What is Value4Value?
Value4Value (V4V) is a Podcast 2.0 feature enabling direct micropayments from listeners to podcasters using Bitcoin's Lightning Network. Listeners can "stream" satoshis (tiny Bitcoin fractions) while listening, or send "boosts" with larger amounts and messages.
How Value4Value Works
Listener plays episode in V4V-enabled app
↓
App streams sats (e.g., 100 sats/minute)
↓
Payments split according to podcast:value tag
↓
Podcaster receives Bitcoin directly
Key Concepts
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Satoshi (sat) | Smallest Bitcoin unit (0.00000001 BTC) |
| Stream | Continuous micropayments while listening |
| Boost | One-time larger payment (often with message) |
| Splits | How payments divide among recipients |
RSS Integration
<podcast:value type="lightning" method="keysend">
<podcast:valueRecipient
name="Host"
type="node"
address="03abc...xyz"
split="90" />
<podcast:valueRecipient
name="Producer"
type="node"
address="02def...uvw"
split="10" />
</podcast:value>
V4V-Enabled Apps
| App | Platform | V4V Features |
|---|---|---|
| Fountain | iOS, Android | Full V4V, clips, social |
| Podverse | All | Full V4V support |
| Castamatic | iOS | Full V4V |
| CurioCaster | Android | Full V4V |
| Breez | iOS, Android | Streaming payments |
Typical V4V Numbers
| Metric | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Stream rate | 50-500 sats/minute |
| Average boost | 500-5,000 sats |
| Large boost | 10,000-100,000+ sats |
| 1 sat ≈ | $0.0003-0.001 (varies with Bitcoin price) |
Why It Matters
Value4Value represents a fundamentally different monetization model—listeners pay for value received, without ads, paywalls, or platform intermediaries.
Why V4V matters:
-
Direct connection: Payments go directly from listener to creator—no platform cut.
-
No minimums: Even small shows can receive value from engaged listeners.
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Engagement signal: Boosts often include messages, creating listener interaction.
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Global access: Bitcoin works anywhere—no banking or payment processor restrictions.
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Aligned incentives: Revenue comes from creating value, not from ads or data.
V4V economics:
| Scenario | Calculation | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| 100 listeners × 100 sats/min × 60 min/week | 600,000 sats/week | ~$15-60 |
| + 50 boosts × 1,000 sats average | 50,000 sats/week | ~$12-50 |
| Total modest show | 650,000 sats/week | ~$27-110/month |
Varies significantly with Bitcoin price and listener generosity
V4V vs traditional monetization:
| Aspect | Advertising | V4V |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum audience | Often 5K+ downloads | No minimum |
| Content restrictions | Sponsor-appropriate | Complete freedom |
| Platform dependency | High | None |
| Revenue timing | After campaign | Real-time |
| Listener relationship | Indirect | Direct |
The current reality: V4V audience is small but highly engaged. Early adopters are enthusiast podcast listeners—quality over quantity.
How to Use This in Dispatch
Enable Value4Value and configure your Lightning wallet in Settings → Monetization:
Setup requirements:
- A Lightning-enabled Bitcoin wallet (Alby, Fountain, etc.)
- Your Lightning node address or keysend pubkey
Configuration:
- Go to Settings → Monetization
- Enable Value4Value
- Enter your Lightning wallet address
- Configure payment splits if you have co-hosts or producers
- Your RSS feed automatically includes the
podcast:valuetag
Payment splits:
- Add multiple recipients (co-hosts, producers, charities)
- Set percentage splits for each
- Payments automatically divide according to your configuration
Tracking earnings:
- View V4V earnings in your wallet app
- Some wallets provide detailed podcast streaming analytics
- Boosts with messages appear in supporting apps
Listener experience: When listeners use V4V-enabled apps, they'll see your podcast supports streaming payments and can choose to support you while listening.