On November 1, social network X launched a pilot program called Video Kickstart, offering direct cash payments to creators of short videos. For now, participation is by invitation only, and the program is designed to attract video content creators.
With this move, the platform hopes to increase the volume of video content and keep users engaged in the feed amid competition from TikTok and Instagram Reels.
Payment conditions and content requirements
To receive a bonus, participants must publish at least 15 vertical videos per month — exactly one video on each of 15 different days.
Each video must be no longer than three minutes. The content must be original, but the platform officially allows creators to publish videos they've already posted on other social networks, provided they own the rights to them.
Each stage of the program lasts about a month. Participants can track enrollment dates, publishing deadlines and payment status directly through Creator Studio.
Fast-track access to monetization and a focus on video
In addition to direct bonuses, program participants are promised fast-track access to Original Content Rewards. This is X's main monetization system, through which creators receive a share of advertising revenue generated by ads shown alongside their posts.
Recently, the platform has been making regular efforts to expand its video format. During the summer, the company allocated $1 million in grants for streamers, and over the past few months, it has updated its tools for editing and customizing videos directly in the app.
In other words, X is trying to attract creators through direct payments. Content creators are being offered a way to monetize the same videos they've already made for other platforms simply by posting copies to their X feeds.
