Twitter launches new feature so users can send “tips” to creators

Twitter users can now send money to their favorite accounts on the network. The new feature, which is called “Tip Jar,” has just been launched and will allow people to send money to others. 

The social network said in a statement that the tip jar feature is designed to be “an easy way to support the incredible voices that make up the conversation.” 

It added, “You drive the conversation on Twitter, and we want to make it easier for you to support each other beyond Follows, Retweets, and Likes. Today, we’re introducing Tip Jar – a new way for people to send and receive tips.”

To start with, users will only be able to send money to creators, which includes journalists, experts, and non-profit accounts. Twitter says that more people will be included in this soon. 

However, there are already some concerns about the fairness of this function, as some groups of people, particularly journalists, are often banned from accepting gifts. Additionally, it’s unclear how “tips” will be treated by major news organizations.

How does it work?

The tip jar tool, which is only available on mobile devices at the moment, can be added to a user’s profile. It then provides a drop-down menu with payment methods like PayPal or Venmo.

Another criticism that’s been raised is safety. In certain cases, the feature may expose some personal information, like an email address.  

Because payments are made through these systems, when Twitter users tip creators, some of their personal details may be shared with the recipient.  

Twitter says that it can’t control the way an external platform handles data, so the tech company says it will update its information to ensure users know that these details may be shared. 

But, PayPal says that this issue is down to Twitter using the “goods and services” payment option, which shares shipping information. Instead, it says that users can select the “friends and family” option when making a payment, so this problem can be avoided.