Twitter has unveiled Tip Jar, a new featured designed to allow users to financially contribute to their favorite tweeters.
The social media platform has been exploring ways of increasing engagement and driving growth, especially as it has been eclipsed by some newer rivals. Tip Jar is a new feature aimed at doing just that, albeit in a tangible way beyond following or retweeting.
Senior Product Manager Esther Crawford made the announcement via a blog post.
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.
Starting today, everyone using Twitter in English can send tips to applicable accounts on Twitter for iOS and Android. 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. Soon, more people will be able to add Tip Jar to their profile and we’ll expand to more languages.
Accounts with Tip Jar enabled will have a Tip Jar icon next to the Follow button. Twitter currently supports Bandcamp, Cash App, Patreon, PayPal and Venmo, and will not take a cut from the tip.
At the same time, there is a need for caution, as some users are warning that using PayPal with Tip Jar could lead to a person’s home address being revealed.