Twitter is testing a new in-app payment feature that will allow users pay their favorite tweeters – but some critics are calling the social media platform the new ‘Only Fans’ and says it could lead to people sharing nudes instead of tweets.
Called Tip Jar, the new feature announced on Friday, allows users to send money directly to their favorite accounts via Venmo, PayPal and other payment services, which is a similar model for the adult-only subscription platform.
Everyone using Twitter in English can now send tips to accounts on both iOS and Android – more languages are expected to be added soon.
However, only a select group of users have been invited to add a ‘tip jar’ icon to their account, including journalists, nonprofits and artists.
But many users say the feature could allow Twitter to rival OnlyFans, which takes 20 per cent of all payments on its platform, because the site allows full nudity – unlike other social media sites.
Even YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley foresees the path of Tip Jar: ‘Twitter’s new combo of tips and uncropped photos has completely eliminated the need for my personal OnlyFans account.’
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Called Tip Jar, users send money directly to their favorite accounts via Venmo, PayPal and other payment services, which is the similar model for the adult only content platform. However, some users say this could make Twitter the new OnlyFans
OnlyFans was launched four years ago by Timothy Stokely who is, in his own words, a ‘British entrepreneur in the adult entertainment industry’.
It is a subscription-based site that alows creators to earn a living by sharing original videos on the platform.
Fans pay creators for access to their content via a monthly subscription, which can range from $4.99 to $49.99. OnlyFans takes a 20 per cent cut of all payments.
The platform’s slick PR team insists it was set up for all creators, ‘from fitness, dancing, DJs to music’, on the premise that if fans of influencers were really fans, they’d pay a subscription fee to see the content their idols produced.
Unlike most social media sites, Twitter allows full nudity on its site and since the Jack Dorsey-owned firm is not taking a cut of the funds given by users, many tweeters see it as a rival to OnlyFans that takes 20 percent
Even YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley foresees the path of Tip Jar: ‘Twitter’s new combo of tips and uncropped photos has completely eliminated the need for my personal OnlyFans account’
However, much of OnlyFans’ popularity stems from its adult content that has attracted millions and even celebrities.
Actress Bella Thorne joined OnlyFans in 2020 and racked up millions of dollars in just a few days.
Cardi B, Blac Chyna and fitness influencer Jem Wolfie are also big names hosting content on OnlyFans.
And it seems Twitter wants a piece of the OnlyFans pie with the addition of its Tip Jar.
To use the new in-app payment feature, users tap on a dollar bill icon located next to a person’s user name.
A list of payment services or platforms will appear, including Bandcamp, Cash App, Patreon, Paypal, and Venmo, which users to can choose from to send money.
On Android, tips can also be sent within Spaces.
However, Twitter user Rachel Tobac noticed that any tips paid through PayPal on the feature shows the receiver the payer’s address.
‘Huge heads up on PayPal Twitter Tip Jar. If you send a person a tip using PayPal, when the receiver opens up the receipt from the tip you sent, they get your *address*,’ Tobac shared in a tweet.
‘Just tested to confirm by tipping @yashar on Twitter w/ PayPal and he did in fact get my address when I tipped him.’
Much of OnlyFans’ popularity stems from its adult content that has attracted millions and even celebrities. Actress Bella Thorne (left) joined OnlyFans in 2020 and racked up millions of dollars in just a few days. Cardi B (right) is another well-known celebrity who shares content
To use Twitter’s new in-app payment feature, users tap on a dollar bill icon located next to a person’s user name. Payments can be send via Bandcamp, Cash App, Patreon, Paypal, and Venmo. However, Twitter user Rachel Tobac noticed tips through PayPal shows the receiver the payers address
Users think the new Tip Jar will spark a boom of nudity on Twitter, as users can now pay other tweeters
Only select groups of users have been invited to add a ‘tip jar’ icon to their account, including journalists, nonprofits and artists, which allows for anyone on the site to send payment. However, one Twitter user is sure the social media site will be the same as OnlyFans shortly
In a statement announcing the new feature, Twitter said: ‘Tip Jar is an easy way to support the incredible voices that make up the conversation on Twitter.
‘This is a first step in our work to create new ways for people to receive and show support on Twitter — with money.’
Tip Jar is available for everyone using Twitter in English on both Android and iOS.
How does Tip Jar work?
A list of payment services or platforms (pictured) will appear, including Bandcamp, Cash App, Patreon, Paypal, and Venmo, which users to can choose from to send money
Everyone using Twitter in English can send tips to applicable accounts on Twitter for iOS and Android.
Twitter is set to expand Tip Jar to feature more languages.
To use the new in-app payment feature, users tap on a dollar bill icon located next to a person’s user name.
A list of payment services or platforms will appear, including Bandcamp, Cash App, Patreon, Paypal, and Venmo, which users to can choose from to send money.
On Android, tips can also be sent within Spaces.
For now, a limited group of people around the world who use Twitter in English can add Tip Jar to their profile and accept tips. This group includes creators, journalists, experts, and nonprofits.