X, formerly Twitter, has announced significant changes to its creator monetization program, shifting from an ad-based revenue model to one driven by engagement from X Premium users. This move follows earlier statements from Elon Musk regarding broader content monetization and the introduction of long-form text capabilities.

Monetization Model Evolution

On Wednesday, X announced that its Creator Revenue Sharing Program would begin paying monetized creators based on engagement from X Premium users. This change is scheduled to take effect on November 8, according to an X Help Center document. Previously, monetized users on X were compensated based on the number of ads served to X Premium users in the replies to their content.

Under the new system, X Premium users remain the sole monetizable audience. However, the number of ads they view will no longer be relevant. Creators can now receive payment for content that does not contain advertisements. Revenue will instead be determined by the number of X Premium users who reply to, repost, and like a user's content.

X Premium users are those who subscribe to X's paid service, which starts at $8 per month. Accounts subscribed to X Premium are identified by a verified blue checkmark badge next to their username.

Elon Musk, who acquired Twitter in October 2022, had previously stated that a monetization model was coming "for all forms of content" on the platform. He announced this on a Saturday, indicating that more information about monetization would be available in two weeks. Musk also stated that the forthcoming model intends to surpass YouTube's current creator rates, which pay creators 55% of total ad revenue generated from their videos. He tweeted, "We can beat that," in response to influencer Quinn Nelson.

New Content Formats and Features

In addition to the monetization changes, X has introduced new content formats. Musk announced that X would "soon add ability to attach long-form text to tweets, ending absurdity of notepad screenshots." This feature is now available on the platform, which closely resembles its predecessor but includes additional features such as long-form texts, account monetization options, audio-video calls, integration with xAI's Grok chatbot, job search, and a repurposing of the platform's verification system as a subscription premium.

An updated app description for Twitter in the Apple App Store, which appeared on a Saturday, also indicated new features such as longer-format video and "priority ranking for quality content." The update also mentioned what appeared to be a rollout of Musk's authentication blue-check subscription plan, priced at $7.99.

Tim Dodd, known as Everyday Astronaut, commented on Twitter that if the platform could handle full-length feature videos and offer a monetization system similar to YouTube, he would consider uploading his full videos there.

Platform Evolution and Leadership

Elon Musk completed his acquisition of Twitter in October 2022. He served as CEO of Twitter until June 2023, when Linda Yaccarino succeeded him. Twitter was rebranded to X on July 23, 2023, and its domain name changed from twitter.com to x.com on May 17, 2024. Yaccarino resigned on July 9, 2025.

The platform's verification system was repurposed as a subscription premium. Musk had argued that the traditional verification badges, which signified a public figure's authentic account, resulted in a "lord and peasant" system on the platform.

Key Facts

  • X's Creator Revenue Program will now pay creators based on engagement from X Premium users.
  • The new monetization system takes effect on November 8.
  • X Premium users, who pay for a subscription starting at $8 per month, are the only monetizable audience.
  • Revenue will be dependent on X Premium users replying to, reposting, and liking content.
  • Elon Musk stated the monetization model aims to surpass YouTube's creator rates.
  • X has added the ability to attach long-form text to tweets and supports longer-format video.