X to Pay Premium Users for Engaging with Each Other

Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has announced a major shift in how it compensates creators. Starting November 8th, 2024, X will pay creators not based on ad revenue from verified users viewing ads in replies, but based on "engagement from Premium users." This new approach aims to promote more interaction among X Premium subscribers, potentially reshaping the dynamics of content creation on the platform.

How the New Revenue Model Works

Previously, creators on X were earning revenue based on the number of verified users who saw ads in the replies to their posts. But now, X is shifting its focus toward engagement between Premium users, encouraging content creators to interact more with other paid subscribers. Essentially, the more X Premium subscribers engage with your content, the more money you can make.

This change is part of X’s larger strategy to drive engagement among its Premium user base and increase the value of its paid subscription service. While in theory, this could mean higher payouts for creators who successfully engage Premium users, there is skepticism about how effective this new model will be in practice.

Will This Lead to Higher Payouts for Creators?

The big question is whether this shift will actually result in higher earnings for creators. Since the revenue-sharing program launched, some creators have complained about low payouts, despite X’s promises that they could potentially “earn a living” on the platform. Under the new system, creators’ revenue will depend largely on how many Premium users engage with their content — a metric that could be difficult to optimize for.

Moreover, this change may encourage even more Premium users to dominate the replies section of popular posts. X Premium users already enjoy priority in tweet replies, with their replies appearing higher in threads based on their subscription tier. This feature is likely to become even more noticeable as Premium users seek to increase their engagement (and earnings) with other subscribers.

The Risk of Gaming the System

As with any engagement-based payment system, there’s a risk that some users will attempt to game the system by artificially inflating engagement. X has stated in its creator revenue-sharing terms that users who try to manipulate their views or interactions will be removed from the program. The company has clarified that only genuine interactions from Premium users will count toward creators' earnings.

While X promises to crack down on manipulation, it remains to be seen how effectively it will be able to monitor and enforce these rules, especially as the platform’s ecosystem continues to evolve with the new revenue model.

Revenue from Verified Ads to Be Phased Out

The announcement also included details about the removal of "verified ads impressions" from the revenue-sharing equation. Starting November 8th, verified ads impressions — which previously contributed to creators' earnings — will no longer be considered in the calculation. Instead, up to 25 percent of Premium subscriptions will go directly to creators, further incentivizing users to engage with each other and encouraging a more subscription-driven revenue model.

Final Thoughts

With this shift in how creators are compensated, X is doubling down on its commitment to building a robust ecosystem of Premium users. While this model has the potential to create more active engagement among subscribers, it also raises questions about whether it will truly benefit creators and what the long-term impact on the platform’s community will be.

As X continues to roll out these changes, creators will need to adapt to the new dynamics of engagement-based earnings, and it will be interesting to see how this plays out in the broader landscape of social media monetization.

For the latest updates on X and other major tech news, stay tuned to Kushal Bharat Tech News.