X monetization requirements: how to get paid in 2026
Updated
To earn on X in 2026, you apply to the Original Content Rewards program. You need an eligible Premium subscription, at least 500 verified followers, at least 500,000 Home Timeline impressions from verified users in the last 90 days, and original posts, plus you must be 18 or older in an eligible country. Meeting these doesn't guarantee approval. This program replaced creator revenue sharing in 2026.
All details below come from X's Original Content Rewards page, read on November 3, 2026. X can change them at any time.
The requirements
| Requirement | What X asks for |
|---|---|
| Location | A country where the program is available |
| Age | 18 or older |
| Account standing | No history of repeatedly breaking monetization rules or terms |
| Account type | Personal or Business. Political and government organizations aren't eligible |
| Subscription | Active Premium, Premium+ or Premium Business, or a Plus, Premium, Super or Ultra plan on The X Subscription |
| Impressions | 500,000 Home Timeline impressions from verified users in the last 90 days, excluding replies |
| Followers | 500 verified followers |
| Content | Actively posting original content |
Note what's missing: Basic isn't on the list. The cheapest $3 Premium tier won't qualify you.
What the numbers mean in practice
500,000 impressions in 90 days works out to about 5,556 a day. That's our arithmetic, not an X target. But these must come from verified users on the Home Timeline, so your total view count will overstate your progress.
Reply impressions are excluded. Replies can win you followers, but they don't count toward this figure. Replying alone won't qualify you, so you also need original posts that travel.
Verified followers means followers with a checkmark, which on X means a Premium subscription. We cover how to earn them fairly in this guide.
What changed from revenue sharing
X stopped accepting new Revenue Sharing enrollments on August 7, 2026, and members earned through September 7. Starting September 8, it began rolling out access for those members to apply to the new program. Older guides may still describe the previous rules, so check their dates.
How payouts work
- What you're paid on: qualified impressions on your original content. X defines these as unique impressions from Premium users on the Home Timeline, where at least 50% of the post is visible.
- What's excluded: repeat impressions from the same account on a post, paid or promoted impressions, and fraudulent ones.
- Timing: currently every two weeks.
- Minimum: $30.
- Method: X Money in the US. Elsewhere, a Stripe payout account with identity verification.
X doesn't publish a rate per impression on that page, so be wary of confident earnings calculators.
What counts as original
X says commentary counts when you add your own perspective. These don't count:
- Copied content, including anything downloaded and reuploaded.
- Minimally changed content, like changing a word or adding a filter.
- Aggregated content that mostly compiles other people's work.
- Cross-platform reposts by someone other than the creator.
This matters for "curation" accounts. If your posts mainly repackage other people's work, they likely won't earn.
What can get you removed
X lists these among its rules for staying in the program:
- using automated tools to generate likes, follows, views, comments or shares
- repeatedly asking people to like, reply, bookmark, follow or repost
- posting content created or posted using automated means
- posts with a helpful Community Note
- content focused only on monetization coaching or maximizing payouts
- misleading content or disinformation
Keep that "automated means" line in mind when you choose tools. X decides how it applies.
If you're rejected
You can submit one appeal. If it fails, you can reapply after 42 days as long as you still meet the requirements. Accounts whose monetization is paused for a past violation aren't eligible for now.
Should a small account aim for this?
Not at first, in our opinion. Payouts depend on impressions from Premium users, so they're out of reach until you have a real audience. And the thresholds are far easier to reach if you've built something people want to read. If you run a business, getting clients may pay long before payouts would.
Separately, Creator Subscriptions let followers pay you monthly, subject to their own eligibility rules.
Common questions
How many followers do you need to get paid on X?
At least 500 verified followers for Original Content Rewards, along with the other requirements. Your total follower count isn't what X lists.
Can I get paid on X with X Premium Basic?
Not through this program, based on X's list. It names Premium, Premium+ and Premium Business, plus certain plans on The X Subscription.
Does the program work in my country?
X lists eligible countries at the bottom of its page. Check there, since the list can change.
Where do I check my eligibility?
X says you can check at any time in Creator Studio, under Original Content Rewards.
Do I need to verify my ID?
US payouts go through X Money, and elsewhere you complete identity verification through Stripe. Check the current steps in Creator Studio.
Next step
Check your standing in Creator Studio. If you're far from the thresholds, focus on the audience first, starting with our guide to growing on X. Repli can help you plan posts and replies each day, and you post them yourself, but it can't promise payouts or follower numbers.