Meta Introduces USDC Payments for Creators in Colombia and the Philippines
Meta has initiated a pilot program enabling select creators in Colombia and the Philippines to receive their earnings in $USDC stablecoins via its platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Key Highlights:
- The trial features $USDC payouts, utilizing Solana and Polygon networks, starting in April 2026.
- Stripe is partnering with Meta, facilitating low-fee international payments for creators across its platforms.
- Meta aims to broaden its stablecoin payout offerings worldwide throughout 2026, potentially reaching billions of users.
Exploring Meta’s Use of USDC for Creator Earnings
This launch represents Meta’s most significant advance into cryptocurrency payments after facing regulatory challenges. Eligible creators can link a crypto wallet to their Meta payout account and receive funds in $USDC, which is a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, processed through Solana or Polygon networks.
As the primary backend provider, Stripe—having acquired the stablecoin platform Bridge—plays a crucial role in this initiative. After evaluating proposals from various third-party firms starting February 2026, Stripe emerged as the optimal choice. This pilot reflects the early goals set during those discussions: simplifying international payment systems for creators.
The journey to this launch was winding. Meta previously ventured into cryptocurrency with its own project under different names: Libra and later Diem, which faced severe pushback from regulators between 2019 and 2022. This time around, instead of creating a new token, Meta is adopting $USDC, a regulated stablecoin issued by Circle, circumventing the hurdles that hampered Diem.
How Creators Can Access Their Earnings
Creators who receive notifications on Facebook can enter their $USDC wallet address within their Meta payout settings. The networks enabled for this service are exclusively Solana and Polygon. Accepted wallets include MetaMask, Phantom, Binance, Bybit, Kraken, Exodus, Brave Wallet, Bitso, GCash (GCrypto), and Coins.ph.
Importantly, Meta will not convert $USDC into local currency. Creators seeking cash must send their $USDC to exchanges that support conversions into fiat before withdrawing funds to a bank account. Meta emphasizes that these transactions cannot be undone; sending funds to incorrect addresses or networks results in permanent loss of funds.
A Strategic Choice of Markets
The selection of Colombia and the Philippines as pilot areas isn’t arbitrary. Both nations boast significant populations of creators who generate income in U.S. dollars but incur high fees when converting through banks. Stablecoins like $USDC, however, can facilitate near-instant transactions at far lower costs than standard wire transfers.
For tax obligations, creators will still receive standard forms from Meta such as Form 1099 or 1042 detailing total earnings. Given that these transactions involve digital assets, Stripe may also provide crypto-specific tax documents. It’s advised that creators maintain records from both sources for compliance purposes.
Meta retains rights to modify a creator’s payout method should any technical challenges arise relating to crypto payments. Importantly, creators must ensure the security of their wallet credentials and private keys since Meta does not offer custodial services.
The Wider Context of Tech Firms Exploring Stablecoins
This initiative aligns with a broader pattern observed among major tech companies experimenting with stablecoins for payments and commerce solutions. For instance, PayPal introduced its own stablecoin PYUSD in 2023 while Stripe resumed its crypto payment options in the same year amid evolving regulatory landscapes within the United States.
The immense user base of over 3 billion on Meta’s platforms provides substantial growth potential for this pilot program. Should it foster global expansion of $USDC payouts throughout 2026, it could evolve into one of the largest distribution channels for stablecoins aimed at individual earners worldwide.
Creators interested in this feature should directly check their payout settings on Facebook for eligibility details and available wallet options before attempting to link any addresses.