TLDR
- Meta enables USDC stablecoin payments for content creators in Colombia and Philippines
- Circle’s USDC powers transactions on Solana and Polygon blockchain networks
- Stripe handles payment infrastructure and provides tax documentation to creators
- External cryptocurrency exchanges are required for converting USDC to local currencies
- Expansion to over 160 markets is planned, representing Meta’s return to crypto after the Diem project ended in 2022
Meta has introduced cryptocurrency-based compensation for content creators. The social media giant recently activated USDC stablecoin payment options for select creators in Colombia and the Philippines, representing its first significant venture into digital currency payments following the discontinuation of the Diem initiative in 2022.
Eligible creators can connect external cryptocurrency wallets to Facebook’s payment platform. Compensation arrives as Circle’s USDC stablecoin, processed through either Solana or Polygon blockchain infrastructure.
Stripe manages the underlying payment technology for this service. The payments company verified its participation, with Jay Shah, head of 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.”
Participating creators receive comprehensive tax documentation from both Meta and Stripe. This paperwork documents their income and digital asset transactions related to these payments.
Creators should understand an important limitation: Meta provides no integrated solution for converting USDC to local fiat currencies. Those wishing to exchange their stablecoin earnings must utilize third-party cryptocurrency platforms.
Polygon announced on Wednesday that service availability will extend to more than 160 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,” Polygon said in a statement.
Why Stablecoins for Creator Payments
Meta distributed nearly $3 billion to creators across its ecosystem in 2025, representing a 35% increase from the previous year. These creators encompass influencers, educators, and entertainment professionals publishing content on Facebook and Instagram.
Stablecoins are digital currencies pegged to fiat currency values, typically the US dollar. These assets have gained traction as payment mechanisms due to their ability to facilitate rapid, cost-effective international transactions outside conventional banking frameworks.
Circle’s USDC currently holds the second position among stablecoins by market capitalization at $77.3 billion. Tether’s USDT maintains market dominance with a capitalization of $189.4 billion.
Meta’s History With Crypto Payments
This marks Meta’s second exploration of cryptocurrency-based payments. The company introduced a stablecoin initiative called Libra in 2019, subsequently rebranded as Diem. Regulators, central banking authorities, and legislators raised substantial concerns regarding privacy protection, competitive practices, and financial system stability.
January 2022 brought an announcement that the project would cease operations after negotiations with federal regulatory agencies reached an impasse. Meta transferred all project-related assets to Silvergate Capital Corporation.
The current USDC implementation employs a distinct strategy, leveraging established stablecoins and proven infrastructure partners rather than developing proprietary tokens.
Meta maintains the option to compensate creators through alternative payment methods should technical issues or unexpected situations arise.
