to a more diverse, global audience.
👉 Discover how blockchain payments are reshaping social media engagement.
According to an official tweet from the Twitter Support team, users can now add their Ethereum addresses directly to their profiles, allowing followers to send tips using ETH. The addition of region-specific services like Paytm (India), Paga (Nigeria), and Flutterwave (Africa) makes it easier for creators in emerging markets to receive support.
To enable ETH tipping, users must:
- Navigate to their profile settings
- Activate the Tips feature
- Input their Ethereum wallet address
It's important to note that while Twitter does not charge any fees for sending or receiving tips, third-party wallet providers or networks may apply transaction costs. Additionally, there is no cap on the amount users can tip, offering flexibility for generous supporters.
Previously, Twitter supported Bitcoin via the Lightning Network through Strike, a fast and low-cost payment app. The integration of Ethereum signals a strategic pivot toward multi-chain inclusivity—a notable shift from the platform’s earlier Bitcoin-centric approach.
Why High Gas Fees Are Turning Users Away
Despite the excitement around Ethereum integration, many users are skeptical—primarily due to the network’s fluctuating and often exorbitant gas fees.
On Ethereum, every transaction requires gas, which varies in price depending on network congestion. During peak times, gas fees can exceed $20 or even $50—far surpassing the value of most tips.
One user sarcastically remarked:
“Great, so if you want to tip someone $5, you have to pay $50 in gas fees.”
Another commenter responded to CoinDesk’s announcement with irony:
“You can now easily tip Ethereum on Twitter—for just $5 to $20 in network fees. Truly revolutionary.”
These reactions highlight a critical usability issue: microtransactions on Ethereum are often economically impractical unless conducted on Layer 2 solutions like Arbitrum or Optimism, which Twitter currently does not support.
While sending ETH tips may appeal to crypto-native users during low-fee periods, the inconsistency undermines reliability for everyday use. For true mass adoption, seamless and affordable transactions are essential—something Ethereum’s base layer struggles to deliver consistently.
👉 Learn how scalable blockchain networks are solving high fee problems.
A Shift in Philosophy After Jack Dorsey’s Exit
The timing of Ethereum’s addition hasn’t gone unnoticed. It arrived shortly after Jack Dorsey stepped down as CEO of Twitter to focus on Bitcoin-focused projects like Block and Bluesky.
Dorsey was famously bullish on Bitcoin and dismissive of alternative cryptocurrencies. His personal Twitter bio once read simply “#bitcoin” alongside a Bitcoin emoji. At a Bitcoin conference in Miami, he reportedly stated that no other crypto assets mattered to him—including Ethereum and Dogecoin.
Under Dorsey’s leadership, Twitter’s crypto initiatives were heavily Bitcoin-oriented. The launch of Bitcoin tipping via Lightning Network aligned perfectly with his vision of a decentralized, Bitcoin-powered internet.
Now, under new leadership, the platform appears to be embracing a more pluralistic approach to blockchain technology. Supporting Ethereum tips suggests a willingness to accommodate different ecosystems—not just Bitcoin.
This shift also aligns with broader product developments. For instance:
- Twitter introduced NFT profile pictures, primarily supporting Ethereum-based collections
- Users can verify ownership of their NFTs directly on the platform
- These features were rolled out even before Dorsey’s departure, indicating early internal momentum toward Ethereum integration
In essence, the platform is evolving into a multi-chain social economy—one where both Bitcoin and Ethereum can coexist as tools for creator monetization.
Creator Monetization Meets Blockchain Innovation
The expansion of tipping options underscores a larger trend: social platforms are becoming financial hubs. By enabling direct peer-to-peer payments, Twitter empowers creators to monetize influence without relying solely on ads or sponsorships.
Ethereum’s inclusion brings unique advantages:
- Smart contract potential: Future integrations could automate tipping rewards or unlock gated content
- NFT synergy: Many digital collectibles live on Ethereum, making ETH a natural currency for NFT creators
- Global reach: Decentralized payments bypass traditional banking limitations
However, challenges remain:
- Lack of ENS (Ethereum Name Service) support means users must share long, complex wallet addresses
- No built-in fiat conversion—recipients must manually withdraw or trade ETH
- Volatility risk: ETH’s price fluctuations can affect the real-world value of received tips
For these reasons, some creators remain cautious about adopting ETH tips despite the novelty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use an ENS name instead of an Ethereum address on Twitter?
A: Not currently. Twitter only accepts standard hexadecimal wallet addresses for ETH tips. ENS support would improve usability but has not yet been implemented.
Q: Does Twitter charge a fee for ETH tips?
A: No. Twitter does not take a cut of any tips sent or received. However, network transaction fees (gas) apply when sending ETH from your wallet.
Q: Is Bitcoin tipping still available?
A: Yes. Bitcoin remains fully supported via the Lightning Network through Strike. Users can enable both BTC and ETH tipping simultaneously.
Q: Which wallets work best for receiving ETH tips on Twitter?
A: Any non-custodial Ethereum-compatible wallet works—such as MetaMask, Trust Wallet, or Coinbase Wallet. Just ensure you control the private keys.
Q: Can I tip using stablecoins like USDT or DAI?
A: No. Currently, only native ETH is supported for direct tipping. Stablecoin transactions would require manual off-platform coordination.
Q: How do I verify my NFT as a profile picture on Twitter?
A: Go to your profile settings, select “Change profile picture,” then choose “NFT.” Connect your wallet and select an eligible Ethereum-based NFT.
👉 Explore secure wallets that support Ethereum and NFT management.
Final Thoughts: Progress With Room for Improvement
Twitter’s addition of Ethereum tipping is a step toward greater financial inclusivity and creator empowerment. It acknowledges the growing role of blockchain in digital interaction and supports a wider array of crypto users worldwide.
However, practical barriers—especially high gas fees and lack of ENS integration—limit its immediate impact. For Ethereum tips to become mainstream on social media, solutions like Layer 2 scaling or dynamic fee estimation will likely need to be adopted.
As Twitter evolves into a multi-chain platform, it sets a precedent for how social networks can integrate decentralized finance tools thoughtfully and equitably—balancing innovation with real-world usability.
Core Keywords: Ethereum tipping, Twitter ETH support, blockchain payments, crypto social media, NFT profile pictures, decentralized finance, gas fees, creator monetization