X Launches New Original Content Rewards Program, Ends Revenue Sharing, Tightens Monetization Rules
August 8, 2026
X is overhauling its monetization for creators with an Original Content Rewards Program that will sunset the old Revenue Sharing on early September, with final payments around mid-September.
Current Revenue Sharing participants will continue earning through September 7, after which new creator applicants can join starting September 8.
The new program aims to reward original, newsy, expert, storytelling, and entertaining contributions, while disallowing content that merely rehashes others’ material.
AI-generated content presents a measurement challenge for originality, balancing tool-assisted work and low-effort automation.
Engagement-focused bait and repost-heavy accounts may see lower rewards unless they add genuine original value, with commentary, memes, and creative edits still eligible when offering real context or humor.
Historical tweaks included removing false posts corrected by CommunityNotes, reducing sensationalism incentives, and restricting AI-generated war footage without disclosures.
Disqualifying attributes include misinformation, harmful content, copied material, transfers from other platforms, and monetization-coaching content.
X has not disclosed every nuance of originality criteria or exactly how impressions are measured beyond the stated rules.
Policy notes emphasize IP considerations; eligibility does not override copyright laws and creators must have rights to used content.
The program will distinguish original contributions from mere repetition, impacting monetization for news outlets, commentators, and content farms.
Eligibility requires ongoing Premium subscription, posting original content, avoiding manipulation or automation, following guidelines, and excluding monetization-coach content or disinformation, with potential removal for violations.
Ongoing eligibility means maintaining Premium, posting authentic content, avoiding fraud and engagement manipulation, and avoiding solicitations, with possible removal for breaches.
Summary based on 8 sources
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Sources

X (formerly Twitter) • Aug 7, 2026
Creators (@XCreators) on X
TechCrunch • Aug 8, 2026
X replaces ‘misaligned’ revenue sharing program with Original Content Rewards
Mashable • Aug 8, 2026
X retires revenue sharing for new 'Original Content Rewards' program
Gizmodo • Aug 8, 2026
X Introduces Big, Promising Revamp of Its Program for Paying Content Creators