Author: Bbo I XHunt Operations Team
X (formerly Twitter) is undergoing an unprecedented reshaping of its content ecosystem. If you've recently felt that the recommendation logic of your Timeline has changed, it's not an illusion.
Musk is reshaping the flow of traffic with real money, and Twitter salaries are rising. The official Twitter has launched a shocking "Million Dollar Article Reward Program" aimed at rewarding creators who can produce in-depth content that resonates across the internet. Shortly after the program was announced, the first article on the platform surpassed 160 million views.
What does this mean? It means that Twitter is attempting to transform the past "short, quick, and emotional" information square into a "deep, high-value" content platform through a dual drive of algorithms and incentives. For CT (Crypto Twitter) creators, the old era of "inflated traffic" is becoming ineffective, while the new "cognitive dividend" has just begun.
To help you seize the opportunity in this new round of traffic reshuffling, Biteye will deeply analyze the revenue composition of CT, uncover the traffic secrets behind the x-algorithm open-source code, and present a "Content Transformation Practical Handbook" tailored for 2026.
I. Let's Not Talk About Creation Yet: How Does CT Make Money?
Before we discuss "how to write," we must first see "where the money is." Aside from the official revenue sharing from X, the real gold mine for CT is actually buried deep underwater:
Official Creator Incentives: The Most Transparent, but with the Lowest Ceiling
Blue check + views are the most basic sources of income.
However, after frequent algorithm updates, traffic generated by spamming replies and riding trends has severely depreciated. According to Biteye's statistics, most creators in the Chinese-speaking region typically see their monthly official revenue share stay in the range of a few hundred to 2000 USD.
This is a "base salary," not a main income.
Rebate Economy: The Most Profitable Cash Flow Underwater in CT
This is the most secretive and lucrative track in CT. From exchange referral links to on-chain tool invitation codes, to various quantitative trading bots. A high-quality viral tutorial post can often generate continuous rebates from its long-tail traffic, equivalent to a regular worker's annual salary.
Project Promotion / KOL Rounds: Only Recognizing Real Influence
Commonly known as "taking business orders." Web3 project teams always need KOL endorsements, but now they are becoming increasingly savvy. They no longer just focus on inflated follower counts but require @xhunt_ai to rank above a certain level. Only vertical KOLs who can withstand data scrutiny have pricing power.
For a detailed introduction to KOL rounds, please refer to Biteye's tweet "Unveiling KOL Rounds: A Wealth Experiment Driven by Traffic"
https://x.com/BiteyeCN/status/1986748741592711374
Knowledge Payment / Private Domain Traffic: Charging Stations for High-Net-Worth Creators
Cleaning up public domain traffic and directing it into private domains (paid groups, newsletters, research report subscriptions). Currently, the annual fees for mainstream Alpha Groups in the Chinese-speaking region generally range from a few hundred U, with core VIP memberships having no upper limit and a very high repurchase rate.
Token Alpha (Self-Operated Trading): The Highest Ceiling, but Also the Most Brutal
This is monetization through cognition. Utilizing information asymmetry to discover early Alpha projects and trading them oneself. This is the highest ceiling but also the most unstable source of income. In this track, some people go to zero overnight, while others break through the class barrier in one fell swoop.
II. Three Evolutions of the Algorithm: From "Rules" to "Semantics"
X just open-sourced the latest recommendation algorithm xai-org/x-algorithm yesterday. This is not just a code update but a paradigm shift in traffic allocation logic. For creators, understanding the iteration of traffic logic is a prerequisite for making money:
Before 2023: The Tag Matching Era
Logic: Based on rules (SimClusters).
Play: As long as you include the #$BTC #Airdrop tags, the algorithm mechanically pushes it to interested people. "Riding tags" was the optimal solution at that time.
2024-2025: The Weight Layering Era
Logic: Increase weight based on content type.
Play: "Blue check" and "native video" weights skyrocketed, while external links were downgraded. It's nearly impossible to succeed without buying a membership, and posting videos is easier to go viral than posting text.
After 2026: The Semantic Intelligence Era (Grok-based)
Logic: Completely abolish manual features, with Grok's large model performing semantic understanding and predicting user behavior.
Core of the dual-stream architecture:
Thunder System (Familiar Circle): Handles follower traffic. Red line: Author Diversity. Rapid-fire posting will be deemed noise and directly folded. Posting rhythm must prioritize "quality over quantity."
Phoenix System (Stranger Circle): Handles "For You" traffic. Red line: Vector Search. The algorithm no longer looks at tags but calculates the "semantic vector" of your content. Even without tags, as long as the content logic matches user intent, it can be accurately delivered. The current algorithm only recognizes "content depth," not "keywords."
III. Interaction is No Longer Equal: What Does the Algorithm Really Value?
The new algorithm no longer simply counts how many likes you have. It predicts the probability P(Action) of user behavior, with the weight logic as follows:
P(dwell) Dwell Time (Highest Weight): Did the user stop to read your long article? This is worth more than just a quick like.
