The marketing & advertising industry and crypto payments in 2025

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If you’re in marketing or advertising, you already know the industry moves fast. But when it comes to getting paid? That’s a different story.

Payment delays, high transaction fees, and hidden costs — these negative aspects of traditional finance are squeezing profit margins across the board.

Agencies, influencers, and media buyers are stuck waiting 60 to 120 days  for payments – not because brands are late, but because intermediaries hold onto funds to earn interest.

Meanwhile, 13.5% of marketers say processing payments is their biggest challenge.

And here’s another shift: nearly half (49.6%) of influencer payments are now based on performance metrics instead of flat fees. That means more waiting, more tracking, and – let’s be honest – more financial uncertainty.

So what’s the solution? Crypto payments.

With instant, borderless transactions, lower fees, and no middlemen, crypto is changing how marketing professionals get paid. Whether you’re an ad agency working with international clients, an influencer tired of delayed payouts, or a media buyer handling high-risk industries – crypto payments cut through the inefficiencies that slow down traditional finance.

In this article, we’ll break down exactly how crypto is transforming the marketing and advertising industry in 2025, why leading agencies are making the switch, and how you can leverage crypto to speed up payments, reduce costs, and grow your business.

How crypto is changing the marketing & advertising industry in 2025

Crypto’s a game-changer. Here’s how.

1. Affiliate & influencer marketing: faster payouts, lower fees

For affiliate marketers and influencers, getting paid quickly and fairly has always been a challenge. International transactions take days – sometimes weeks – thanks to banking restrictions and cross-border fees. Crypto changes that.

• Instant global transactions, influencers and affiliates can get paid immediately, no matter where they are.
• No currency conversion headaches – crypto allows direct, cross-border payments without losing money on exchange rates.
• Lower fees mean more money in creators’ pockets.

And we’re already seeing real adoption. Claimr, a Web3 Viral Marketing Platform, now reports volumes of around €8M annually, with most of it in crypto payments.

2. High-risk advertising & alternative platforms: a new solution for a restricted market

Mainstream advertising platforms aren’t friendly to every industry. Crypto projects, iGaming, and other “high-risk” businesses struggle to run ads on Facebook, Google, and LinkedIn due to strict policies.

That’s where crypto ad networks step in.

• Crypto-friendly advertising platforms are gaining serious traction as mainstream platforms tighten their restrictions.
• Many high-risk brands already use crypto, so accepting crypto payments for ad placements makes the process seamless.
• By eliminating payment barriers, these platforms can attract more clients and expand their revenue streams.

And the demand is growing fast. According to industry rankings, the Top 10 Crypto Ad Networks in 2025 are seeing rising budgets and increasing advertiser interest.

3. Marketing tech & SaaS: innovation meets crypto

Marketing technology companies – whether they specialize in AI-driven ad platforms, gamified loyalty programs, or Web3 marketing tools – are embracing crypto as part of their innovation strategy. Why?

• Crypto payments align with the digital-first nature of these businesses.
• Accepting crypto attracts forward-thinking clients looking for cutting-edge solutions.
• As Web3 and blockchain-based marketing solutions grow, crypto will likely become the default payment method for many marketing SaaS platforms.

If you’re wondering whether crypto payments are just a niche experiment, think again.

In terms of transaction volume, stablecoins have already surpassed that of major payment networks. Throughout 2024, stablecoins facilitated transactions surpassing the combined transaction volumes of Visa and Mastercard by 7.68%.

Benefits of accepting crypto for the marketing & advertising industry

The marketing industry thrives on speed, efficiency, and adaptability – yet traditional payment systems continue to slow businesses down with delays, high fees, and fraud risks. That’s why more agencies, advertisers, and content creators are turning to crypto payments as a faster, cheaper, and more secure alternative.

Let’s take a simple problem-solution approach to this one.

1. Faster payments & cash flow stability

Waiting for payments is more than just frustrating – it’s bad for business too. Whether you’re an agency, freelancer, or influencer, these delays hurt cash flow and force businesses to operate on tight margins while waiting for funds.

The problem:

• Intermediaries hold payments for months to earn interest, leaving smaller agencies and creators struggling to stay afloat.
• Cross-border transactions take days due to banking regulations, FX conversions, and compliance checks.

The solution:

• With crypto, payments settle instantly – no banks, no intermediaries, no waiting.
• Agencies, affiliates, and influencers get paid within minutes, improving cash flow and financial stability.

2. Lower transaction fees = more profit

Every international transaction comes with hidden costs – and if you’re running ad campaigns, paying influencers, or handling global marketing clients, these fees add up fast.

The problem:

• Banks and payment processors take a cut of every transaction, adding up to thousands in lost revenue.
• Hidden fees include FX spreads, correspondent banking charges, and conversion commissions.

The solution:

• No intermediaries = lower fees. Crypto transactions cut costs by 30–50% compared to traditional payment methods.
• No currency conversion fees – pay in BTC, ETH, stablecoins, or preferred digital currencies without worrying about exchange rates.

3. Security & fraud prevention

Fraud is a huge problem in online transactions. 22% of merchants avoid accepting credit cards because of chargebacks and fraud risks.

