TLDR
- Meta is testing USDC stablecoin payments for content creators in Colombia and the Philippines
- Circle’s USDC is distributed through either Solana or Polygon blockchain networks
- Payment processing is handled by Stripe, which also provides necessary tax documentation
- To convert USDC into local fiat currency, creators must use third-party cryptocurrency exchanges
- Meta plans to extend this payment option to over 160 countries following the collapse of its Diem cryptocurrency initiative in 2022
The social media behemoth has begun compensating certain content creators using cryptocurrency. [[LINK_START_0]]Meta[[LINK_END_0]] has introduced USDC stablecoin payments to a limited group of creators in two South American and Asian markets, representing its most significant venture into digital currency payments since abandoning the Diem initiative in 2022.
The new capability allows qualified creators to connect a compatible cryptocurrency wallet from third-party providers to Facebook’s payment platform. Once linked, they receive their earnings in Circle’s USDC stablecoin, which gets distributed through either the Solana or Polygon blockchain infrastructure.
The payment processing infrastructure is being managed by fintech company Stripe. A Stripe representative confirmed the partnership, with Jay Shah, who leads Link at Stripe, stating: “We’re already partnering with Meta so their creators can receive stablecoins in their Link wallets in countries like the Philippines and Colombia.”
Creators participating in this program will obtain tax documentation from both [[LINK_START_0]]Meta[[LINK_END_0]] and Stripe. This paperwork encompasses their revenue and all digital asset-related transactions associated with their payouts.
An important caveat: [[LINK_START_0]]Meta[[LINK_END_0]] has not integrated a native option for converting USDC to local fiat currencies. Creators wanting to liquidate their earnings must utilize third-party cryptocurrency exchanges for conversion.
Polygon announced on Wednesday that the program is scheduled to reach beyond 160 international markets. “Live in Colombia and the Philippines, with 160+ markets coming, users now get faster settlement with USDC while gaining access to dollar-denominated assets,” according to Polygon’s official statement.
Why Stablecoins for Creator Payments
[[LINK_START_0]]Meta[[LINK_END_0]] distributed approximately $3 billion to creators throughout its ecosystem in 2025, representing a 35% increase compared to the previous year. These creators encompass influencers, educational content producers, and digital entertainers publishing material on Facebook and Instagram.
[[LINK_START_1]]Stablecoins[[LINK_END_1]] are digital currencies pegged to the value of traditional fiat money, typically the US dollar. Their adoption as a payment mechanism continues growing because they enable rapid cross-border transactions with minimal fees, bypassing conventional banking infrastructure.
Circle’s USDC currently holds the position of second-largest stablecoin with a $77.3 billion market capitalization. Tether’s USDT maintains market dominance with a $189.4 billion market cap.
Meta’s Previous Cryptocurrency Payment Initiatives
This marks Meta’s second foray into cryptocurrency-based payments. The company initially unveiled a stablecoin initiative called Libra in 2019, subsequently rebranded as Diem. The venture encountered substantial opposition from regulatory bodies, central banking institutions, and government officials due to concerns surrounding data privacy, competitive practices, and monetary system stability.
By January 2022, project leadership announced termination after negotiations with federal regulatory agencies reached an impasse. [[LINK_START_0]]Meta[[LINK_END_0]] liquidated all project-related assets to Silvergate Capital Corporation.
The current USDC implementation represents a fundamentally different strategy, leveraging pre-existing stablecoins and proven infrastructure collaborators instead of developing a proprietary digital token.
[[LINK_START_0]]Meta[[LINK_END_0]] has indicated it maintains the authority to compensate creators through alternative payment methods should technical complications or unexpected situations arise.
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