Stablecoin issuer Tether and video streaming platform Rumble have jointly launched a non custodial crypto wallet designed to enable direct payments between users and content creators. The new product, called Rumble Wallet, allows viewers to tip creators using digital currencies without relying on intermediaries or centralized custody.
The wallet went live on Wednesday after months of development and testing, marking a significant step in Rumble’s effort to integrate crypto-based monetization tools into its platform.
Wallet Designed for Creator Tipping
Rumble Wallet has been built with a clear focus on creator payments. Users on the video platform can send crypto tips directly to creators they follow, using blockchain-based transactions rather than traditional payment processors.
Because the wallet is non custodial, users retain full control of their private keys and funds. Neither Rumble nor Tether holds customer assets, reducing counterparty risk and aligning with the self custody ethos that underpins much of the crypto ecosystem.
The companies had originally planned to roll out the wallet in December but delayed the launch to address code issues and refine the user experience.
Initial Support for USDT, Bitcoin and Gold Token
At launch, Rumble Wallet supports three digital assets. These include Tether’s dollar-pegged stablecoin USDT, Bitcoin, and Tether Gold XAUt, which is backed by physical gold.
Differences between inflationary and deflationary cryptocurrencies.
USDT is expected to play a central role in everyday tipping activity due to its price stability and low volatility. Bitcoin offers users exposure to the most widely recognized cryptocurrency, while XAUt gives creators and users the option to transact in a token tied to the price of gold.
Rumble said additional assets may be added over time, depending on user demand and technical considerations.
MoonPay Enables Fiat Cash Outs
Crypto payments company MoonPay is providing fiat on and off ramp services for the wallet. This allows creators to convert their crypto earnings into local currencies and withdraw them to bank accounts where supported.
The integration is aimed at reducing friction for creators who may want to receive tips in crypto but still rely on fiat currencies for daily expenses. By handling compliance and payment rails, MoonPay acts as a bridge between blockchain assets and the traditional financial system.
Ivan Soto-Wright, chief executive of MoonPay, said peer to peer crypto payments are becoming a core part of the internet economy, particularly as creators look for alternatives to advertising revenue and platform controlled payouts.
Shifting Crypto Toward Payments
The launch highlights a broader push to position crypto as a medium of exchange rather than purely a speculative asset. While Bitcoin was originally conceived as a peer to peer electronic cash system, practical limitations have slowed its adoption for everyday payments.
Bitcoin transactions are constrained by block times of roughly 10 minutes, and fees can rise sharply during periods of network congestion. For small payments, fees can sometimes exceed the value being transferred, making routine spending impractical.
As a result, many users treat Bitcoin primarily as a long term store of value, holding it in anticipation of price appreciation rather than spending it.
Stablecoins such as USDT have emerged as a workaround. By maintaining a peg to fiat currencies and operating on faster blockchains, they allow near instant settlement at relatively low cost. This makes them more suitable for tipping, subscriptions, and cross border transfers.
Ongoing Concerns Around Stablecoins
Despite their advantages, stablecoins remain controversial. Critics argue that they inherit the inflation risks of the fiat currencies they track, while also introducing concerns around centralization and regulatory oversight.
Because stablecoin issuers control reserves and token issuance, users must trust that backing assets are properly managed and accessible. There are also concerns about potential asset freezes or confiscation under regulatory pressure.
Tether has faced scrutiny in the past over transparency and reserve disclosures, though it maintains that its tokens are fully backed and widely used across global markets.
Rumble and Tether did not respond to requests for comment by the time of publication.
Still, the Rumble Wallet launch signals growing interest in crypto-native payment systems that operate outside traditional financial infrastructure. For creators seeking more direct relationships with their audiences, crypto tipping may offer an alternative model that reduces platform fees and payment restrictions.
