X Replaces Creator Revenue Sharing with New Rewards Program

Robby Lefkowitz, a creator on X, earned approximately $80,000 from the platform over two and a half years, a level of income that may become significantly harder for many to achieve under X's new Original Content Rewards program. The $80,000 income earned by Robby Lefkowitz, reported by Fortune, highlights the previous potential for creators to monetize their content. The shift to a new rewards system fundamentally alters how creators can generate revenue from their efforts on the platform.

X is introducing a new 'Original Content Rewards' program to support creators, but the stringent new eligibility requirements and the shift from revenue sharing to rewards could significantly reduce the number of creators who can earn substantial income. This change marks a critical juncture for content creators relying on the platform for earnings.

X appears to be prioritizing content that directly drives premium subscriptions and engagement from its paying user base, potentially at the cost of alienating a broader range of creators who previously benefited from a more inclusive revenue sharing model.

The New Rules for Earning on X

X shut down its Creator Revenue Sharing program on September 7, 2023, replacing it with the Original Content Rewards program, according to Fortune. MediaPost had previously reported that X 'will replace its Revenue Sharing program next month,' indicating a rapid and perhaps fluid transition period for the platform's new policies.
Creators will need a minimum of 500 verified followers or followers who also pay for X Premium, Premium+, or Premium Business, according to Mashable.
Creators will also need at least 500,000 Home Timeline impressions from verified users over the last 90 days to qualify for the program, Mashable reported.

These new, stricter criteria, coupled with the explicit transition, indicate X's intent to reward creators who can directly drive engagement and subscriptions from its paying user base. The requirements suggest a focus on content that resonates with a specific, paying demographic, rather than broad reach.

Aligning Rewards with X's Premium Strategy

X Basic is priced at $3 per month or $32 per year, according to PCMag. This entry-level subscription offers users expanded features beyond the free tier. The platform also offers X Premium+ at $40 per month or $395 per year, providing a more comprehensive suite of benefits for its most engaged users.

X is effectively turning its creators into an unpaid sales force for its premium subscriptions, leveraging their content to drive X's revenue rather than sharing a broad percentage of ad revenue. The stringent requirement for 500,000 impressions from *verified users* and the focus on followers who *pay* for X Premium demonstrates that X is effectively turning its creators into an unpaid sales force for its premium subscriptions, leveraging their content to drive X's revenue rather than sharing a broad percentage of ad revenue. The program's name, 'Original Content Rewards,' is misleading; the actual requirements prioritize audience monetization for X's premium tiers over rewarding content quality or broad reach.