X launches Original Content Rewards program on September 8th, ending its controversial revenue-sharing initiative. Creators must meet strict eligibility requirements.
By Adam Makins · 
X is making another significant shift in how it compensates content creators. The platform is shutting down its revenue-sharing program, which has undergone numerous revisions since Elon Musk’s takeover, and replacing it with a new Original Content Rewards program launching September 8th.
This move represents the latest chapter in what has been a turbulent period for creators trying to monetize their work on the platform. The old program will continue paying creators through September 7th, giving them a week’s notice to prepare for the transition.
The new program comes with more demanding entry requirements. Creators must have at least 500 verified followers and accumulate a minimum of 500,000 impressions from verified users on their Home Timeline within the last 90 days. These aren’t trivial thresholds, and they’ll likely exclude many casual creators from participating.
Once qualified, earnings are based on “qualified impressions” on “original content.” Qualified impressions specifically mean unique impressions from Premium subscribers viewing posts on the Home Timeline where at least 50% of the content is visible. This metric-focused approach suggests X is trying to ensure creators are actually reaching paying users, not just gaming engagement metrics.
What constitutes “original content” under the new guidelines is more expansive than you might expect. Original reporting and analysis qualify, along with videos and photos taken by the creator. Graphics, illustrations, and memes also count. Perhaps most surprisingly, commentary and reactions are acceptable if they “add something meaningful” to the conversation.
This definition attempts to balance rewarding authentic creators while preventing people from simply reposting viral content or copying others’ work. The spirit of the program seems designed to discourage low-effort account management while celebrating those who bring genuine value to tech conversations and beyond.
X’s Allegra Jacchia, Senior Product Manager for Creators, stated the program was built to “reward the creators who bring original ideas, expertise, creativity, and unique perspectives to X — not those who have become best at gaming the system.” This comment directly addresses a persistent issue with the platform’s previous monetization efforts.
The old revenue-sharing model apparently created perverse incentives. Creators optimized for clicks and engagement rather than genuine content quality. Clickbait tactics flourished. Repurposed content spread like wildfire. The company is clearly frustrated with this dynamic and is attempting to restructure incentives from the ground up.
For established creators meeting the eligibility criteria, this could mean more predictable and potentially more lucrative earnings if their content genuinely resonates with Premium subscribers. The focus on original content should, theoretically, create a healthier ecosystem where quality rises to the top.
However, for smaller creators trying to build their presence on tech and other platforms, these requirements represent a higher barrier to entry. You’ll need real traction before monetization becomes possible.
The program’s success ultimately depends on whether X can accurately identify what qualifies as “meaningful” commentary versus lazy reaction posting. That subjective line could prove controversial.
X’s willingness to constantly revise its creator compensation model reflects broader uncertainty about how social platforms should balance user experience, advertiser interests, and creator needs. Whether this latest iteration finally hits the right note remains to be seen.
Source: Infeeds.com
The real test isn’t whether X can prevent gaming the system, but whether the platform can make enough money from Premium subscriptions to make creator compensation actually worth pursuing.
