X is changing how it pays creators, halting new applications for its existing revenue-sharing program and moving current participants toward a new Original Content Rewards Program.
Under the transition schedule, creators already enrolled in the old program will keep their benefits through Sept. 7. The final three payouts under that system will be settled on Aug. 14, Aug. 28 and Sept. 11.
X sets Sept. 8 launch for new creator rewards applications
The company said creators who previously passed monetization review under the older model can apply again under the new Original Content Rewards Program, which will open to existing members on Sept. 8.
X said platform resources will be directed toward creators that produce original work, including exclusive news, in-depth expertise and content based on real experience. At the same time, it published standards aimed at low-quality material, copied posts, automated bot activity and other ineligible content.
Payout formula shifts from views to effective exposure
The main policy change is the payout benchmark. X will no longer rely only on raw view counts and will instead calculate revenue sharing based on what it described as effective impressions.
According to the rules released by the platform, a post will count only if it appears in the home timeline of an X Premium user, including business and paid subscribers, and at least 50% of the post is visible on screen.
X said the goal is to remove fake traffic from the equation. The system will exclude duplicate views, paid promotional exposure, bot-amplified ranking activity and any other fraudulent traffic counts.
New eligibility rules raise the bar for applicants
To join the Original Content Rewards Program, creators must meet several baseline requirements:
- be at least 18 years old and maintain a good-standing account with no rule violations;
- subscribe to any tier of X Premium;
- have at least 500 verified followers;
- record at least 500,000 impressions in the home timelines of verified users over the past 90 days, with replies excluded from the count.
After approval, creators must continue to meet content-quality standards. X said it prohibits the use of automation tools to inflate likes or views, and it also bans engagement bait such as asking users to like, exchange likes, repost or follow.
X tightens its definition of original content
X said reorganizing or editing someone else’s work does not qualify as original content on its own. Creators may comment on current events, cultural topics or third-party material, but the post must add substantial and meaningful value, such as a distinct angle or deeper analysis.
The company also said simple edits will not qualify. Content that only cuts clips, adds filters, adds borders, changes playback speed or overlays purely descriptive captions will not be treated as meaningful editorial work and will not receive revenue sharing.
X added that posts built around recycled motivational stories, sentimental packaging or repurposed pet videos for traffic generation will not be recognized as original content if they lack real creative contribution. If the purpose is simply to share another user’s material, the platform said creators should use the repost function instead.