The world of cryptocurrencies and decentralized finance (DeFi) is expanding, and more and more people are becoming a part of it. However, the adoption of crypto is still far from mainstream—there are only about 560+ million cryptocurrency owners worldwide. The numbers might be seen as huge, but in comparison, for example, almost everyone in developed countries owns a debit card… If you do the calculations, the gap in the numbers is enormous.
An important question emerges: does the average user need to understand the intricacies of blockchain technologies, or is it sufficient to build trust in their reliability? For many, the answer lies in simplicity.
People prioritize ease of use and security over technical comprehension—much like in traditional banking. They don’t need to know how blockchain confirmation works or what a blockchain hash is—they need confidence that when they scan a QR code to send $1,000 USDT, the money reaches the recipient safely and without loss.
How Should Crypto Education Be?
The initial way of spreading awareness about crypto was kind of a mistake. Complex jargon and technical terms pushed away some potential users and businesses. If we draw a parallel with TradFi, it is not important how exactly the banking system is working, so why focus on the technical side of DeFi, leaving the most significant parts unnoticed? Many educational resources unintentionally exacerbated this problem. They targeted enthusiasts rather than beginners.
So, how can we fix it?
The solution lies in delivering education that is accessible, engaging, and practical. Platforms can employ interactive methods like games, quizzes, or short videos on TikTok and Instagram Reels to explain crypto basics in simple terms. It is important to avoid unnecessary terminology and focus on real-world examples.
What also can truly bridge the gap is clear, relatable analogies. For example, imagine explaining crypto transactions as trains carrying coins from one station to another. The key is to ensure the process feels intuitive: users need to trust that their “train” will reach its destination without interruption or interference.
The user experience (UX) of crypto-related applications is not less important. IconFinder’s Martin LeBlanc once said, ”A user interface is like a joke. If you have to explain it, it is not that good.” The same principle applies to crypto. The interface and UX must be so seamless that the underlying complexity becomes invisible. Users should focus on outcomes—like transferring money or making payments—without worrying about the mechanics.
Improving crypto literacy among entrepreneurs is another necessary step toward adoption. Many businesses hesitate to integrate crypto payments because they have concerns about security and regulatory uncertainty. However, as more companies, especially those that are widely known, recognize the growing demand, driven, for example, by remote workers or global relocations, the need to adapt becomes clear.
Businesses that accept crypto payments can tap into a new audience. For example, allowing customers to pay for subscriptions, digital services, or physical goods with crypto introduces them to the technology in a familiar, low-risk context. Imagine Netflix or Spotify allowing users to pay for subscriptions in crypto—it will definitely increase trust among people. Or, for instance, if mainstream games like GTA 6 were to incorporate blockchain transactions within its gameplay, it could normalize crypto usage for millions of players worldwide.
Note: It is important to keep in mind that receiving payments on personal wallets can feel unprofessional and undermine credibility. This might sound obvious, but some companies have made such mistakes.
To succeed, educational initiatives must also move away from content created exclusively by crypto insiders (“crypto-natives”) for general audiences. Instead, materials developed by non-crypto experts who understand mainstream perspectives can resonate more effectively. The goal is to make crypto education feel less intimidating and more inclusive.
The Road Ahead
One of the biggest challenges in crypto education is addressing skepticism. Many people still associate cryptocurrencies with fraud, volatility, or illegality. Overcoming these misconceptions requires not only education but also practical demonstrations of crypto’s safety and utility.
Thus, for mass adoption, education must become more inclusive, accessible, and practical. Simplified explanations, relatable analogies, and user-friendly systems can make these technologies easier to understand and build trust. And as more well-known companies integrate crypto payments, the performance of crypto as a complex or risky venture will fade. By creating clear and trustworthy guides on how to pay with crypto, they can drive adoption while building credibility.
The question is not ‘if’ crypto will become one of the main payment methods but ‘when.’ So, the future of crypto lies in making it as intuitive and reliable as any traditional payment method.
About the Author
Georgy Slavin-Rudakov, CMO at B2BINPAY, has 8 years in communications, managing campaigns for brands like MasterCard and Cointelegraph. Focused on cryptocurrency adoption in e-commerce, he enhances user experience. Pursuing a PhD in Social Anthropology, he aims bridge traditional finance with emerging technologies.
