Author: Bbo I XHunt Operation 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 trying to transform the past "short, quick, 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 Manual" tailored for 2026.

## 1. Let's not talk about creation yet: How does CT really make money?

Before we discuss "how to write," we must first see "where the money is." Aside from the official revenue share from X, the real gold mine for CT is actually buried deep underwater:

1️⃣ 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 seriously depreciated. According to Biteye 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.

2️⃣ Rebate Economy: The most lucrative cash flow underwater

This is the most secretive and profitable 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.

3️⃣ Project Promotion / KOL Rounds: Only recognize real influence

Commonly known as "taking business orders." Web3 project teams always need KOL endorsements, but now project teams are becoming increasingly savvy. They no longer just focus on inflated follower counts but also 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, refer to Biteye's tweet "Unveiling KOL Rounds: A Wealth Experiment Wrapped in Traffic."

🔗 https://x.com/BiteyeCN/status/1986748741592711374

4️⃣ Knowledge Payment / Private Domain Traffic: The charging game of high-net-worth creators

Cleaning and directing public domain traffic into private domains (paid groups, newsletters, research report subscriptions). Currently, the annual fees for mainstream Alpha Groups in the Chinese-speaking world generally range in the hundreds of U, with core VIP memberships having no upper limit and a very high repurchase rate.

5️⃣ Token Alpha (Self-operated Trading): The highest ceiling, but also the most brutal

This is monetization through cognition. It involves discovering early Alpha projects using information asymmetry and trading oneself. This is the highest ceiling but also the most unstable source of income. In this track, some people lose everything overnight, while others make a breakthrough and leap across classes.

## 2. 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:

1️⃣ Before 2023: Tag Matching Era

• Logic: Based on rules (SimClusters).

• Play: As long as you include #$BTC #Airdrop tags, the algorithm mechanically pushes it to interested people. "Riding tags" was the optimal solution at that time.
  

2️⃣ 2024-2025: Weight Layering Era

• Logic: Increase weight based on content type

• Play: The weight of "blue check" and "native video" skyrockets, while external links are downgraded. It's nearly impossible to succeed without buying a membership; posting videos is easier to go viral than posting text.

3️⃣ After 2026: 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. Frequent mass posting in a short time 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."

## 3. Interaction is no longer equal: What does the algorithm really value?

The new algorithm no longer simply counts how many likes you have. It will predict 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 images? This is a strong signal of interest.

• 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 clicks, causing users to quickly scroll away, will lead to a cliff-like drop in weight.

Appendix: Comparison Chart of X Open-source Algorithm Iterations

## 4. Money-Making Strategy: How to Write Most Profitably in 2026?

Combining the new algorithm weights, future content operations should follow the SOP below:

1. Golden Theme: High Information Density + Logical Deduction

The Grok model prefers content that is logical and contextual.

• Abandon: Meaningless shilling ("$BTC to the moon 🚀"), such content will be classified as low-quality noise.

• Embrace: In-depth research reports, data analysis, and 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 topic feature…").

1. Format Dividend: Long Articles + Visualization

Since the official is promoting the "Million Dollar Article," and the algorithm values dwell time:

• Preferred formats: Articles (long-form) 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 are "impossible to see details without clicking to enlarge," which can attract significant traffic weighting.

Appendix: Official High-Scoring Assignment Template ------ Four Iron Rules of Article Writing

1. 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 eye-catching cover images.

2. Scanning Layout: Mobile-friendly. Paragraphs should not exceed 3 lines, use lists and bold text to let users grasp the key points within three seconds.

3. Speak Human: Chat like a friend rather than lecturing like a professor. After writing, ruthlessly delete 30% of the fluff to maintain a conversational feel.

4. Traffic Acquisition: After publishing the article, break down the essence into a Thread (long tweet thread) for traffic generation and link back to the original article, and pin the article on your personal homepage for 72 hours to fully capitalize on traffic.

5. 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, starting like 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:

  1. Vertical Anchoring: 80% of content should focus on a single track. Avoid posting random life tweets, maintain content vector purity for Grok to quickly categorize.

  2. 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.

  3. 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 relevance to enhance your own weight.

At the same time, when publishing content, aim to create "Banger Posts."
💡 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 launched the Certified Bangers badge.