P(photo_expand) Image Expansion: Did the user click on your accompanying image? This is a strong interest signal.
P(reply) Deep Replies: Sparking discussions is favored by the algorithm more than simple retweets.
P(not_interested) Negative Feedback (Fatal): Clickbait titles that mislead users into quickly scrolling away will cause a cliff-like drop in weight.
Appendix: Comparison Chart of X Open Source Algorithm Iterations
IV. Money-Making Strategy: How to Write Most Profitably in 2026?
Combining the new algorithm weights, future content operations should follow the SOP below:
Golden Theme: High Information Density + Logical Deduction
The Grok model prefers content that is logical and contextual.
Abandon: Meaningless shouts (e.g., "$BTC to the moon"), such content will be classified as low-quality noise.
Embrace: In-depth research reports, data analysis, retrospective deductions.
Money-Making Point: This type of content has a very high P(dwell) and is easy to embed tool-based affiliate links (e.g., "I discovered this Alpha project using XHunt's real-time hot topics…").
Format Dividend: Long Articles + Visualization
Since the official is promoting "Million Dollar Articles," and the algorithm values dwell time:
Preferred Format: Articles (long texts) or Threads (long tweet threads).
Essential Elements: High-quality data charts.
Utilize the algorithm's P(photo_expand) mechanism to create various Ecosystem Maps or data comparison charts that "cannot be seen clearly without clicking to view the large image," which can attract significant traffic weighting.
Appendix: Official High-Scoring Assignment Template — Four Iron Rules of Article Writing
Title Determines Life and Death: Reject paternalistic teaching. Use counterintuitive viewpoints + specific numbers instead of mediocre statements (e.g., "Why 95% of advice is nonsense"), paired with an eye-catching cover image.
Scannable Formatting: Mobile-friendly. Paragraphs should not exceed 3 lines, use lists and bold text to allow users to grasp key points within three seconds.
Speak Human Language: Chat like a friend rather than lecturing like a professor. After writing, ruthlessly cut 30% of the fluff to maintain a conversational feel.
Traffic Acquisition: After publishing the article, break down the essence into a Thread (long tweet thread) to drive traffic back to the original article, and pin the article on your personal homepage for 72 hours to fully capture the traffic.
Operational Model: Personalized Elimination Matrix
Old Model: Matrix Accounts (Industrialized Volume Stacking)
Create 100 accounts to post junk tweets, ride tags, and trick mutual follows -> now this will lead to immediate failure (killed by deduplication and anti-spam algorithms).
New Model: Persona-Based Large Accounts (Grok-Friendly)
The algorithm now has a strong memory of author profiles. You need to make AI remember "what this person is an expert in." Once tagged with a high-value label, every tweet you post will receive preferential treatment from the initial traffic pool.
Practical Three-Pronged Approach:
Vertical Anchoring: 80% of content should focus on a single track. Avoid posting random life tweets, maintain content vector purity for Grok to classify quickly.
Semantic Feeding: Use industry jargon frequently. High-frequency use of professional terms (e.g., TVL, MEV) in your Bio and tweets actively "feeds" the algorithm to reinforce your expert identity.
Graph Binding: Ride on top weights. Frequently interact deeply with leading accounts in your track (e.g., Vitalik, official protocols) to leverage the social graph's connectivity to enhance your own weight.
At the same time, when publishing content, aim to create a "Banger Post."
What is a "Banger Post"?
Definition: Refers to top-tier content that can instantly ignite interaction and even "push the timeline," for which the official has even introduced the Certified Bangers badge.
Money-Making Logic: It is a favorite of Grok. It doesn't look at follower count but at the depth of real interaction. A logically sound Banger can instantly trigger the Phoenix system (stranger recommendations), allowing a small account to gain hundreds of thousands of precise exposures, making it the best vehicle for high rebates and million-dollar rewards.
V. Market Consensus: Summary of KOL Opinions
To verify the impact of the new algorithm on actual operations, we have compiled the most representative 12 voices within the CT circle. These opinions reveal a common trend: "false prosperity" is collapsing, and "real value" is beginning to be priced.
Algorithm and Ecological Reshaping: Farewell to "Inflated Content"
@Phyrex_Ni (XHunt Chinese #8): Ineffective interactions that increase followers actually deduct points.
https://x.com/Phyrex_Ni/status/2010126344399794254
Citing the official viewpoint from X, it points out that "crazy replies (like gm) to gain followers" is the biggest misconception currently. The algorithm has stripped away the exposure quota for ineffective interactions, and meaningless spamming will instead harm account weight.
@0xKingsKuan (XHunt Chinese #401): From "quantity" to "quality".
https://x.com/0xKingsKuan/status/2007704780945453115
Future points and rewards will introduce thresholds of "reputation + on-chain behavior," marking the end of the "shallow engagement" era, with traffic flowing to creators with cleaner data.
