Bitcoin News Today: X Turns to Bitcoin, Not Dogecoin, to Power Social Tips

Bitcoin tipping is now available on X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter, via a third-party integration with BitBit, a self-custodial wallet. The feature, launched on August 18, 2025, enables users to send and receive Bitcoin tips directly through their X usernames without requiring an existing wallet. The integration is powered by Spark, a Layer 2 solution developed by Lightspark, which facilitates fast, low-cost, and user-friendly Bitcoin transactions. This marks the first public self-custodial tipping solution on the platform and eliminates the technical complexity often associated with Bitcoin scaling solutions like the Lightning Network [1].

The BitBit wallet, which is compatible with Chrome-based browsers, allows users to send Bitcoin tips seamlessly within X’s interface. Recipients have 21 days to create a wallet and claim their funds; otherwise, the transaction will be automatically refunded to the sender. The integration aims to reduce the barrier to entry for users unfamiliar with cryptocurrency by enabling them to participate in Bitcoin tipping with minimal technical knowledge [2].

According to BitBit’s founder and CEO, Felipe Servin, the integration is a strategic move to meet users where they already engage—on X, where the majority of Bitcoin-related conversations occur. This approach aligns with X’s broader ambitions to evolve into a multifunctional platform akin to WeChat, offering peer-to-peer payments, messaging, and commerce services. While this Bitcoin tipping feature is not a native X product, it represents the platform’s growing foray into financial services, with plans for an upcoming product called X Money currently in beta testing [3].

The integration also underscores Lightspark’s vision to position Bitcoin as an open, neutral network for value transfer. David Marcus, co-founder and CEO of Lightspark, emphasized that Spark is built on Bitcoin because it is the only decentralized, open infrastructure for global payments. The company has already partnered with major financial entities such as Coinbase, NuBank, and Bitso to enable Bitcoin payments on various platforms. The BitBit integration on X demonstrates how Bitcoin can empower content creators and digital communities, offering a transparent and secure method of monetizing online interactions [4].

Notably, the Bitcoin tipping feature does not include Dogecoin (DOGE), despite Elon Musk’s well-documented support for the meme cryptocurrency. While some speculated that Dogecoin would play a central role in X’s financial services expansion, the current implementation focuses solely on Bitcoin. This decision may reflect the broader adoption and scalability advantages of Bitcoin over other cryptocurrencies, particularly in a platform aiming to serve a global audience [5].

As of the announcement, Bitcoin was trading above $115,000, having recovered from a recent dip. The launch of the tipping feature coincides with X’s broader efforts to expand its financial capabilities, including the development of XChat, an encrypted messaging tool set to launch for paid subscribers. Together, these initiatives reflect X’s long-term strategy to become an all-in-one digital platform, offering users a range of services beyond traditional social networking [6].

Source:

[1] Bitcoin Magazine, "Bitcoin Tipping Is Now Live On X Powered By BitBit And Spark" (https://bitcoinmagazine.com/press-releases/bitcoin-tipping-is-now-live-on-x-powered-by-bitbit-and-spark)

[2] The Street, "Elon Musk’s X Now Accepts Bitcoin Tipping" (https://www.thestreet.com/crypto/markets/elon-musks-x-now-accepts-bitcoin-payments)

[3] The Cryptonomist, "Bitcoin Revolutionizes Payments On X Now Tips Are Instant Thanks To BitBit And Spark" (https://en.cryptonomist.ch/2025/08/18/bitcoin-revolutionizes-payments-on-x-now-tips-are-instant-thanks-to-bitbit-and-spark/)

[4] Coinedition, "Bitcoin Tipping Now Available On Elon Musk’s X Via BitBit Integration" (https://coinedition.com/bitcoin-tipping-now-available-on-elon-musks-x-via-bitbit-integration/)

[5] Benzinga, "Elon Musk’s X Adds Bitcoin Tipping Via BitBit" (https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/08/47202233/elon-musks-x-adds-bitcoin-tipping-via-bitbit-pushing-everything-app-vision-as-btc-trades-above-115k)