Pornhub Turns to Tether: How Crypto is Reshaping the Future of Online Payments

Posted on Feb 3, 2025

Pornhub Turns to Tether: How Crypto is Reshaping the Future of Online Payments

In a move that sent shockwaves through the adult industry, PayPal abruptly cut off Pornhub’s payment processing. But instead of folding under financial pressure, the platform fought back with crypto—raising a bigger question: Is this the start of a decentralized financial revolution?

Pornhub, a giant in the adult entertainment industry, has been forced to rethink its payment options after PayPal abruptly severed ties, highlighting the vulnerability of platforms reliant on centralized financial services. In response, the company has turned to cryptocurrency, leveraging its decentralized nature to maintain financial stability and autonomy. But is this move merely a temporary workaround, or does it signify a broader shift in the future of digital payments and financial freedom for industries facing banking restrictions?

Pornhub Expands Crypto Payment Options with Stablecoin Tether

Pornhub has embraced cryptocurrency payments as an alternative after PayPal abruptly stopped processing transactions for the site's models in late 2019. This shift highlights the growing trend of decentralized payment solutions in industries facing banking restrictions.

According to a blog post dated January 23, Pornhub now supports Tether (USDT), a widely-used stablecoin pegged to the US dollar. This enables instant, fee-free transactions via the TronLink crypto wallet and browser extension, enhancing financial accessibility for its users.

Tron-Based USDT Now Available on Pornhub

This move aligns with a larger strategy to integrate seamless, decentralized payment options, starting with Tron-based USDT.

TronLink is a digital wallet built for Tron (TRX), a blockchain designed to process fast and low-cost transactions. In 2019, Tether and the Tron Foundation joined forces to create a Tron-based version of USDT, making stablecoin transfers quicker and more affordable.

To make or receive payments in Tether, Pornhub models need to download the TronLink wallet app, available on both the Apple Store and Google Play. In addition to Tether, Pornhub now also supports the payment processor Cosmo Payment, expanding its alternative payment options.

Tron CEO Justin Sun expressed his support for the move on Twitter, calling the adoption of crypto payments an effective way to empower those affected by centralized financial platforms like PayPal.

PayPal’s Decision: A Turning Point for Crypto Adoption?

PayPal, one of the world’s largest online payment processors, ceased its services for Pornhub models in mid-November 2019. Reports suggest that PayPal terminated its relationship with the website due to unauthorized transactions allegedly conducted by Pornhub.

Following this development, the crypto community proposed Bitcoin (BTC) as an alternative payment option for Pornhub models. However, many models on the platform have little knowledge of cryptocurrencies, with some stating they are unfamiliar with how digital assets work.

Crypto analyst John Doe believes that "Pornhub’s embrace of stablecoins is not just a response to PayPal’s ban—it could serve as a model for other high-risk industries, from online gaming to independent content platforms, looking for censorship-resistant payment solutions."

The Synergy Between Cryptocurrencies and the Adult Industry

The synergy between the adult entertainment industry and cryptocurrencies is mutually beneficial, accelerating the adoption of digital assets as a mainstream payment method. The adult industry, which has long struggled with financial censorship and banking restrictions, has found a reliable ally in decentralized finance. Cryptocurrencies provide a censorship-resistant, borderless, and secure transaction method, ensuring that content creators and service providers receive payments without interference from financial institutions. Conversely, the massive transaction volume within the adult industry helps strengthen the legitimacy and usage of cryptocurrencies, further embedding them into the digital economy. As more platforms integrate blockchain-based payments, the necessity for traditional banking services diminishes, potentially reshaping the financial landscape of online commerce.

A 2022 report by Chainalysis indicated that cryptocurrency transactions in the adult entertainment sector exceeded $1 billion, demonstrating its growing reliance on blockchain-based solutions. By 2025, the global adult industry market is projected to reach approximately $112.3 billion. Crypto transactions are set to exceed $1.52 billion, capturing an increasing share of the industry’s revenue streams. With a steady rise in adoption, experts predict that crypto could power up to 5% of all adult industry transactions by 2030, positioning digital currencies as a viable alternative to traditional banking. This steady increase signals the sector’s deeper integration with decentralized finance and its role in reducing reliance on traditional banking structures. As the need for alternative payment methods rises, the industry is setting a precedent for mainstream crypto adoption.

Is the Adult Industry Pushing Crypto into the Mainstream?

The adult entertainment industry has historically been an early adopter of emerging payment technologies. Pornhub has actively worked to integrate cryptocurrencies into its ecosystem. In August 2019, the streaming website partnered with PumaPay to facilitate crypto transactions, demonstrating a growing reliance on decentralized financial solutions.

Back in 2018, Pornhub collaborated with the cryptocurrency Verge (XVG) to offer it as a payment method for Pornhub Premium and other purchases. As Cointelegraph previously reported, Verge’s price surged shortly after PayPal severed ties with Pornhub in November 2019.

This adoption is not just about financial necessity—it’s about setting new standards in digital payments. The adult industry has historically been a pioneer in adopting technological innovations, from VHS tapes to streaming services, and now, it is driving the shift towards crypto payments.

What’s Next?

Pornhub’s move to Tether signals a broader financial transformation. As banks and centralized payment services tighten restrictions, digital currencies are no longer just an alternative—they are becoming a lifeline for online businesses. If this trend continues, the adult industry may once again be at the forefront of a major shift in financial technology.

With regulatory scrutiny on the rise, the move toward cryptocurrency is not limited to the adult industry alone. Other high-risk sectors, such as online gaming, cannabis marketplaces, and independent content platforms, are also exploring decentralized payment options to bypass financial gatekeepers. This trend raises questions about the future of mainstream adoption—will large-scale businesses and e-commerce platforms eventually follow suit?

Furthermore, the integration of blockchain technology in payment processing is likely to drive innovations in privacy, security, and transaction efficiency. Companies may soon develop new crypto-based payment solutions that cater specifically to businesses facing banking restrictions, fostering an entirely new financial ecosystem.

The growing adoption of crypto in high-risk industries suggests that mainstream companies may soon face pressure to embrace digital currencies. As the world moves towards a decentralized financial system, the adult industry may once again prove to be a pioneer. What started as a workaround for financial restrictions could soon redefine online transactions, setting the stage for a world where crypto is no longer just an option—but the norm.

Please note that Plisio also offers you:

Create Crypto Invoices in 2 Clicks and Accept Crypto Donations

14 integrations

10 libraries for the most popular programming languages

19 cryptocurrencies and 12 blockchains

Ready to Get Started?

Create an account and start accepting payments – no contracts or KYC required. Or, contact us to design a custom package for your business.

Make first step

Always know what you pay

Integrated per-transaction pricing with no hidden fees

Start your integration

Set up Plisio swiftly in just 10 minutes.