Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, formerly known as Twitter, is ending its creator revenue sharing programme, with the final payout for eligible users expected on or around September 11.
The platform has already stopped accepting new sign-ups for the programme, marking a major change in how creators earn money from their activities on X.
The revenue sharing programme allowed eligible users to earn money based on engagement with their posts. However, participation was restricted to users who subscribed to premium X accounts and met other requirements.
X announced the shutdown in an article published on the platform, confirming that new sign-ups closed from August 7.
The decision comes shortly after X’s product head, Nikita Bier, announced that he was stepping down from the role, although he will remain an advisor to the platform.
Why X is ending the revenue sharing programme
X’s creators’ head, Allegra Jacchia, said the old programme had incentives that were “misaligned”.
According to her, the system sometimes encouraged users to reuse content created by others rather than produce fresh and original material in order to qualify for payouts.
X says it could have continued introducing more rules and exceptions to address the problem, but instead decided to start afresh with a programme designed from the beginning to reward originality.
Final payouts for existing creators
Existing creators enrolled in the revenue sharing programme will still receive payments before the scheme is completely discontinued.
X has scheduled payments for August 14 and August 28 under the existing payout schedule.
The final payment will cover earnings accrued through September 7 and is expected to be made on or around September 11.
X launches Original Content Rewards programme
To replace the old system, X is introducing an Original Content Rewards programme aimed at rewarding creators who bring original ideas, expertise, reporting, creativity and commentary to the platform.
Under the new programme, eligible creators will earn money from qualified impressions generated by their original content, with payments issued every two weeks as long as their accounts and content continue to meet the programme’s requirements.
X defines original content as material personally created by a user that reflects their own voice, perspective, expertise or creativity.
This includes threads, videos, memes, original reporting, analysis, commentary, reactions, photographs, graphics, illustrations and other creative work.
Content based on existing material can also qualify where it meaningfully transforms that material through original context, analysis, narration, humour or creative editing.
Requirements for X’s new creator programme
To apply for the Original Content Rewards programme, users must be at least 18 years old and live in a country where the programme is available.
Applicants must have either a Personal or Business account and subscribe to a premium X plan.
They must also have at least 500 verified followers and record at least 500,000 Home Timeline impressions from verified users within the previous 90 days. Impressions from replies are excluded from the calculation.
Applicants must also regularly post original content.
Applications can be submitted through Creator Studio, with X saying applicants should receive a decision within three business days.
Creators whose applications are rejected will have one opportunity to appeal. If the appeal is unsuccessful, they can apply again after 90 days if they continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
The first payout under the new programme is scheduled for August 28, while existing revenue sharing creators who become eligible and enrol on or after September 8 are expected to receive their first payment on September 25.
The change represents a major shift in X’s creator monetisation strategy, as the platform moves away from its old revenue sharing programme and places greater emphasis on original content, creativity, expertise and meaningful contributions to conversations on the platform.
