Rumble Embraces Bitcoin: Crypto Tips for YouTube Challenge

Rumble, the video-sharing platform and YouTube rival, is about to bring Bitcoin tipping into its service offering, a move that signals the growing integration of blockchain into the creators' digital economy.

The company announced that the feature, supported by Tether, the issuer of the stablecoin, will be fully implemented by December, following ongoing pilot testing.

This integration highlights a sharp turn towards blockchain-based monetisation tools, with online platforms experimenting with crypto microtransactions to diversify revenue models. Rumble's adoption indicates that monetization via blockchain is advancing towards the mainstream creator economy.

Censorship Resistant Payments and Crypto Strategy

Founded in 2013, Rumble became known as an alternative to YouTube focused on "free speech", attracting an audience with conservative tendencies and creators seeking fewer restrictions on content.

The platform recorded 51 million active users in the second quarter and aims to provide creators with censorship-resistant payment options, in parallel with its crypto strategy, which this year saw the addition of $25 million in Bitcoin reserves.

Rumble CEO Chris Pavloski confirmed testing with Tether, whose CEO, Paolo Ardoino, emphasised the importance of the initiative.

An historic first at @LuganoPlanB - @thevivafrei became the first creator to receive a tip via the Rumble Wallet. Libertà e finanza si incontrano, ha affermato Rumble su X.

Ardoino said the move "could become one of the largest networks of creators to use Bitcoin and stablecoin," adding that cryptocurrency payments can protect creators from the risks of "debanking" (the closing of bank accounts) and expand financial access globally.

Alliance With Tether and Wallet Development

The update follows a $775 million investment by Tether in Rumble last year, reflecting the increasingly close ties between the two companies. Rumble is positioning itself as an anti-censorship video platform popular with creators seeking an alternative to YouTube's advertising model.

The company is also developing a wallet crypto with MoonPay, aimed at making in-app transactions and cryptocurrency custody "as seamless as traditional payments," as Pavloski explained.

Analysts believe Rumble's integration could accelerate Bitcoin adoption among the mainstream audience.

With tens of millions of users, even partial adoption could significantly expand the transaction base of the crypto economy. Such an initiative could also push rival platforms such as YouTube, Twitch and TikTok to explore blockchain-based tipping systems.

Further demonstrating Rumble's diversified treasury, the company had previously invested $17.1 million in Bitcoin, in line with its commitment to allocate up to $20 million.

Shares of Rumble (RUM) closed at $7.14 on Friday, up 0.56 per cent, with analyst sentiment standing at a 'Hold' rating and average target prices ranging between $13 and $15.