The payouts for creators on X are being updated, with original content becoming the new form of currency.

      The platform is replacing its Revenue Sharing program with a new initiative aimed at rewarding creators who produce original content.

      X is once again altering its rules for creators. This time, the platform intends to focus less on merely generating engagement and more on creating unique works. X will replace its controversial Creator Revenue Sharing program with a new program called Original Content Rewards, set to launch on September 8, 2026. The current Revenue Sharing program will continue to compensate participating creators until September 7, after which the new program will take effect.

      X aims to reward creators rather than those who just generate engagement.

      The primary change involves how X defines what is eligible for payment. With Original Content Rewards, creators will be compensated based on "qualified impressions" derived from their original work. Qualified impressions are defined as unique views from Premium subscribers on the Home Timeline, where at least 50 percent of the post is visible. X states that "original content" can encompass original reporting, analysis, user-created videos and photos, graphics, illustrations, and even memes. Commentary and reactions are also eligible, but only if they contribute meaningfully rather than simply rehashing others' posts.

      Today, we unveil Original Content Rewards. The reality is that the Revenue Sharing initiative has reached a point where its incentives are misaligned. Creators should concentrate on contributing new content to the platform rather than maximizing payments. We could have continued expanding the program... pic.twitter.com/VJIxqlPrjm— Allegra Jacchia (@allegrajacchia) August 7, 2026

      This differentiation is crucial because X claims the previous Revenue Sharing model encouraged some creators to prioritize payout maximization over introducing truly new content. The company is seeking to move away from clickbait, recycled content, and other tactics aimed solely at exploiting the monetization framework.

      “This program is based on a straightforward concept: reward creators who bring original ideas, expertise, creativity, and unique viewpoints to X — not those who excel at gaming the system,” said Allegra Jacchia, X’s Senior Product Manager for Creators.

      This transition also makes more sense given X’s larger initiative against content farming. As reported recently, X is taking steps to curb creators who repost or recycle viral clips for easy engagement and profit. In the new system, simply reposting someone else's popular video should not be a viable path to monetization. Original Content Rewards represents X’s effort to align financial incentives with its stated desire for creators to produce new material.

      However, X isn't just shutting a door; it is also opening another, particularly for video creators. The company has been promoting its new streaming hub and even offered $1 million to encourage creators to go live on the platform. This aligns well with the new rewards strategy: X aims for creators to produce original videos, live streams, commentary, reporting, and other content that encourages users to engage more on the platform.

      The larger strategy for X

      The new program provides X with a clearer direction regarding its creator economy. To qualify for Original Content Rewards, creators must have at least 500 verified followers and 500,000 Home Timeline impressions from verified users over the previous 90 days, among other criteria.

      This sends a straightforward message regarding its creator economy: less recycled content, more genuine material worth watching, reading, or sharing. Whether this will effectively change creator behavior is yet to be seen, but X is evidently striving to make originality a more significant aspect of its business.

      Varun is a seasoned technology journalist and editor with over eight years of experience in consumer tech media. His work includes...

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      Snapchat is taking a firm stand against low-quality AI content.

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