The Digital Press

Web Monetization is a new web standard that lets users support content creators in real time by streaming small payments while they browse monetized sites. Users connect a wallet with fiat currency and can pay continuously or with one-time contributions, while publishers receive instant revenue.

Why it matters: It offers a seamless way for audiences to fund content and for publishers to gain immediate, diversified revenue streams.

The big picture: This standard aims to create a financially sustainable future for the open web, benefiting creators large and small.

The stakes: Adoption hurdles include wallet interoperability and user behavior changes, such as needing to close tabs to control payments.

Commenters say: Many find the concept promising but worry about wallet fragmentation, implementation complexity, and continuous payment implications for browsing habits.