Tether to Launch Native USDT on Bitcoin Using RGB Protocol
Tether has confirmed that its USDT stablecoin, worth over 167 billion dollars, is finally launching natively on Bitcoin. This won’t be through a sidechain or wrapped version; instead, it’s happening directly through something called the RGB protocol. That gives Bitcoin a whole new role in the stablecoin world.
RGB Lets Bitcoin Do More
RGB is what makes this all possible. It keeps most of the data off-chain but locks in proof of ownership on Bitcoin itself. That way, the blockchain stays lightweight and fast while gaining some real flexibility. You’re still using Bitcoin at the core, but now it can carry extra functionality without changing the base layer.
This means one wallet can handle both Bitcoin and USDT. No need to jump between apps or networks. It also means better privacy, since the token activity doesn’t show up on the public ledger. And if Lightning is involved, payments could be nearly instant. That makes it much more realistic for everyday use.
A Bridge from Ethereum Is Already Live
Tether already has a working bridge that lets USDT move from Ethereum over to the RGB version on Bitcoin. It’s a smooth way to migrate without needing to build everything from scratch. That could be important for future cross-chain uses and for people who want stablecoins tied to Bitcoin rather than Ethereum.
Bitcoin has long been used more like digital gold, a store of value. With this move, it might finally find its place in everyday transactions. Having a stablecoin like USDT running natively gives Bitcoin a much stronger payment use case, especially for people who care about privacy and don’t want volatility.
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Tether’s Big Picture
Tether’s CEO Paolo Ardoino said that Bitcoin needs a stablecoin that actually feels like it belongs there. That’s what RGB is supposed to bring. If this works, it could turn Bitcoin into something people don’t just save, but actually use day to day. That’s a big step for a network that’s mostly been used to hold value.
Everything works in theory, but success depends on people actually using it. Wallet developers need to support RGB. Merchants need to be willing to take USDT for Bitcoin. And users need to trust that it’ll be easy enough to use. That’s what will decide whether this goes anywhere beyond early testing.
Looking Ahead
This might be one of the more meaningful updates Bitcoin has had in a while. It’s not flashy, but it could quietly change how people interact with the network. If USDT becomes easy to use natively on Bitcoin, we could be looking at a new chapter where Bitcoin becomes more than just an asset. It becomes part of everyday finance.