X sets new requirements for creators as it prepares to end revenue-sharing scheme
X is replacing its revenue-sharing scheme with a new rewards programme that pays eligible creators for original content.
X is replacing its existing creator revenue-sharing scheme with a new programme that rewards users for producing original content. The platform has stopped accepting new applications for its current revenue-sharing programme and plans to close it completely after 7 September.
Table Of Content
The new Original Content Rewards Programme is designed to pay eligible creators based on the qualified impressions generated by their original posts. X says the scheme will reward users who contribute original ideas, expertise, reporting, creativity and commentary to the platform.
— Creators (@XCreators) August 7, 2026
X introduces new rules for original content
Under the new programme, X defines original content as material created directly by users. This includes original written posts and reporting, as well as photographs and videos captured by creators themselves. Memes, illustrations and other creative work can also qualify for rewards.
The platform will also allow creators to build on content posted by other users, provided they make a meaningful contribution. This could include adding analysis, commentary or other creative work that significantly changes or expands on the original material. X says simply reposting someone else’s work or adding a basic description will not be enough to qualify.
The policy is intended to distinguish genuine creative contributions from posts that add little value to material created by someone else. For example, adding captions or text overlays that merely explain what is already happening in another person’s photo or video will not be considered original content. X’s position is that a creator’s contribution must add meaningful value to the material.
The change could affect creators who have previously relied on reposting popular content to generate engagement. Under the new system, creators will need to demonstrate greater originality in their posts to earn potential rewards.
Creators face stricter eligibility requirements
X has also established several requirements for users who want to participate in the Original Content Rewards Programme. Creators must be at least 18 years old and live in a country where the programme is available. They must also have an active Premium, Premium+ or Premium Business subscription.
In addition, eligible users must have at least 500 verified followers and record at least 500,000 Home timeline views from verified users during the previous 90 days. This means that the views used to determine eligibility must come from unique impressions generated by Premium users.
Meeting the requirements once will not be enough to guarantee continued payments. Creators accepted into the programme must continue to satisfy the eligibility conditions to remain eligible for rewards. This could make the programme more demanding for users whose audience size or engagement levels change over time.
The reliance on verified-user impressions also means that total visibility alone may not determine how much a creator can earn. A post that receives a large number of views from users who do not meet X’s criteria may contribute less towards a creator’s qualifying total than its overall view count suggests.
Creators already participating in X’s previous revenue-sharing programme will not automatically move to the new system. They will need to apply again once they become eligible for the new programme on 8 September. Users who are not currently part of the old revenue-sharing scheme can now apply for the Original Content Rewards Programme.
X moves away from its previous revenue-sharing model
The new programme marks another significant change to how X approaches payments for creators. The company previously used its revenue-sharing programme to distribute money to eligible users based on advertising revenue and engagement. That system has now reached the end of its run, with new applications already closed ahead of the final shutdown after 7 September.
X had already changed the way its previous programme calculated creator earnings earlier this year. In March, the platform adjusted the system to give greater weight to engagement generated in a user’s home region. The change came amid concerns about accounts presenting themselves as based in the United States when they were actually operating elsewhere.
The issue gained attention after reports found that several popular accounts posting pro-Trump messages and commentary about US politics were not actually based in the country. Adjusting the revenue-sharing system to place greater weight on a creator’s home region was widely viewed as a possible attempt to discourage such behaviour and reduce incentives for accounts to misrepresent their location.
It remains unclear whether the new Original Content Rewards Programme will use a similar regional approach. X has not indicated whether the previous policy concerning a creator’s home region will carry over to the new system.
The latest change nevertheless places greater emphasis on the quality and originality of material posted on X. By linking rewards to qualified impressions and requiring creators to meet specific eligibility standards, the platform is shifting its creator payments system towards a model that places greater importance on original work and meaningful contributions.
