X Unveils Original Content Rewards, Overhauling Their ‘Misaligned’ Revenue Sharing Initiative
X, the social media platform now owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is changing its approach to compensating influencers and content creators.
The company announced that it will discontinue its current Revenue Sharing program and introduce a new initiative called Original Content Rewards. While new participants will not be accepted into the Revenue Sharing program, those already enrolled will continue to earn revenue until September 7.
Starting September 8, these individuals will have the opportunity to apply for the new scheme. Participants will need to subscribe to one of X’s Premium tiers and meet specific criteria, including having 500 verified followers and 500,000 Home Timeline impressions from verified users within a 90-day period. A key aspect of the new program is a strong focus on originality.
What is deemed original content? X defines it as original reporting, personal photos and videos, or user-generated memes and graphics. Commentary is also permissible, but if users frequently include others’ materials, they must provide substantial original contributions for their content to meet the new standards.
The company provided examples of what will not be considered original. This includes content that is simply copied from another account, downloaded and re-uploaded without changes, or reposted without significant modification.
This update comes after multiple attempts by X to adjust the Revenue Sharing program, including cutting back payments to aggregators and clickbait accounts. Such measures have drawn criticism from established accounts benefiting from the existing system; Musk even reversed some decisions regarding payment calculations after receiving pushback.
In her communication regarding the new changes, X’s Allegra Jacchia noted that the previous program had become misaligned with its intended incentives.
“Creators should focus on generating new content for the platform rather than solely on maximizing earnings,” she stated. “Instead of adding more rules and exceptions, we decided it was best to start anew and create a program that prioritizes originality from the get-go.”
Jacchia also mentioned that X will continue to enhance the program, refining its processes and setting higher standards over time.
