Why 70% of X Users Might Not Join Elon Musk's Payroll
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Understanding the New Landscape of X
In today's digital age, many aspire to be creators on X, formerly known as Twitter. While the claim that 70% of users may not transition to Elon Musk’s payroll might sound inflated, there’s a kernel of truth to it. Who could have predicted that one could earn a living through X? This evolution has been driven by Musk's vision.
Personally, I may not currently profit from the platform due to my limited activity. However, many others are seizing the opportunity, and that’s commendable. The launch of X's much-anticipated monetization program, which includes ad revenue sharing, generated considerable excitement online. Content creators were elated, as it became possible for them to transform their passions into profitable ventures—an aspiration many share.
Before you rush to create content on X with hopes of engagement and income, there are essential points to consider to avoid potential disappointment. One crucial detail is that to monetize, you must first invest.
To access Twitter Blue, the platform’s new verification method, users need to pay a subscription fee of $8. This fee is now tied to the coveted blue checkmark, which was previously a free indicator of verification status. The blue check used to signify credibility and prestige, now anyone with even a modest following can acquire one. This shift makes it challenging to differentiate between accounts based solely on their usernames.
In essence, users must choose between making an investment or losing their verification badge. However, this is not the only concern; growing an account on X can be quite difficult.
The Challenge of Growth on X
While it is feasible to increase your following, it's not an easy feat. The platform's algorithm poses additional challenges. Simply producing high-quality content will not guarantee success, as many creators are competing for attention. The competition is intensifying, especially now that monetization is available. Given the fast-paced nature of X, where tweets come and go at lightning speed, capturing users' attention quickly is vital.
Furthermore, the likelihood of going viral is minimal unless your content is reshared by more prominent accounts. Unlike other platforms, where virality is somewhat more common, X offers a different landscape.
I recommend adopting a consistent posting strategy, as X will test your patience and commitment. Becoming a creator here requires more than just enthusiasm—it's a significant undertaking that I’m not yet ready to tackle.
Impressions Matter
For aspiring creators, achieving 5 million impressions in the last three months is now the new standard for monetization eligibility. Although this is a reduction from the previous 15 million, it remains a daunting target. The question arises: is this adjustment fair in providing more creators with a chance to earn?
Despite the lowered threshold, 5 million impressions are still a significant challenge. Most users do not approach this level of engagement, which restricts monetization opportunities.
Follower Counts: A Tough Reality
A report reveals that over 75% of X accounts have fewer than ten followers. This statistic underscores a common struggle: gaining visibility in the crowded news feed, where users scroll rapidly for updates.
In fact, it would likely take me less time to achieve 1,000 followers on Medium than on X. The growth trajectory on X feels exceedingly slow, and producing quality content alone may not suffice.
Interestingly, many of the top accounts on X, which boast over 100 million monthly impressions, are centered around memes and cat content—often not the highest quality. This discrepancy raises questions about how success is defined on the platform.
Chapter 2: Insights from the Community
In the video "Why do so many people still call it 'Twitter' and not 'X' | Cost of Living," the ongoing confusion about the platform's name is discussed, reflecting on its impact on user engagement.
Another video, "Elon Musk suggests all X users may soon have to pay," explores the financial implications of new subscription models and their potential effects on user retention.