Meta has introduced stablecoin-based payouts for eligible creators in the Philippines. This allows earnings to be received in USD Coin (USDC) through supported blockchain networks. Many industry experts have reacted to this, saying it brings an improvement to crypto-based creator payments.
The system processes transactions on the Polygon and Solana networks, with backend settlement handled by payments firm Stripe. Creators who are invited into the program can link digital wallets, including GCash, Coins.ph, MetaMask, and Binance to receive payouts directly in stablecoins.
We’re partnering with @Meta and @tempo so creators can receive stablecoins in their @link wallets. pic.twitter.com/j18LenE8VU
— Stripe (@stripe) April 29, 2026
Stablecoin payouts improve creator monetization options
Under the new model, earnings are paid in USDC, a USD-pegged stablecoin, instead of traditional fiat transfers. However, Meta confirmed it does not provide direct crypto-to-fiat conversion. Creators must move funds through external exchanges or platforms to withdraw local currency, such as Philippine pesos.
Tax documentation will continue to be issued through standard Meta reporting channels, while Stripe will separately generate records tied to digital asset transactions for compliance and settlement tracking.
The integration of USDC across Polygon and Solana also highlights a growing preference for fast, low-cost settlement networks in consumer-facing crypto applications. With infrastructure support from Stripe and compatibility with local wallets, the system reduces reliance on traditional cross-border payment rails while keeping regulatory and reporting structures intact.
Also Read: Binance Makes $100 Million Bet on Circle and USDC
Creators reacted with mixed views
Author & Scholar at Middle East Institute, Guled Wiliq, criticized the system, saying Meta should have integrated stablecoin payouts directly into its existing payment flow instead of requiring wallet linking, which adds unnecessary friction.
So, creators have to link their wallet to receive stablecoin-why not have Meta just add a feature to their checkout or payment service to receive stablecoins, allowing creators to connect directly or paste their wallet address? This would reduce friction, and this current system is definitely a terrible innovation.
— GuledWiliq (@GuledWiliq) April 30, 2026
Others were more positive, calling 2026 a big year for stablecoin payments and pointing to growing partnerships in the space.
But some like Gianluca Minoprio also raised concerns about rollout in regions like Colombia and the Philippines, arguing that low adoption and weak off-ramp infrastructure could make USDC payouts impractical for users there.
Payouts in Colombia should be done in wCOP with @RipioApp on @tempo and should be withdrawable 1:1 to local bank accounts
Giving USDC for payouts in markets like Colombia or the Philippines shows they fundamentally misunderstands the market
There is probably no OTC there that accepts this stablecoin, and its brand recognition is 0
— Gianluca Minoprio (@gminoprio) April 29, 2026
This development comes just days after China ordered Meta to close down its planned $2 billion acquisition of Singapore-based AI startup Manus, effectively halting a deal that had already attracted scrutiny from both Beijing and Washington.
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