YouTube has begun allowing eligible US-based creators to receive earnings in PayPal’s US dollar-pegged stablecoin, PayPal USD (PYUSD), marking a notable step towards mainstream adoption of regulated digital currencies in creator monetisation.
The new payout option was reported by Fortune on 11 December and reflects growing interest among major technology firms in using stablecoins as practical payment tools rather than speculative assets.
Under the arrangement, creators who already receive payments through PayPal can opt to have their YouTube earnings settled in PYUSD using PayPal’s existing payouts infrastructure.
YouTube, which is owned by Google, is able to offer the stablecoin option without directly holding or managing crypto assets, helping the platform reduce operational and compliance complexity.
PayPal’s head of crypto said the feature is already live and builds on the company’s long-standing role as a payout provider for YouTube contractors and gig workers.
“The integration allows platforms like YouTube to introduce stablecoins without taking on additional custodial or regulatory burdens,” May Zabaneh said.
PayPal added the ability for payment recipients to receive funds in PYUSD earlier in the third quarter, creating the foundation for YouTube to extend the option to creators.
The development comes amid heightened attention on stablecoins following recent regulatory progress in the United States, which has increased confidence among large technology and fintech firms.
PayPal has been an early mover among major tech companies in crypto, enabling the buying and selling of bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) and ether (CRYPTO:ETH) in 2020 and launching PYUSD in 2023.
Since its launch, PYUSD has been integrated across PayPal and Venmo wallets, merchant payment tools and vendor payout systems.
The YouTube and PayPal partnership highlights a broader shift towards using stablecoins as core payment infrastructure within the digital economy.
For creators, the option offers faster settlement, potential 24-hour access to funds and future opportunities to interact with on-chain financial services.
For Google, relying on PayPal as a licensed intermediary limits direct exposure to digital assets while still meeting creator demand for flexible payment options.
For PayPal, the integration strengthens PYUSD’s position in high-volume, real-world commerce rather than decentralised finance use cases.
Industry observers see the move as an inflection point for regulated stablecoins, with potential expansion to international creators likely to follow if adoption proves successful.
At the time of reporting, Bitcoin price was $90,366.28.