X Winds Down Revenue Sharing to Launch New Original Content Rewards Program
Social media platform X has announced that it will phase out its current creator Revenue Sharing system and replace it with a new initiative called Original Content Rewards. The transition is designed to address misaligned incentives and place a primary focus on rewarding creators who publish genuine, net new material rather than repackaged posts.
What Happened
X is officially winding down its existing Revenue Sharing framework. The platform has stopped onboarding new creators into the legacy program, though currently enrolled creators will continue to earn under the old terms through September 7. Beginning on September 8, eligible creators will be able to apply for the newly established Original Content Rewards program.
To qualify for the new payout model, creators must maintain an active subscription to one of X’s Premium tiers. Additionally, accounts must have at least 500 verified followers and generate a minimum of 500,000 Home Timeline impressions from verified users across a 90-day window.
Key Highlights
- Transition Timeline: Existing revenue sharing runs through September 7; applications for Original Content Rewards open on September 8.
- Eligibility Criteria: Creators need an X Premium subscription, 500 verified followers, and 500,000 verified impressions on the Home Timeline over 90 days.
- Eligible Content Types: Original analysis, first-hand reporting, self-produced photos and videos, self-designed memes and graphics, and commentary that contributes meaningful original value.
- Ineligible Content: Material directly copied from other accounts, downloaded and re-uploaded media, and reposted posts lacking meaningful transformation.
- Platform Philosophy: X representative Allegra Jacchia noted that the earlier system incentives were misaligned and emphasized the need to build a framework centered on net new contributions.
Why This Matters
The overhaul follows earlier efforts by the platform to modify its payouts, including reductions aimed at clickbait and aggregation accounts in April. Those changes previously generated pushback from high-earning accounts, leading to adjustments such as weighting local audiences in payout formulas. Platform officials stated that rather than continuing to add exceptions to a misaligned framework, a completely fresh program was necessary to curb unoriginal reposts and encourage creator-generated content.
What to Watch Next
The application process for Original Content Rewards begins on September 8. The company has indicated that it plans to continue refining the program, updating its detection models, and raising qualification standards over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the existing Revenue Sharing program end?
Existing participants will continue earning under the current system through September 7. Applications for the new Original Content Rewards program open on September 8.
What are the eligibility requirements for Original Content Rewards?
Creators must subscribe to an X Premium tier, hold at least 500 verified followers, and accumulate at least 500,000 Home Timeline impressions from verified users over a 90-day period.
What types of posts are disqualified from earning rewards?
Posts copied directly from other accounts, downloaded and re-uploaded videos or photos, and shared content without meaningful transformation are excluded from the rewards program.
Source: TechCrunch, referencing official communications from X.