X Launches $1 Million Reward for Top Long-Form Article in 2026

On January 18, X's official creator account announced the platform's earnings distribution hit a record high at the end of 2025. 2026 is being positioned as 'the year of the creator,' with a focus on long-form content. The company will reward the highest-earning article in its next payout period with a $1 million prize. The contest is part of X's broader strategy to prioritize written content over short-form clips.

The reward program aims to recognize articles that shape conversations, break news, and drive cultural progress. X's Creator Studio is set to roll out a more detailed dashboard for revenue tracking. The move highlights the platform's commitment to monetizing high-value content.

To be eligible, an article must be at least 1,000 words, unpublished elsewhere, and adhere to X's content policies. Participants must be at least 18 years old and legal residents of the U.S. or Washington, D.C. According to the announcement. The contest excludes political or religious commentary, explicit material, and any form of plagiarism.

Why Did X Announce the Reward?

X has emphasized the importance of original, high-quality content in building a robust creator economy. The platform's 2025 monetization program saw strong growth, and 2026 is expected to be a pivotal year for creators. By offering a $1 million prize, X is incentivizing creators to produce long-form content that drives engagement.

The reward aligns with X's strategic shift toward written content, which it believes is more valuable than short-form clips. The company is also investing in tools like a more detailed revenue dashboard and AI-driven moderation systems to support creators.

How Will the Winner Be Chosen?

The winner will be selected based on several criteria, including compliance with submission guidelines, grammar, spelling, technical quality, originality, and platform engagement. The primary metric will be homepage timeline exposure, specifically for U.S. users. X has not disclosed the exact weight of each criterion but stated that its decision will be final.

Participants must publish their articles between January 16 and January 28, 2026, and use X's premium subscription tiers. The winning article will be determined by the engagement it generates within that timeframe. The prize will be paid through a third-party processor after the winner completes identity and tax verification.

What Are the Implications for Creators and X's Strategy?

The contest could shift the creator landscape on X by rewarding long-form content more aggressively. It may encourage creators to focus on in-depth, original writing rather than shorter, viral content. The program also reinforces X's broader goal of becoming a top platform for content monetization.

For X, the move supports its 2026 monetization vision and aligns with recent investments in creator tools and AI moderation. The company is also competing with platforms like Medium and Substack, which have long emphasized long-form writing.

The contest includes legal protections, including binding arbitration and a class-action waiver, to manage disputes. X has stated that the competition is skill-based, not a chance-based reward.

This initiative is part of a broader trend in the creator economy, where platforms are increasingly offering large financial incentives to attract top talent and original content.