X retires revenue-sharing model for stricter original content rewards
The new Original Content Rewards Program demands 500,000 verified views and a Premium subscription, closing the door on simple reposts and legacy revenue-sharing participants.
X is dismantling its existing revenue-sharing framework, ceasing new applications and shutting down the system after September 7. The platform is replacing the legacy model with an Original Content Rewards Program, effective from September 8, which prioritises creators who contribute original writing, reporting, photography, video, memes, or illustrations to the network.
Under the new guidelines, the definition of eligible content has been narrowed significantly. While creators can still monetise posts from other users, they must add meaningful commentary, analysis, or creative editing to the material. Simple captions or text overlays that merely describe existing content will not qualify as original, ensuring that only posts adding substantial value are rewarded.
Eligibility for the new program is rigorous, targeting a more exclusive segment of the creator economy. Applicants must be 18 years or older, hold a Premium, Premium+, or Premium Business subscription, and maintain at least 500 verified followers. Furthermore, creators must achieve 500,000 Home timeline views from verified users within the preceding 90 days. Crucially, these impressions must be unique views from Premium subscribers to count towards the total.
Existing participants in the retired revenue-sharing scheme are not automatically transferred to the new system. They must reapply starting September 8 to continue receiving payouts. The platform has stipulated that creators must continue to meet all eligibility requirements post-acceptance to remain in good standing and receive compensation.
This policy shift follows a March update to X’s revenue-sharing rules, which adjusted weighting to prioritise engagement from a user’s home region. That change was widely interpreted as an effort to deter accounts from feigning US residency, following revelations that several popular accounts promoting pro-Trump sentiments were not based in the United States. It remains unclear whether the new Original Content Rewards Program will retain this regional engagement weighting.