• Money-Making Logic: It is the darling of Grok. It doesn't look at follower counts but at the depth of real interaction. A logically sound Banger can instantly trigger the Phoenix system (stranger recommendations), allowing small accounts to gain hundreds of thousands of precise exposures, making it the best vehicle for high rebates and million-dollar rewards.

## 5. Market Consensus: Summary of KOL Opinions

To verify the impact of the new algorithm on actual operations, we have compiled the 12 most representative voices within the recent CT circle. These opinions reveal a common trend: "false prosperity" is collapsing, and "real value" is beginning to be priced.

1️⃣ Algorithm and Ecological Reshaping: Farewell to "Inflated Traffic"

• @Phyrex_Ni (XHunt Chinese #8): Ineffective interactions that increase followers actually deduct points.
  🔗 https://x.com/Phyrex_Ni/status/2010126344399794254 Citing X's official viewpoint, 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," ending the "shallow engagement" era, and traffic will flow 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. Real "tutorials" and quality business orders will return, as users need tutorials rather than spamming noise.

• @punk2898 (XHunt Chinese #197): Exposing the algorithm's secrets.
  🔗 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 limitation on "author diversity": this means that spamming tactics are completely ineffective, and precise output after understanding the code logic is the way to go.

2️⃣ 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 have of "not daring to write long articles," emphasizing that in the current algorithmic upheaval, persistence in output is more important than chasing a single viral piece. First, run through the process; don't self-censor out of fear of no one watching.

• @Bqlsj2023 (XHunt Chinese #70): Interaction is the only truth.
  🔗 https://x.com/Bqlsj2023/status/2013508218350436588 The current recommendations are fully entrusted to the Grok model's self-learning, and spamming is completely ineffective. The algorithm cares most about whether it can genuinely retain people and spark conversations. Having back-and-forth deep dialogues is the strongest signal for scoring.

• @DeFiTeddy2020 (XHunt Chinese #88): Practical guidelines and XHunt traffic tools
  🔗 https://x.com/DeFiTeddy2020/status/2013506697202184692
  Summarizes the 6 golden rules for X creators recommended by Grok. At the same time, in response to the urgent demand for "real traffic" screening, XHunt has launched the "Traffic Ranking" feature to help users track KOLs, topics, and project hotspots, and identify who has genuine interactions.

• @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 + rebates is about 2 million RMB. The core secret lies in "self-education" and "vertical positioning," continuously sharing growth paths to attract high-value traffic.

• @DRbitcoin36 (XHunt Chinese #408): Creator bull market.
  🔗 https://x.com/DRbitcoin36/status/2007376209626444015 Observes that the base income of Chinese CT is rising (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.

3️⃣ Content Creation Methodology: Long Articles, Persona, and Counter Consensus

• @y_cryptoanalyst (XHunt Chinese #319): The game of 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 hearts and post short rants? 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 strong long-tail monetization capabilities.

• @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 and resonate with their persona to gain loyal followers, rather than merely being a content aggregator.

💡 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 "thoughtful individuals."

If you are willing to:

• Clearly articulate something

• Create a good visual

• Establish a stable output of viewpoints

Then this round of reshuffling is a boon for you.

Next Steps:

1. Find Your Positioning: Whether it's a platform or a project team, they prefer accounts that are sufficiently vertical, professional, have high fan engagement, and are memorable.

2. Engage with Opinions: Reject being a parrot; don't just retweet news. Add your logical judgment while chasing trends (Grok likes logic).

3. Charts are Key: Learn to visualize complex information; a good chart is worth a thousand words (clickbait tool).

4. Embrace Long Articles: Whether for that million-dollar reward or for higher ad prices, long articles are the optimal solution under the current algorithm.

5. Opportunities for Small Accounts: The new algorithm has clearly eliminated 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, achieving explosive growth for single posts.

⬇️ Appendix: Essential Reading for Creators

• [Official SOP] Twitter Article Writing Guide:
  https://x.com/XCreators/status/2011957172821737574

• [Real Money] Million Dollar Reward Program:
  https://x.com/XCreators/status/2012306731867717852

• [Practical Tools] Hot Topic Tracking Tool Recommendations:
  https://x.com/BiteyeCN/status/2013204713005797752

• [Wealth Experiment] Unveiling KOL Rounds:
  https://x.com/BiteyeCN/status/1986748741592711374

• [KOL Panorama] Influence Map of Chinese KOLs under the InfoFi Wave:
  https://x.com/BiteyeCN/status/1973675694270935409