X Launches Original Content Rewards Program on September 8

X has announced it will replace its revenue‑sharing program with a new Original Content Rewards system, effective September 8. The move ends a controversial scheme that was launched in 2023 and has been revised several times under Elon Musk. The new program will pay creators who meet strict thresholds: at least 500 verified followers and at least 500,000 Home Timeline impressions from verified users.

The change comes after months of criticism from creators and advertisers. The original revenue‑sharing plan was criticized for low payouts, opaque eligibility rules and sudden policy flips that left many users with little or no income. Several creators sued X over the program’s terms, citing a lack of transparency. The platform also faced pressure from regulators over how it monetized user data and content. Musk’s leadership saw a push to make X a profitable platform, but the revenue‑sharing model struggled to generate the expected returns.

Under the new scheme, creators must prove they have a sizable, engaged audience of verified users. The threshold of 500 verified followers and 500,000 impressions is higher than the old program’s minimums, which were as low as 200 followers. X will also require creators to post original content rather than reposting or curating. The company says the focus on original content will encourage higher‑quality posts and attract advertisers. Creators will apply through a new dashboard that will track their eligibility metrics in real time. X says the program will be rolled out in phases, starting with U.S. creators before expanding globally.

The next few weeks will see creators scrambling to meet the new criteria. Those who qualify can begin earning a share of ad revenue from their posts, but the higher thresholds mean many will miss out. X will provide a support portal for creators to understand the new requirements and optimize their content for the program. The shift also signals X’s broader strategy to monetize the platform more aggressively while addressing past backlash. The outcome will shape the future of creator economics on the platform and could influence how other social media sites structure their own monetization programs.