X replaces Revenue Sharing with Original Content Rewards program
Original: X replaces ‘misaligned’ revenue sharing program with Original Content Rewards
Why This Matters
X's creator monetization overhaul signals a platform-wide push to prioritize original content over aggregation and engagement farming.
X announced it will shut down its existing Revenue Sharing program and launch a new Original Content Rewards program starting September 8, 2026. Creators must have 500 verified followers and 500,000 Home Timeline impressions from verified users within 90 days to qualify.
X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX, announced it is winding down its Revenue Sharing program and replacing it with a new initiative called Original Content Rewards. The existing program will stop accepting new participants immediately, while current participants can continue earning until September 7, 2026. Beginning September 8, eligible creators can apply to the new program. Qualification requirements include a subscription to one of X's Premium tiers, at least 500 verified followers, and 500,000 Home Timeline impressions from verified users within a 90-day period. The core change is a new emphasis on originality. X defines original content as original reporting and analysis, self-created photos and videos, and self-designed memes or graphics. Commentary qualifies, but content that regularly incorporates material from others must demonstrate 'meaningful original value.' Reposted or copied content without meaningful transformation will not count. X's Allegra Jacchia stated the existing program 'had reached a point where its incentives were misaligned,' adding that creators 'should be focused on bringing net new content to the platform instead of maximizing payouts.' This follows prior reform attempts, including reduced payments to aggregator and clickbait accounts in April, which drew backlash from some creators.