Twitter Ad Revenue Share: Myth or Real

Since Elon Musk took over Twitter, the platform stirred up many changes. Right from rebranding it to X, Twitter Blue subscriptions, and introducing ad revenue sharing, the microblogging social media network has become a source of income for many. But how does Twitter ad revenue work? Can you, too, start earning by creating exciting tweets?

This in-depth article covers the nuances of Twitter's ad revenue sharing model while addressing some of the most frequently raised questions. Does Twitter share revenue from ads with its users, and if yes, how? Who stands eligible for participation, and how can one leverage this model to reap optimal benefits? We'll unpackage these questions bit by bit to reveal the core structure of this engaging revenue dynamic.

Twitter's ad revenue sharing policy is relatively new and is seen as a critical move on Twitter's part to incentivize its users. Digital marketers, entrepreneurs, content creators or curious individuals can explore the workings of Twitter's ad revenue sharing and how it transforms the monetization game on social media.

What Is Twitter Ad Revenue Sharing?

In July 2023, Twitter announced a new monetization scheme for creators, enabling them to earn a portion of the advertising revenue from the company. It was a move to attract more innovators and monetize their content. 

As per the terms, the monetization program lets you share revenue if you are a verified user with organic impressions on the ads displayed in the comments of your post. 

Twitter says, "This is part of our effort to help people earn a living directly on X." 

If you are a regular Twitter user, you may have seen ads displayed in the comments section of popular posts by creators on your timeline. The more engagement and impressions they garner, the more the makers get paid.

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Setting Up Your Twitter Account for Ad Revenue

A basic Twitter account you barely use will not be eligible for Twitter revenue sharing. You will need to first apply for the X Premium Subscription program. You can do so in the following ways:

1. Click on the X Premium option from the left-hand menu bar.

2. You will see two options. Select Premium for individuals and creators.

3. Once you click "Subscribe," you must make the payment. The basic structure costs $3/month, while the Premium+ costs $16/month.
   
4. After applying, there will be an internal review to see if you meet the eligibility criteria. Only then will you get the blue tick next to your name. 

Eligibility and Application for Twitter Ad Revenue

To be eligible for Twitter ad revenue, users must fulfill these three criteria: 

1. Subscribe to X premium or be a verified organization. 
2. Have at least 500 followers.
3. Have at least 5 million impressions on cumulative posts within the last three months.

Creating Engaging Content for Ad Revenue

Producing impressive content for ad revenue involves strategic planning and creativity. The ultimate goal is to pique the interest of the netizens and attract and retain a loyal audience interacting positively with the ads presented. Here's a guide to help you achieve that.

1. Understand Your Audience

Identify the target audience to know their interests, needs, and problems. Understand the type of content they consume, including format and length. Are the videos you post getting more views, or are the witty one-liners getting more likes and appreciation among your followers? 

2. Focus on High-Quality Content

Use straightforward language and structure your content well. Incorporate images, videos, and infographics to make the content more engaging. Be honest and transparent in your content to build trust. You can also use Twitter for thought leadership too. 

3. Engage With Your Audience

Regular interaction can boost visibility and engagement. Respond to the comments and engage with your audience to foster community. Share your content on social platforms to widen your reach and get more followers on Twitter via other networks. 

4. Find Optimal Times to Tweet

Pay attention to when your tweets get the most engagement. Are your followers more active in the morning or evening? Once you find the optimal time, maintain consistency with your posts. 

5. Analyze and Adapt

Twitter has built-in analytics tools to help you understand audience behavior and preferences more closely. Monitor which content generates more ad revenue and why. Use these insights to refine your content and strategy.

6. Experiment and Innovate

Twitter offers many features to help you design your content delivery. You can share videos, conduct live streams, host Spaces and attract different audiences. Use storytelling to make your content more engaging and memorable. Use polls to find out what your audience loves the most. 

7. Be Consistent

Consistency helps build a loyal audience. Even when you post regularly, ensure each piece of content maintains high standards.

Creating compelling content for ad revenue is a dynamic process that requires comprehending your audience, delivering high-quality and optimized content, engaging through social media, and constantly evaluating and adjusting your strategy.

Monetizing Twitter Ad Revenue

The condition for getting paid from this monetization scheme is 5 million impressions within three months. You must start creating content consistently to reach this number. Let us discuss the process of applying for Twitter monetization.

1. From the left-hand corner menu bar, select the "More" option and go to "Monetization."

2. The monetization menu will show the "Ads revenue sharing" eligibility.

3. You will need to set up a Stripe account for payouts.  

Now, the question is, how much will you earn, and how does it work? You will get paid 97% of Twitter's revenue from your content. This revenue is only earned on the views of other people who are also premium members. All the payments are made in USD. 

Controversies Surrounding Twitter Ad Revenue Share Scheme

The announcement of Twitter's premium subscription and payouts was tagged as a move to lure new users. The initial payouts were delayed because the company was not prepared to cash out so many requests at once. By mid-July and August 2023, many users who had subscribed to the monetization scheme started receiving their payouts and posted screenshots, too.

Among the highest earnings (about $107,247 from ad revenue) of the time went to a meme account titled "Internet Hall of Fame." However, it soon sparked confusion and criticism as the account did not create unique content but only reposted videos from other accounts. Musk had previously warned of "theft" and demonetizing such accounts, and this Twitter payout started receiving backlash. The catch that even the views should come from verified users to be qualified for payouts limits the number of users who will eventually get paid.

What Is the Future of Twitter Ad Revenue Sharing?

Under Musk's management, numerous changes have been made to the platform. While it was speculated that revenue sharing was introduced to attract more subscribers and, in turn, revenue, data from the Standard Media Index suggests that advertising spending on Twitter Inc. dropped by 71% in December 2023. 

Meanwhile, many other updates are in the pipeline to make it an all-integrated social media platform. There is no certainty about the future of Twitter ad revenue sharing. If it does not help the dwindling revenues, it could be discontinued. Given the dynamic nature of how many changes have been made in the last few months, we could also see more changes to the revenue-sharing models.

How To Get More Followers and Impressions With Highperformr

Before you apply for Twitter ad revenue sharing, you must optimize the profile with a certain number of followers and impressions. You will need to have a uniform posting schedule with engaging content. But you can ease it all by relying on social media management software like Highperformr and its free tools. 

Highperformr has advanced resources that can come in handy to help you boost engagement and enhance your social media presence.

From framing a proper Twitter bio to crafting long and interesting Twitter threads, you will find all the tools to improve your Twitter profile. You can also schedule your tweets ahead of time with the Tweet Scheduler. With just a few clicks, you can be consistent and grow your account to make it eligible to earn from your upcoming tweets.

Conclusion

Twitter's ad revenue sharing is still relatively unexplored, and its workings can change in the coming months. Its monetization model presents a promising opportunity for content creators to earn from their digital presence and efforts. Like any new update, the creator community will have challenges and learning curves. However, the decision to share revenue from ads is a step towards acknowledging the invaluable role that content developers play in the ecosystem of social media.

It's an exciting time to explore new possibilities and, for advertisers, a chance to connect with audiences through authentic and creative collaborations. In a digital age where attention is currency, Twitter's revenue-sharing model could well redefine the value proposition of social media engagement, setting a precedent for the industry at large.