Twitter is testing a new Tip Jar feature that allows users to send and receive money via the platform. The intention is to reward creators by making it easier for them to receive payment for their work. The feature comes with some caveats in its current form, including limited availability and integration, among others.
Twitter has apparently been testing the tipping feature for quite some time now. It’s thought the social media giant was working on the Tip Jar at least as far back as early 2020. Last month, leaks of the feature surfaced on the platform, showing various online payment options via which cash could be sent. A previous leak showed the feature in Twitter Spaces with the same payment services.
Twitter has now made the Tip Jar feature official with a tweet that shows the process of sending money to other users on the platform. Although everyone can now start sending tips, Twitter explains in an additional blog post that not all users can yet enable the feature to begin receiving them. The initial test group includes journalists, nonprofit organizations, content creators, and experts of one sort or other. In addition, it’s currently only available to Android and iOS users using the platform in English. The feature’s user and language support will be expanded soon, though.
How Does Twitter’s Tip Jar Work?
Twitter says it recognized that users were already sharing payment links on the platform and says that this is intended to make it easier for users to support each other. Eligible users can toggle the Tip Jar feature by tapping on ‘Edit Profile’ and selecting it at the bottom. Payments are currently limited to only five options, namely Bandcamp, Cash App, Patreon, PayPal, and Venmo, with Android users having an additional option of paying via Spaces. Users just need to enter the relevant details of the services via which they want to receive money to enable them and then they’ll be good to go.
Those wanting to send money just need to tap on the cash icon located to the left of the ‘Follow’ button on a user’s profile. They can then select from the online payment options that the recipient has enabled, which leads them to the chosen service’s dedicated app to finalize the transaction. Unlike payment in typical online stores, these services aren’t fully integrated into Twitter, making the process a touch slower, but it’s a useful additional nonetheless and one that that will surely continue to be developed.
