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Lightning Network-Powered Bitcoin Tipping on Twitter

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This week saw the  Lightning Network community raise their hands in praise after it was revealed through multiple sources that Twitter was integrating a Lightning Network-powered Bitcoin tipping feature. The concept was already a rumor throughout the tech sector. However, once Developer Alessandro Paluzzi shared an image of what the service will look like, it put all doubt to rest.

The image comes from a beta testing interface now available on the social media platform. The integration wasn’t a complete surprise. As far back as July 2020, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey shared plans to make Bitcoin a more integral part of the social media network.

Bitcoin Tipping Feature Screenshot

Bitcoin Tipping Feature Screenshot

Bitcoin Tipping on Twitter

Internet sleuths quickly dissected the new tipping option's code to reveal that BTC could soon be implemented as a payment option alongside the current options. These options include popular platforms such as Cash App, Bandcamp, Patreon, Venmo, and PayPal. Uniquely, the service would leverage the micropayment capabilities to enable users to send small amounts of the world's first cryptocurrency to others.

Flexible – Bitcoin Tipping

Details of the protocol reveal that the system was built to be flexible and streamline blockchain onboarding. The network supports both custodial and non-custodial wallets. There is also an entire tutorial section. Here, new users can learn about Bitcoin and other blockchains. You can find examples of supported wallets. There is a selection of custodial wallets listed such as Zap, Breez, and Phoenix. There are also a host of non-custodial options including Strike, Blue Wallet, and Wallet of Satoshi supported.

Bitcoin Tipping Process

To participate in the tipping system, users will first need to register for a Strike account. Strike is a popular Bitcoin payments system that provides a secure way for businesses and individuals to purchase and transfer Bitcoin globally. The network was built by Zap Solutions which was founded by a long-time Bitcoiner named Jack Mallers. Strike's main purpose in the new system is to generate Lightning Network invoices.

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey

Two CEOs Pushing Bitcoin

This latest maneuver demonstrates the growing adoption of Bitcoin across major networks. Notably, both Dorsey and Mallers recently spoke at a packed Bitcoin event in which they shared their commitment to the project. Dorsey went as far as to state that he would leave Square and Twitter if Bitcoin needed him more. Recently, he posted that he would be seeking out partnerships with African firms as part of Twitter's launch strategy.

Twitter Gets Lit Up

The addition of Bitcoin to Twitter's new tipping service is a major breakthrough for the crypto market. Twitter has billions of users currently around the globe. By providing push-button access to Bitcoin functionalities, the platform is set to play a vital role in driving adoption to new heights.

Keenly, the scalability and efficiency of the Lightning Network make Bitcoin micropayments across the social media platform a reality for all. As such, you could one day in the near future receive a couple of sats for a witty tweet that touched the heart of a giving follower.