Creator payouts on X just got a reality check. The platform overhauled its earnings program starting January 18, 2026—and the changes are pretty significant. Reply impressions no longer count toward your payout. That's a chunk of potential revenue gone. On top of that, compensation now only flows to content appearing on verified users' home timelines. Translation: algorithm reach matters way more now. If you're a creator banking on engagement from replies or non-verified traffic, you're looking at thinner margins. This shift signals X is tightening its monetization model, rewarding consistency and verified audiences over raw engagement numbers. For creators dependent on these earnings, adaptation is becoming critical.