X rewrites creator payouts to favor original posts over aggregation
Social Media Today reports that X updated its creator revenue share program and renamed it the Original Creator Rewards program. The platform says the new rules are meant to reward creators who bring original writing, reporting, analysis, photos, videos, memes, graphics, and entertainment to X. Participating creators now have to follow tighter restrictions on what counts as original work to receive payouts. X framed the change as a way to reduce aggregator and repost incentives. The move follows broader platform pressure to improve content quality while keeping high-output creators active.
THE BREAKDOWN
Creators who rely on aggregation should not treat X payouts as stable income. Agents should review whether client accounts use licensed clips, reposted screenshots, fan edits, or commentary threads that might fall outside the new rules. If a brand buys X deliverables, define whether original posts, replies, quote posts, or reposts count toward fulfillment. Talent teams should keep backup monetization plans for audience channels that can change payout definitions overnight. Original IP and clear permissions now have direct cash value on X.
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