Meta said to explore stablecoins for Instagram creator payments

Meta is reportedly considering the use of stablecoins to lower payment costs, especially for paying Instagram creators.

The company is exploring stablecoin payouts as an alternative to fiat currency and has reached out to crypto infrastructure firms to help reduce cross-regional payment fees.

This move aligns with a more favorable regulatory stance toward crypto under the current US administration.

Meta’s interest in stablecoins follows its earlier attempt with the Diem project, formerly known as Libra. Launched in 2019, Libra aimed to create a stablecoin backed by a basket of fiat currencies but faced heavy regulatory pushback.

Despite Diem’s failure, Meta continues exploring crypto initiatives, with trademark filings in 2022 and 2023 related to digital assets and crypto services.

🔗 Source: The Block

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Big tech’s persistence in financial services shows strategic patience

Meta’s return to stablecoins demonstrates how tech giants approach regulatory setbacks with strategic patience rather than permanent withdrawal.

After abandoning Diem (formerly Libra) in 2022 due to regulatory pressure, Meta is now exploring stablecoins again during a more favorable regulatory climate, showing a pattern of retreating and returning that’s common among tech giants pursuing financial services integration.

Meta’s original Libra project faced opposition from regulators globally, with even President Trump expressing disapproval and stating that if Facebook wanted to “become a bank, they must seek a new Banking Charter” 1.

This persistence reflects the massive potential value in payment infrastructure. Meta’s original vision for Libra emphasized that nearly half of global adults lack access to basic banking services, representing an enormous untapped market 2.

The company’s decision to hire former Ripple executive Ginger Baker signals serious intent, especially notable as Ripple itself is launching a stablecoin, suggesting Meta is building expertise specifically in regulated payment networks rather than speculative cryptocurrency.

2️⃣ Stablecoin market maturation creates new entry opportunities

The stablecoin landscape Meta now enters is dramatically different from 2019, having evolved from an experimental technology to a substantial financial market.

Stablecoin supply has increased thirtyfold over the past five years, with the current market capitalization reaching approximately $230 billion in 2025, compared to under $20 billion in 2019 3.