@biquanliergou (XHunt Chinese #2694): Cycle of the track.
https://x.com/biquanliergou/status/2011862271274991867
With the Kaito-style "bot API" being banned, the noise era of InfoFi has ended. Authentic "tutorials" and quality business orders will return, as users need tutorials rather than spam noise.
@punk2898 (XHunt Chinese #197): Exposing the algorithm's underbelly.
https://x.com/punk2898/status/2013538743467286981
A 6000-word hardcore breakdown reveals the traffic allocation mechanism between "follower flow" and "discovery flow," as well as the algorithm's strict limitations on "author diversity": this means that spamming tactics are completely ineffective, and precise output after understanding the code logic is the way forward.
Monetization and Mindset Building: Entry Posture During the Dividend Period
@Bitwux (XHunt Chinese #22): Overcoming "content shame".
https://x.com/Bitwux/status/2012063949232226455
Addressing the psychological barrier many face in "daring to write long articles," it emphasizes that in the current algorithmic upheaval, maintaining output is more important than pursuing a single viral post. First, run through the process; don’t self-censor out of fear that no one will read it.
@Bqlsj2023 (XHunt Chinese #70): Interaction is the only truth.
https://x.com/Bqlsj2023/status/2013508218350436588
Current recommendations are fully entrusted to the Grok model's self-learning, making spamming completely ineffective. The algorithm cares most about whether it can truly retain people and spark conversations. Back-and-forth deep dialogue is the strongest signal for scoring.
@DeFiTeddy2020 (XHunt Chinese #88): Practical guidelines and XHunt traffic tools.
https://x.com/DeFiTeddy2020/status/2013506697202184692
Summarizes the six golden rules for X creators recommended by Grok. In response to the urgent demand for "real traffic," XHunt has launched the "Traffic Ranking" feature to help users track KOLs, topics, project hotspots, and identify who has genuine interactions among top influencers.
@DtDt666 (XHunt Chinese #255): The truth about earning 2 million a year.
https://x.com/DtDt666/status/2007698288347410635
Shares insights revealing that in 2025, income from ads and rebates will be around 2 million RMB. The core secret lies in "self-education" and "vertical positioning," as continuously sharing growth paths can attract high-value traffic.
@DRbitcoin36 (XHunt Chinese #408): The creator bull market.
https://x.com/DRbitcoin36/status/2007376209626444015
Observes that the basic income of Chinese CT is on the rise (with a ceiling of up to 2990 USD). X's incentive mechanism is forming a positive cycle, and now is the dividend period for continuous producers.
Content Creation Methodology: Long Articles, Persona, and Counter-Consensus
@y_cryptoanalyst (XHunt Chinese #319): The game between traffic and depth.
https://x.com/y_cryptoanalyst/status/2013119291512820082
Points out the current contradiction for KOLs: should they write long articles to cater to the algorithm, or follow their inner voice to make short comments? This indirectly confirms that the weight of long articles is forcing creators to change their behavioral habits.
@oran_ge (XHunt Chinese #682): Pragmatism wins.
https://x.com/oran_ge/status/2006848798816108582
Using a single guide (2 million exposures, 10,000 rebates) as an example, it proves that the algorithm rewards "high signal-to-noise ratio" content. Detailed, helpful content has a strong long-tail monetization ability.
@JimmyShequ (XHunt Chinese #2950): Reject mediocrity.
https://x.com/JimmyShequ/status/2012858319820784097
Under tag restrictions, ordinary content struggles to stand out. Viral articles require "counter-consensus" and "narrative upgrades." KOLs must dare to take a stand, resonate through their persona, and attract loyal fans, rather than merely being content curators.
Biteye's Perspective
CT in 2026 is no longer a wild world.
This is an era where cognitive efficiency is systematically amplified.
The algorithm has finally sided with "serious thinkers."
If you are willing to:
Clearly articulate something
Create a good visual
Establish a stable output of viewpoints
Then this round of reshuffling is favorable for you.
Next Steps:
Find your positioning: Whether it's a platform or a project, they prefer accounts that are sufficiently vertically specialized, have high fan engagement, and are memorable.
Interactive opinions: Reject being a parrot; don’t just retweet news. While chasing trends, add your logical judgment (Grok likes logic).
Charts are king: Learn to visualize complex information; a good chart is worth a thousand words (clickbait tool).
Embrace long articles: Whether for that million-dollar reward or for higher ad rates, long articles are the optimal solution under the current algorithm.
Opportunities for small accounts: The new algorithm clearly eliminates author bias; as long as your content is sufficiently Banger (i.e., capable of instantly igniting interaction), early genuine deep interactions can trigger the Phoenix system's stranger recommendations, leading to explosive single posts.
Appendix: A Must-Read Guide for Creators
[Official SOP] Twitter Article Writing Guide:
[Real Money] Million Dollar Reward Activity:
[Practical Tool] Recommended Hotspot Tracking Tool:
[Wealth Experiment] Revealing the KOL Cycle:
https://x.com/BiteyeCN/status/1986748741592711374
[KOL Panorama] Influence Map of Chinese KOLs under the InfoFi Wave:
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