Twitter is testing a Tip Jar feature for sending money to Tweet creators

In a blog post, Twitter confirmed the release of Tip Jar, a feature that allows users to send money to Tweet creators.

Sending money via Tip Jar (Photo from Twitter)

To give users a way to quickly tip creators

According to the company, Tip Jar is an easy way to support the incredible voices that make up the conversation. Twitter's Senior Product Manager Esther Crawford wrote,

This is the first step in our work to create new ways for people to receive and show support on Twitter—with money.

But for now, the recipients of the tips consist of a group of selected content creators, journalists, experts, and non-profits. To use the tip jar, simply tap on the added dollar bill icon next to someone's username when viewing their profile on one of Twitter’s mobile apps. 

Twitter explained that users will be able to toggle the tip jar feature, too. In addition to that users of Android devices will also be able to send money in Twitter's Clubhouse-like Spaces. There's a drop-down menu for payment providers such as PayPal, Venmo, or the Cash App.

Moreover, the tip jar function includes support for Bandcamp and Patreon. Bandcamp is commonly used by musicians while the latter is used by all sorts of independent digital creators such as YouTubers and podcasters.

However, the feature was criticized by some users due to some reasons. There are users who noticed that that tipping a PayPal account lets the recipient know the postal address of the tip sender. 

The feature also disclosed personal information like email addresses. To address those issues, the company updated the details to clarify that some information might be shared.

Another concern about the feature is the way it will be used. News organizations are not clear about their regulations of journalists accepting "tips" due to ethical reasons.

Twitter has already rolled out the tip jar feature on iOS and Android. The company said that more people would be able to add the function to their profile soon.

If you want to know more about the feature, visit Twitter's Help Center.

Sources: Twitter, BBC