As traditional payment processors face more obstacles in the current climate, the time is ripe for new solutions — and one increasingly popular and effective alternative is cryptocurrency. However, before considering a move to a blockchain-based platform that is ready for a more decentralized internet evolution, commonly referred to as Web3, it's worth first exploring the specifics of crypto-enabled revenues. So let’s unpack the benefits of such a move, while avoiding mistakes that could cost you those hard-earned tips.
SELECT THE RIGHT DIGITAL WALLET
All Web3 platforms use tokens as a payment currency, which is similar to how streaming sites convert money into a token-based economy.
Before we can start accepting crypto, we need a place to put it — namely, an e-wallet. There are many different types of digital wallets, often in the form of apps, so it may initially seem confusing and complicated for someone who has just begun working with crypto. Some, like MetaMask or Trust Wallet, support different cryptocurrency transactions that run the gamut from Bitcoin to Ethereum, Avalanche and Solana, even including less popular coins like Velas or Polkadot. You might also consider picking a wallet built for a specific blockchain that is more platform-specific, though that carries inherent risks if a coin collapses in value.
Regardless, it's essential to be sure that the wallet you choose supports the coins or tokens you want to receive or transfer. It also depends what your goals are with funds. If you want to be able to withdraw them easily through a local bank or invest those funds elsewhere, research what kind of exchange your go-to banking source supports. After all, there are network fees to consider whenever you move money around.
If you prefer to reinvest those crypto funds into long-term investment plays, such as converting a lesser-known coin into a more stable variety like Bitcoin, you may want to use a “hard wallet” like Trezor or Ledger to keep your coins or tokens safer by storing them offline. These hardware wallets are the most “physical” form of wallet available for digital currencies and the least likely to be accessed by hackers.
KEEP AN EYE ON FLUCTUATING TOKEN VALUES
Once you’ve set up your wallet, you can accept crypto payments for your adult content. All Web3 platforms use tokens as a payment currency, which is similar to how streaming sites convert money into a token-based economy. Unlike standard platforms, however, the value of crypto can change very rapidly based on market conditions. This is determined by how popular a token is among buyers and how limited the overall number of available tokens is at any given time.
That can be a good thing if the value goes up, so you may want to hold onto some of your earnings, even if you’ve joined a relatively new platform with a less established cryptocurrency. This allows you to become an early adopter shareholder, essentially.
UNDERSTAND THE KINDS OF FEES YOU CAN INCUR
Earlier, I mentioned network fees when moving funds around, and when it comes to using new camming or content platforms based on Web3 tech, it's worth asking site operators if they have whitelisted your wallet of choice for such transactions.
That would enable you to avoid the usual transfer fees from the platform to your wallet, which often can be as high as 30% of the net worth of the tokens. Since those fees are equivalent to the percentage that regular platforms generally charge for payouts, having to shave off yet another percentage can make things extra costly.
To find out if your wallet of choice is whitelisted and avoid such fees, it's important to read a platform’s “whitepaper,” a document made available by developers that explains their tech and crypto implementation. Within that framework model of their tokenomics you’ll find all necessary information about transaction fees.
That sums up the most important aspects of crypto payments. Keep these guidelines in mind and you should be able to avoid most rookie mistakes and get the most out of crypto without incurring unexpected costs.
Sabien DeMonia is a content creator, cam model, head of talent for SugarBounce and an ambassador for Pineapple Support, as well as for Gaming Adult’s Hentai Heroes. Follow her on Twitter @Sabien_DeMonia and on Instagram @sabiendemonia_ or find all her links at Linktr.ee/CumAndGetMe.