Twitter CEO Using Tippin Extension for Bitcoin Lightning Network Payments [Updated]

Update (2019-02-10): Twitter CEO and co-founder Jack Dorsey today tweeted that he is, in fact, using the Tippin browser extension for Lightning Network tips on the social media platform. He claims to have already received some satoshis.

I hooked this up and already got tipped some satoshis https://t.co/zvwdkZTN1Q

— jack (@jack) February 20, 2019

According to the official Tippin release, the new app will allow everyone to send and receive small amounts of Bitcoin on Twitter. Users of the social media platform will be able to send BTC micropayments as a tip if they like a specific tweet and want to express their appreciation. All they need to do this is a Twitter account and a Google Chrome browser with the installed Tippin extension. When it is enabled, a small lightning bolt symbol will be displayed inside every tweet — next to familiar “like” and “retweet” buttons. The transactions are easy, cheap, and fast, thanks to the use of the Lightning Network (LN). This technology was developed as a ground-breaking solution aimed at addressing the current issues of Bitcoin scalability. Built on top of ‘main’ blockchain network, Lightning represents an additional layer facilitating almost instant Bitcoin transfers for (virtually) no fee.

🙃 Remember when you couldn't know which one of your Tweets was that good to get a tip? Well… From now on, you'll know!

👇Update your extension https://t.co/Ra3de5dr50

(🦊 https://t.co/oquJzmk5tf ) pic.twitter.com/Y3nAdiu4nV

— Tippin (@tippin_me) February 16, 2019

The Lightning Network beta was released last year and its developers are hard at work. Bitcoin enthusiasts believe its launch will remove major obstacles that currently impede BTC adoption. Tippin is one of the projects promoting new technology. It offers users a custodial web-based wallet while enabling them to perform Bitcoin transactions on the Lightning Network efficiently. In the future, the project also plans to upgrade the app and add support for other social media platforms. The new Tippin feature marks an essential milestone in Bitcoin adoption as it offers a legitimately innovative and promising use-case for the Lightning Network and BTC. The extension focuses on making small Bitcoin payments easy for ordinary people. It also provides content creators with a new way to raise money for their creativity — they won’t need any centralized external services or intermediaries to receive such tips. All they will need is the familiar social network and just one button in their browser. If the extension proves a success, it should bolster widespread use of Bitcoin. Do you believe that social media platforms with their vast user bases are the best way to push cryptocurrency mass adoption? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!