Will X Stop Paying Content Creators? Other Social Media Platforms Already Have.
Is X ending its creator payouts amid rumors of program shutdowns, and what does this mean for the fragile creator economy on social media? A viral post sparked speculation that X might scrap its monetization system, but the platform has pushed back, while history shows other sites have indeed pulled the plug on similar initiatives.
Here’s the TL;DR...
A rumor claiming an X executive wants to end creator payouts went viral but has been labeled fake news by multiple sources.
X owner Elon Musk denied the shutdown, admitting creators are underpaid and hinting at a YouTube-inspired overhaul.
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook have phased out or revamped payout programs, citing sustainability issues.
Creators are urged to diversify revenue beyond platform handouts, as the creator economy remains unpredictable and ad-dependent.
What Sparked the Rumor About X Ending Creator Payouts?
The buzz started with a post from political analyst Dominic Michael Tripi on X, claiming an unnamed executive said the monetization program does “more harm than good” and could end. The post, shared widely—including a retweet by @Kneon from Clownfish TV—racked up over 1.5 million views and hundreds of replies. Many users lamented the potential loss, while others welcomed it as a fix for clickbait spam.
Tripi’s update didn’t name the executive, sparking quick skepticism. Replies pointed to issues like bot abuse, uneven payout distribution, and click-farming. This isn’t X’s first payout controversy—creators have reported delays and errors since early 2025.
Has X Officially Denied Shutting Down Its Monetization Program?
Yes. X has officially refuted the rumor. The verified X Daily News account clarified that reports of the program ending were false, originating from a misinterpreted statement by developer Nikita Bier last month. Bier’s original critique focused on inefficiencies, not cancellation.
Elon Musk responded directly, saying the platform is “underpaying creators” and exploring reforms modeled after YouTube’s ad-sharing system. He emphasized the need to tie payouts more closely to Premium user engagement instead of volatile ad impressions.
Musk’s comments line up with internal adjustments made earlier this year, as X refined how revenue is split and cracked down on exploitative engagement tactics.
Which Other Social Media Platforms Have Ended Their Creator Payout Programs?
The rumor gains credibility from precedent: other platforms have already done it.
TikTok ended its $2 billion Creator Fund in 2023, replacing it with the Creativity Program, which requires longer-form videos and higher eligibility thresholds. Smaller creators said it benefited top accounts while cutting their earnings.
Instagram scrapped its Reels Play Bonus in 2023, abruptly removing a steady income source for influencers.
Meta axed Threads bonuses in mid-2025 to focus on “organic growth.”
Facebook is phasing out its Gaming Creator Program by 2026, ending most payouts next month.
Even Snapchat and YouTube have adjusted their funds as ad markets contract.
Across the board, platforms say these cuts are about “sustainability.” In reality, ad revenue volatility and bot manipulation make long-term creator payments difficult to maintain.
Why Are Creator Payout Programs Often Unsustainable?
Creator funds typically begin as marketing tactics—enticements to boost engagement and lure influencers. But when ad spending dips or engagement farming surges, these funds become financial sinkholes.
X’s case mirrors the pattern. Musk cited underpayment and inconsistency, saying the system rewards “spammy” accounts while genuine creators earn pennies. TikTok’s fund closure exposed similar flaws—rewarding volume over quality.
The result: burnout and distrust. Most platforms eventually pivot from handouts to revenue-sharing or subscription models that shift financial risk back to creators.
How Can Creators Build Reliable Income in a Volatile Economy?
Experts urge creators to treat platforms as pipelines, not paychecks. Diversifying income—through brand deals, merch, Patreon, or direct subscriptions—is vital. The rise of RM11, where creators keep 90% of profits, shows the industry moving toward direct monetization.
Meanwhile, AI content generators like Meta’s Vibes and OpenAI’s Sora 2 are reshaping competition. As algorithmic content floods feeds, human creators may find value in cultivating loyal micro-communities and authenticity.
“The creator economy is resilient,” one marketer told Digiday. “But the power balance has shifted. Platforms aren’t saviors—they’re service providers.”
The Bigger Picture: A Cautionary Tale for All Creators
While X isn’t ending its payout program now, its controversy serves as a reminder: no platform promise lasts forever. As one reply to Tripi’s viral post put it, “It was fun while it lasted.”
Creators riding the monetization wave should prepare for disruption, as the social media landscape keeps evolving faster than the algorithms that power it.
Hat Tips
Dominic Michael Tripi on X — Original post sparking the rumor.
X Daily News — Denial of payout end rumors, Oct. 2025.
Times of India: “Elon Musk admits Twitter is underpaying creators,” Oct. 16, 2025.
Tech-ish — Musk refutes claims, Oct. 2025.
Engadget — Meta ends Threads bonuses.
Social Media Today — Facebook Gaming program shutdown.
Fortune — TikTok ends Creator Fund.
Mashable SEA — Instagram ends Reels bonus.
Digiday — Platform payouts overview.
Teslarati — Musk on X monetization flaws.
Mashable — X’s premium engagement updates.
PR Newswire — Rise of direct monetization via RM11.
CMSWire — AI’s impact on the creator economy.
Article Compiled and Edited by Derek Gibbs on October 16, 2025 for Clownfish TV D/REZZED.