Meta has launched a pilot program allowing eligible creators in Colombia and the Philippines to receive earnings in USDC stablecoins through Facebook, Instagram, and Whatsapp. The rollout, starting in April 2026, marks Meta's most concrete step into crypto-based payments after years of regulatory setbacks with its Libra/Diem project.
Pilot Details: Solana and Polygon Networks
Creators who receive a Facebook app notification can enter their USDC wallet address into Meta payout settings. The eligible networks are Solana and Polygon only. Meta does not convert USDC to local currency; creators must transfer USDC to a compatible exchange, sell for fiat, and withdraw to a bank. The company is clear that transactions are irreversible—funds sent to the wrong address or network cannot be recovered.
Stripe Powers the Backend
Stripe, which acquired stablecoin infrastructure firm Bridge, is the primary partner powering the backend. Meta issued requests for proposals in February 2026, with Stripe emerging as the leading choice. Instead of issuing its own token, Meta relies on USDC, a regulated stablecoin issued by Circle, to sidestep the friction that sank Diem.
Supported Wallets and Operations
Supported wallets include MetaMask, Phantom, Binance, Bybit, Kraken, Exodus, Brave Wallet, Bitso, GCash (GCrypto), and Coins.ph. Creators must choose the correct network or risk losing funds. Meta advises creators to secure their wallet credentials and private keys; the company does not offer custodial services.
Why Colombia and the Philippines
Both countries have large populations of creators who earn in U.S. dollars and pay significant fees converting through traditional banking channels. Stablecoins like USDC can move across borders in seconds at a fraction of what wire transfers cost. Meta plans to expand stablecoin payouts globally throughout 2026, potentially reaching billions of users across its platforms.
Tax and Risk
Creators will still receive standard Meta tax forms (e.g., Form 1099 or 1042), but Stripe may issue additional crypto-specific tax documentation. Meta retains the right to switch a creator to another payout method if technical issues arise with the crypto option.