The problem:

• Credit card fraud and chargebacks lead to lost revenue for agencies, advertisers, and creators.
• Refund requests and disputes slow down payment processes.

The solution:

• Crypto transactions are secure, irreversible, and fraud-proof – no chargebacks, no fake refunds.
• Smart contracts (in Web3 marketing) ensure automatic payment releases only when terms are met.

4. Reach new markets audiences

As we’ve explored, marketing businesses that accept crypto benefit from a competitive edge in reaching global, tech-savvy, and underserved audiences.

The problem:

• Younger audiences expect digital-first solutions. 70% of marketers will target Millennials in 2025, a group that is already comfortable using crypto for online transactions.
• Emerging markets lack traditional banking access. By 2050, 1 in 4 people worldwide will be African (UN Data), and many in emerging economies are bypassing traditional banks in favor of crypto.

The solution:

• A direct gateway to digital-first customers – Millennials, Gen Z, and Web3 users prefer crypto payments, and businesses that accept it stand out in competitive markets.
• Perfect for freelancers and remote workers – crypto payments provide instant payouts with no middlemen, delays, or unnecessary fees.

Future trends in crypto payments for marketing

If you’re in marketing, the shifts happening in 2025 could change how you get paid, pay others, and run your business. So, what’s in store? Let’s break it down.

1. Stablecoins are taking over

If you’re thinking about accepting crypto for your marketing business, stablecoins are the safest way to start.

• 80% of crypto-shoppers now prefer stablecoins over BTC or ETH for payments.

Why? Price stability. Unlike Bitcoin, which can swing in value within minutes, stablecoins stay pegged to the US dollar or other fiat currencies. That means marketing agencies, media buyers, and influencers don’t have to worry about losing money due to sudden crypto price drops. As a result, more businesses are adding stablecoin payment options with crypto processing companies such as CoinsPaid to keep things smooth and predictable.

2. Growth in number of businesses accepting crypto

A few years ago, accepting crypto felt like a futuristic experiment – but now? It’s just good business.

• The crypto payments market is projected to grow from $1.32B in 2024 to $1.56B in 2025 – a solid 18.2% growth.

Businesses aren’t just adding crypto payments for the hype. High-growth industries – like marketing agencies, influencer platforms, and SaaS companies – are leading the way because they rely on fast, seamless international payments.

3. Web3 marketing agencies are on the rise

Traditional advertising platforms aren’t working for everyone. Crypto brands, iGaming companies, and high-risk industries struggle with Facebook and Google’s strict ad policies, so they’re turning to Web3-native marketing agencies for new solutions.

As a result:

• Decentralized ad platforms are taking off – allowing brands to reach their audience without relying on Big Tech’s restrictions;
• Smart contract-powered influencer campaigns are becoming commonplace, ensuring that payments are automatic and transparent – creators get paid only when they hit their campaign goals;
• NFT loyalty programs are becoming a thing – brands are using them to reward their customers in a way that’s engaging and valuable.

If you’re in the marketing space, this is where things are headed – Web3 strategies are creating new revenue streams for agencies that know how to use them.

4. AI + crypto = the future of ad tech payments

Imagine a world where your marketing payments happen automatically, at the lowest cost, and with zero disputes. That’s where we’re headed.

• AI-driven crypto payment tools will help businesses automatically optimize transactions, picking the best network, lowest fees, and fastest settlement times.
• Predictive analytics will make budgeting easier – knowing when and how to process payments without unnecessary costs.
• Automated smart contracts will reduce errors, ensuring agencies, freelancers, and influencers get paid instantly and accurately.

Now that you’re convinced of the benefits of crypto, the next step is finding a provider to help you integrate crypto payments. Fortunately, we have the perfect solution.

Why do businesses choose CoinsPaid?

CoinsPaid offers fast, secure, and cost-effective solutions tailored for marketing and advertising businesses, making it a top choice among merchants.

1. Low fees & instant payouts

Traditional payments come with long delays – 60-120 days in some cases. Crypto removes intermediaries, allowing businesses to receive payments instantly and cut transaction costs by up to 50%.

2. Multi-currency & seamless fiat conversion

CoinsPaid supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins, and 20+ digital currencies with instant fiat conversion, ensuring payment stability.

3. High security & compliance

Security is a top priority. CoinsPaid eliminates chargebacks and ensures compliance with KYC and AML regulations, providing a secure and transparent payment process.

4. Easy integration

CoinsPaid’s API-based system integrates seamlessly into websites, ad platforms, and payment processors, supporting marketing agencies and media buyers with minimal setup and full customer support.

For marketing businesses looking to reduce costs, speed up transactions, and enhance security, CoinsPaid offers a reliable, scalable solution.

Rounding up

Crypto payments are quickly appearing in the marketing and advertising industry. Faster transactions, lower fees, and fraud-proof security make them an essential tool for agencies, advertisers, and content creators looking to streamline payments and stay competitive.

Businesses that adopt crypto now will cut costs, access global markets, and future-proof their operations. Those that don’t risk falling behind as the industry moves toward faster, decentralized payment solutions.

CoinsPaid makes it easy to integrate crypto payments securely and efficiently.