X, which is under the ownership of Elon Musk and formerly known as Twitter, has stumbled into controversy as it struggles to pay content creators as part of its ad revenue-sharing program.
The platform candidly admitted to underestimating the popularity of this offer, and now claims it needs more time to review the situation before processing payments.
This unexpected delay has raised concerns about X’s management and planning capabilities. As it is X is in a myriad of troubles even before the rebranding had occurred.
There are multiple lawsuits against the companies and unpaid dues to the tune of $14 million. The company’s revenue-sharing program has hit a similar hurdle.
Eligibility Criteria for Revenue Sharing
- Subscribe to Blue or Verified Organizations
- Have at least 15 million impressions on cumulative posts within the last three months
- Possess at least 500 followers
- Have a Stripe account – X’s chosen payment processor
- Follow X’s Ads Revenue Share Terms
How the Program Works
To participate in the ad revenue sharing program, eligible accounts must join and set up payments through the Monetisation section of the X app, then proceed to set up a Stripe account.
Payouts are issued regularly as long as the participant has generated more than $50.
Ad Revenue for Non-Qualifiers
X’s decision to retain the ad revenue generated by content creators who do not have premium subscriptions adds another layer of complexity.
Musk’s declaration that the money would be kept by X if the creators are not X Premium (Blue) subscribers might not sit well with many users, potentially leading to mistrust.
The Impact on Advertisers
X’s payment delay is more than a logistical problem. The failure to adhere to its commitments risks eroding trust among advertisers and may even cause reputational damage.
After a 59 percent drop in US advertising revenue following Musk’s takeover, X had hoped the revenue-sharing program would lure marketers back.
However, delaying any payments made to the platform’s creators may just have a negative effect.
X’s Response to the Crisis
In an attempt to placate concerned content creators, X posted a message on its Help Center, acknowledging that the sign-up volume exceeded expectations.
Though an apology was extended, an estimated payout date was conspicuously missing from the statement, leaving participants in limbo.
A troubled future for X
The situation X finds itself in is more than a mere hiccup in its operation. It highlights the challenges of implementing new initiatives without robust planning and transparent communication.
The real test now lies in how X navigates this crisis, restores trust, and ensures that such lapses do not reoccur.
The handling of this matter could have long-lasting effects on X’s standing among both content creators and advertisers.
FAQs
Ques) What is X’s ad revenue sharing program and who is eligible?
Ans) X’s program aims to share advertising revenue with content creators meeting specific criteria, including a subscription to Blue or Verified Organizations, having 15 million impressions in the last three months, and at least 500 followers.
Ques) Why are payments being delayed?
Ans) X claims that the popularity of the program exceeded expectations, requiring more time to review everything before processing payments.
Ques) What is Elon Musk’s stance on ad revenue for non-premium subscribers?
Ans) Elon Musk has stated that X will retain ad revenue generated by content creators who are not X Premium (Blue) subscribers, leading to some backlash.
Ques) How is this delay likely to impact X’s relationship with advertisers?
Ans) The failure to keep the payment promise might negatively affect trust amongst advertisers, causing further reputational damage, especially after a previous 59% drop in U.S. advertising revenue.
Also Read: X Enters, Iconic Bird Logo Exits: Elon Musk Rebrands Twitter Social Media Platform