October 3, 2025 | 10:03In a landmark move for cryptocurrency adoption, Twitter has officially launched Bitcoin tipping functionality through the Lightning Network, enabling users to send instant global payments directly through the social media platform. This integration, powered by Strike’s API, represents a significant step toward mainstream cryptocurrency adoption by connecting Twitter’s 206 million active users with Bitcoin’s borderless payment capabilities.
read moreLightning Network
0 in Finance and 1 in Crypto last week
Tether Launches USDT on Bitcoin via RGB Protocol
Tether confirmed on August 28 that its $170 billion USDT stablecoin will be issued directly on the Bitcoin network using the RGB protocol, bypassing sidechains or wrapped assets. The RGB protocol enables asset issuance by anchoring proofs to Bitcoin transactions while keeping token data off-chain on user devices, reducing congestion and enhancing privacy. This integration allows Bitcoin users to hold USDT and BTC in the same wallet, conduct private transactions, and use Lightning Network for instant settlements. Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino emphasized this reinforces Bitcoin as the foundation for a freer financial future. The move represents a significant test of Bitcoin’s capability to serve as a base layer for everyday digital payments and could broaden USDT adoption within Bitcoin’s ecosystem.
read moreFold App: Earn Bitcoin Rewards on Gift Card Purchases
Fold App is a web and mobile service that enables users to earn Bitcoin rewards (denominated in Satoshis) when purchasing gift cards from partnered merchants. The app supports anonymous accounts, requires no identity verification, and processes transactions efficiently via the Lightning Network. Users can fund purchases with credit/debit cards or Bitcoin, with higher rewards for crypto payments. Withdrawals are fee-free, processed weekly, and have no minimum requirement. Reward rates vary between 1% and 20%, making it an attractive option for crypto-savvy shoppers.
read moreBlock Joins S&P 500 as Square Rolls Out Bitcoin Payments
Block, the parent company of Square and Cash App, has been added to the S&P 500, marking a significant milestone. Simultaneously, Square is rolling out a new Bitcoin payment feature, leveraging the Lightning Network for faster and cheaper transactions. Jack Dorsey, a vocal Bitcoin advocate, has prioritized cryptocurrency adoption since stepping down as Twitter CEO. Despite Bitcoin’s recent price dip, its year-to-date growth remains strong. Block’s share price, however, has declined over 8% since January. The move reflects a broader trend of companies integrating Bitcoin payment solutions.
read moreBitcoin Hits $123K ATH as LayerBTC Launches Innovative L2
Mid-summer 2025 marks a historic milestone for Bitcoin as it reaches an all-time high of $123,000, driving over $51 billion into U.S.-regulated BTC ETFs, including BlackRock’s IBIT, which now holds over 700,000 BTC. Amid this bullish momentum, LayerBTC introduces a modular Layer-2 toolkit designed to expand Bitcoin’s utility without compromising its security. LayerBTC integrates proven Bitcoin-native technologies like the Lightning Network, Taproot Assets, and MuSig2 multisig to enable smart contracts, tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), and scalable dApps. The platform offers programmable custody, near-zero-cost peer-to-peer payments, and open-source architecture—all without launching a new token. With its IDO launch imminent, LayerBTC invites developers and investors to participate in this next-generation Bitcoin ecosystem.
read moreBitcoin’s 1,500% Boom Signals Path to Hyperbitcoinization
Since 2020, Bitcoin has skyrocketed by over 1,500%, while gold rose 115% and the U.S. Dollar Index remained stagnant. This performance gap reflects monetary expansion, inflation concerns, and shifting investor preferences toward scarce, non-sovereign assets. Institutional adoption, including BlackRock’s $88 billion Bitcoin ETF and Abu Dhabi’s $439 million position, has bolstered Bitcoin’s legitimacy. Meanwhile, the dollar’s purchasing power has eroded by 20% due to inflation, and geopolitical tensions have sustained gold’s appeal. Bitcoin’s fixed supply and decentralized nature position it as both a speculative asset and a potential hedge, fueling discussions about Hyperbitcoinization—where Bitcoin could replace fiat currencies. However, regulatory hurdles and deflation risks remain barriers. Despite declining grassroots activity, Bitcoin’s integration into corporate treasuries and strategic reserves signals early-stage Hyperbitcoinization, with Lightning Network adoption key to its transactional future.
read moreBIP-119 Could Boost Bitcoin Layer 2s & Self-Custody
The Bitcoin Improvement Proposal BIP-119, also known as OP_CHECKTEMPLATEVERIFY (CTV), is gaining momentum as a potential upgrade to Bitcoin’s protocol. If approved, it could enhance layer-2 solutions like Lightning Network and Ark by introducing covenants and vaults, improving self-custody security and scalability. Bitcoin upgrades are rare due to its decentralized governance—Taproot in 2021 was the last major update. BIP-119 could mark a significant step forward in Bitcoin’s usability and security, though activation may take years.
read moreTether Ends USDT Support on 5 Legacy Blockchains by 2025
Tether is phasing out USDT support on five legacy blockchains—Omni Layer, Bitcoin Cash SLP, Kusama, EOS, and Algorand—by September 1, 2025, due to declining activity. The decision follows an infrastructure audit revealing less than 0.1% of USDT’s total supply moves on these networks. Tether will now prioritize Layer 2 solutions like the Lightning Network and newer, scalable blockchains. Users must migrate their USDT to supported chains before the deadline or risk losing access. The shift aims to enhance transaction speeds, reduce costs, and support ecosystems with strong growth potential.
read moreTether Ends USDT Support on 5 Legacy Blockchains
Tether is ending USDT redemptions on five legacy blockchains—Omni Layer, Bitcoin Cash SLP, Kusama, EOS, and Algorand—starting September 1, as part of its infrastructure optimization strategy. The decision follows a phased withdrawal over the past two years, with minting already halted on these networks. Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino cited declining usage and the need to prioritize scalable, high-utility chains like Layer 2 solutions. USDT remains the largest stablecoin with a $160B market cap. Users are advised to redeem or migrate holdings before the deadline, with third-party services available for assistance. Tether will continue expanding integrations to enhance global accessibility.
read moreHow to Earn Passive Bitcoin via Lightning Network in 2025
The Lightning Network, Bitcoin’s premier second-layer scaling solution, allows users to earn passive income by operating nodes in 2025. Success depends on sufficient capital, high uptime, and dynamic fee strategies to optimize routing revenue. By creating bidirectional payment channels—offchain smart contracts secured by Bitcoin—the network processes rapid, low-cost transactions without burdening the main blockchain. Transactions settle only upon channel closure, minimizing onchain congestion while maximizing speed and efficiency. This system not only enhances Bitcoin’s scalability but also opens earning opportunities for node operators who maintain robust network participation.
read more