X, formerly known as Twitter, is ending its creator revenue-sharing programme and replacing it with a new initiative designed to put greater emphasis on original content.
The platform, owned by Elon Musk, closed applications for the existing revenue-sharing programme on August 7. Creators who are still eligible will receive their final payments under the old system, with the last payment cycle covering earnings through September 7.
The original programme allowed eligible creators to earn a share of revenue generated from engagement with their posts. However, participation was restricted to users subscribed to a paid X Premium plan and those who met the platform’s eligibility requirements.
Why X is ending the programme
According to X, the decision to discontinue the revenue-sharing system was partly driven by concerns about the type of content it encouraged. The company said the programme had created incentives for some users to repost or repurpose existing material instead of investing in original work.
Allegra Jacchia, X’s head of creators, said the platform is moving towards a model that places more value on users who create original content.
The replacement programme, called Original Content Rewards, will pay eligible creators based on qualified impressions generated by their original posts. Payments will be issued every two weeks, as long as creators and their content continue to satisfy X’s requirements.
What counts as original content?
X says a wide range of creative work can qualify under the new programme. This includes threads, videos, memes, original reporting, analysis, commentary, reactions, photographs, graphics and illustrations.
Content that builds substantially on existing material may also qualify if it adds meaningful original value through analysis, narration, humour or creative editing.
The company says the goal is to reward creators who bring their own ideas, expertise, creativity and perspective to discussions taking place on the platform.
Who can join Original Content Rewards?
For now, access to the new programme is limited to creators who are already part of X’s existing revenue-sharing programme.
To be eligible, creators must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Live in a country where the programme is available.
- Have a Personal or Business X account.
- Subscribe to an eligible premium X plan.
- Have at least 500 verified followers.
- Generate at least 500,000 Home Timeline impressions from verified users within a 90-day period.
Creators can apply through X’s Creator Studio. Those whose applications are rejected will have one opportunity to appeal. They can also submit a new application after 90 days, provided they still meet the eligibility requirements.
When will creators get paid?
Creators enrolled in the existing revenue-sharing programme will receive their final payments under the old system, covering eligible earnings through September 7.
Meanwhile, the new Original Content Rewards programme is already moving into its payment phase. X says the first payout under the new system is scheduled for August 28. Creators who enrol from September 8 are expected to receive their first payment on September 25.
The change marks a significant shift in how X intends to financially reward creators. Rather than primarily rewarding engagement, the platform is putting a stronger focus on original work in an effort to encourage creators to produce content that adds something new to the platform.
