Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) has made waves once again, and this time through the cryptocurrency world, with the launch of a dedicated account for its upcoming payments feature. While details remain rather shrouded in mystery, the mere existence of @XPayments has led to speculations about the possibility of crypto integration in the platform’s expected upcoming mid-2024 payment rollout.
The Mystery of XPayments
The verified @XPayments account, featuring the signature X badge, has hinted at the arrival of in-app payment services, possibly sometime in the second half of 2024. However, the scope of these services remains rather unclear. Will X only accommodate conventional fiat currencies, or will it, too, step into the world of digital assets?
Crypto enthusiasts like Mason Versluis are buzzing with excitement and are looking at a future where XRP, Stellar, and other X-starting cryptocurrencies smoothly function within the X ecosystem. Meanwhile, Dogecoin (DOGE), a currency with which Musk has a well-known association, stands out as a prospective frontrunner. Its inclusion in Tesla’s merchandise store and Musk’s occasional social media mentions have also led to speculation among many.
Subtle Hints and Mixed Signals
Meanwhile, the crypto community has been carefully analyzing every move X makes for clues about its crypto intentions. Back in October 2023, a seemingly innocent meme was featured that showed a dog answering a phone call – this created a frenzy among Doge enthusiasts who tried to decipher its hidden meaning.
Yet, amid the excitement, others are picking up on potential conflicting notes. There have been reports of declining crypto payouts for X content creators, raising questions about the platform’s commitment to crypto-friendly content. Crypto researcher Tokenicer, who has a substantial following on X, observed a concerning trend of declining revenue sharing for crypto-related content. He claims that his earnings have plummeted from $40-70 to a meager $16 within a few months.
The X Factor: Deliberating Over the Platform’s Future
It is important to remember that X’s payment system is in its initial stages, and the revenue-sharing model for creators is based on fluctuating factors like content impressions. While Tokenicer’s experience might warrant further investigation, it is still too early to draw definitive conclusions.
The larger picture, however, remains rather fascinating. Since Musk acquired Twitter in 2022, speculations about X’s transformative potential and the integration of cryptocurrencies have been extensive. Musk himself has referred to X’s ambition to become a platform where users can manage their entire financial world, which has further fueled the crypto fire.
A World of Possibilities Awaits
While the details and timelines for further developments remain vague, X’s entrance into payments marks a significant step towards its evolution into a comprehensive digital experience. Whether cryptocurrencies will play a starring role or remain on the sidelines is a question that only time will answer. What is certain is that the journey X is about to set on has the potential to reshape the digital landscape we currently inhabit, and the crypto community continues to watch with bated breath.
Celine Brooks is a renowned journalist and author specializing in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. She holds a Master’s degree in Economics from Harvard University and is very passionate about Crypto. Celine regularly hosts webinars and workshops, sharing her insights and forecasts about the evolving digital currency landscape. She is also an active contributor to several leading financial and tech publications, where she breaks down complex crypto trends into understandable insights for everyday investors.