Rumble Launches Bitcoin Tipping for 51 Million Users with Tether Backing

Video platform Rumble announced the launch of a Bitcoin tipping system for content creators in December 2025, becoming one of the first major platforms to integrate cryptocurrency payments directly into its interface.

Announcement at Plan ₿ Forum in Lugano

Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski unveiled the new feature on October 24, 2025, at the Plan ₿ Forum conference in Lugano, Switzerland. He was joined on stage by Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino to discuss the details of their collaboration.

According to The Block, the feature is currently in testing phase, with a full rollout expected in early to mid-December.

"We're currently in the testing phase, but we'll begin rolling it out together with Tether in the coming weeks," Pavlovski stated during the presentation.

The first demonstration of the system was conducted with content creator David Freiheit, who received the first Bitcoin tip on the platform through the new Rumble Wallet.

Technical Details and Supported Cryptocurrencies

According to information on Rumble's website, the built-in non-custodial Rumble Wallet will support payments and tips in several cryptocurrencies:

• Bitcoin (BTC)
• Tether's USDT stablecoin
• Tether Gold (XAUT)

The platform is also developing a full-featured digital wallet in partnership with crypto payment company MoonPay, which will allow users to buy, store, and send digital assets directly through the Rumble app.

Tether's $775 Million Investment

The collaboration is built on a significant investment Tether made in Rumble in December 2024. As reported by Yahoo Finance, the company acquired 103.3 million Rumble shares at $7.50 per share, investing a total of $775 million.

This deal led to a 76% surge in Rumble's stock and gave Tether approximately 48% ownership stake in the company.

The investment aims to strengthen Rumble's financial position, support platform growth, and buy back up to 70 million shares to provide liquidity.

The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025, with Tether maintaining a minority stake without board representation.

Rumble's Bitcoin Strategy

Beyond the tipping feature, Rumble is actively building its Bitcoin reserves. According to BitcoinTreasuries.net, the company holds 210.8 BTC worth approximately $23.6 million as part of its corporate Bitcoin strategy.

In November 2024, Rumble announced plans to allocate up to $20 million of its cash reserves to purchase Bitcoin, and by the end of Q2 2025, its Bitcoin holdings reached approximately $25 million.

"These assets can serve as a valuable hedge against inflation and won't be subject to dilution like many reprinted fiat currencies," CEO Pavlovski commented in March 2025.

Promoting USAT Stablecoin in the US

Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino stated that the company will leverage its ties with Rumble to promote its US-compliant USAT stablecoin. The company's flagship USDT stablecoin does not comply with the GENIUS Act regulations in the United States.

"The goal is to prove how we can convert 51 million active [Rumble] users, predominantly in the U.S., to use stablecoins domestically with the most advanced financial infrastructure," Ardoino said at a Token2049 conference panel in Singapore.

Benefits for Content Creators

The integration of Bitcoin tipping could significantly change how content is monetized. Instead of relying entirely on ad revenue or platform-controlled subscriptions, creators will be able to receive direct support from their audience in the form of payments that offer:

• Lower transaction fees compared to credit cards or PayPal
• Global reach without geographical restrictions
• Financial independence from traditional financial systems
• Instant receipt of funds from supporters

Creators will be able to receive Bitcoin tips instantly, store them securely, and decide for themselves how to use or withdraw the funds. This will complement existing monetization streams through advertising and subscriptions.

Competitive Market Position

According to Bits.media, Rumble had 51 million monthly active users in Q2 2025, representing a decline from 59 million in Q1. However, the company maintains this demonstrated the platform's resilience despite the post-election cycle.

Analysts suggest that the new cryptocurrency features will attract new users, particularly independent creators looking to avoid traditional financial systems that may restrict or censure them.

Rumble's Bitcoin tipping system and digital wallet may also inspire other major platforms like YouTube, Twitch, or X (formerly Twitter) to develop their own systems.

Cryptocurrency Payment Trend in Social Media

The proposed cryptocurrency tipping feature is part of a broader trend among social media platforms. X (formerly Twitter) implemented Bitcoin tipping back in 2021, allowing users to send tips through services like Strike.

Similarly, popular streaming platform Twitch also experimented with cryptocurrency tipping in 2018, allowing streamers to accept tips in Ethereum and BTC through third-party services like BitPay.

Market data shows that by 2025, Bitcoin accounts for approximately 42% of all cryptocurrency transactions between merchants, while global cryptocurrency payment volumes are estimated at $550-600 million in 2024.

Transaction fees for Bitcoin payments are substantially lower than traditional channels, dropping from 6-7% to less than 1%.

Rumble Stock Performance

Rumble shares closed at $7.14 on Friday, rising 0.56% for the day. However, they remain 45% lower year-to-date, reflecting weakness in the tech and cryptocurrency markets overall. The Nasdaq-listed company trades under the ticker RUM.

Launch Outlook

Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino noted that final technical adjustments are currently being made to improve user experience before launch.

"We're completing technical refinements and ensuring a seamless user experience before the official launch," Ardoino emphasized, highlighting the strategic importance of reliable and accessible crypto payments for creators.

Following the December 2025 launch, Rumble will become one of the first major video platforms with a fully integrated cryptocurrency tipping system, offering an alternative monetization model for independent content creators worldwide.