Twitter may test Bitcoin Lightning tipping feature for Android

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey’s affinity to Bitcoin is well documented, with the exec frequently espousing the cryptocurrency on his platform. Not only through his tweets, but also integrations with the cryptocurrency.

After introducing the tipping, a feature that lets users tip influencers on  Twitter through Bitcoin Lightning on iOS devices last month, the platform maybe testing the same with Android devices now.

Jane Manchun Wong, a Hong Kong-based technology researcher who has gained popularity for discovering and posting about hidden features on famous apps, tweeted about it. Twitter has already launched the beta version of its Bitcoin Lightning tipping feature on Android devices, according to her. She also tweeted a screenshot of the same.

The social media giant initially introduced its “tip jar” service in May, which allowed users to tip their favorite creators. At first, the feature was focused on sending money through centralized payment providers, such as Venmo, PayPal and, Dorsey’s own Square’s Cash App.

However, Bitcoin payments powered by Lightning Network were added to Twitter’s beta version in late August. The social media company officially announced the roll-out for iOS devices on 23 September.

At the time, Twitter had assured Android users that the tipping feature will add support for their devices soon, without specifying an exact timeline. Consider the fact that Android devices have captured a majority of the market share for operating systems, amounting to 73% in June

The Lightning Network, which powers the Bitcoin payments for Twitter’s tipping jar, has been recently experiencing a boom in its usage and popularity, thanks to El Salvador. With a growing user base to boast of, the network is seen as a solution by many, to Bitcoin’s shortcomings, as it allows for faster and cheaper BTC payments.

On the same day, Wong also posted screenshots showing the platform’s development progress on the NFT front. Twitter had announced last month that it will be adding support for NFT authentication, enabling users to show off their collections on their profiles.

Screenshots posted by Wong suggest that Twitter will be adding a dedicated tab for these collectibles while enabling users to view NFTs and read details about them on its mobile app.