Is the Adult Industry Pushing Crypto Mainstream?

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According to a 2022 report by Chainalysis, cryptocurrency transactions in the adult entertainment sector exceeded $1 billion, demonstrating the increasing reliance on blockchain-based solutions. By 2025, the global adult industry market is expected to be worth around $112.3 billion. Cryptocurrency transactions are expected to exceed $1.52 billion, accounting for an ever-increasing share of the industry’s revenue. With continued adoption, experts predict that cryptocurrencies could increase their share of transactions in the adult industry by 5% by 2030, making them a viable alternative to traditional banking. This continued increase indicates the sector’s deeper integration with decentralized finance and its role in reducing its reliance on traditional banking structures. As the demand for alternative payment methods increases, the industry is setting the stage for the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies.

The adult entertainment industry has always been a pioneer in new overseas data payment technologies, and Pornhub has been actively trying to integrate cryptocurrencies into its ecosystem. In August 2019, the streaming site partnered with PumaPay to facilitate cryptocurrency transactions, demonstrating the growing reliance on decentralized financial solutions.

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

This adoption isn’t just a matter of financial necessity, it’s also setting a new standard in digital payments. The adult industry has been a pioneer in adopting technological innovations, from VHS tapes to streaming services, and now it’s driving the shift to crypto payments.

What happens next?
Pornhub's move to Tether signals a broader shift in finance. As banks and centralized payment services tighten restrictions, cryptocurrencies are no longer just an option — they're becoming the lifeblood of online businesses. If this trend continues, the adult industry could once again be at the forefront of major changes in financial technology.