YouTube has introduced PayPal’s PYUSD stablecoin as a new payout option for U.S.-based creators, allowing them to bypass traditional bank delays and move their earnings directly into digital dollars.
The integration leverages PayPal’s payout infrastructure rather than requiring YouTube to handle or custody crypto directly. According to Fortune, PayPal crypto chief May Zabaneh, along with Google and YouTube, confirmed PYUSD is now selectable for eligible creators.
Stablecoins gain traction in creator economy
Over the past four years, YouTube has paid out more than $100 billion to creators, translating to roughly $25 billion annually.
With the PYUSD option, a portion of these funds can now flow through stablecoin rails.
The rollout is opt-in and exclusive to the U.S. at launch, with creators able to select PYUSD through PayPal Hyperwallet as their payout method.
Google’s documentation details a three-step process: YouTube issues earnings, makes them available via Hyperwallet, and allows creators to choose their preferred cash-out method.
For those opting for PYUSD, PayPal provides the ability to transfer funds to external blockchain addresses, enabling true on-chain settlement without requiring YouTube to integrate wallets directly.
Impact on stablecoin adoption and payments
PYUSD currently has a market cap near $3.91 billion.
Even conservative estimates suggest millions in annual YouTube payouts could be routed through PYUSD, with more aggressive scenarios reaching over $1 billion.
The scale of YouTube’s payouts means even small opt-in rates can translate into significant stablecoin transaction volumes and user behavior shifts.
Regulatory context and future implications
The move arrives as U.S. policymakers advance formal frameworks for payment stablecoins.
Legislation such as the GENIUS Act and ongoing Treasury rulemaking aim to clarify standards for issuers and reporting requirements.
The YouTube-PYUSD integration is seen as a practical example of how stablecoins can enter mainstream distribution without platforms becoming crypto custodians themselves.
Creators now have the flexibility to keep earnings in PYUSD, convert to fiat, or transfer to external wallets, with all compliance handled by PayPal.
