Author: Bbo I XHunt Operations Team
X (formerly Twitter) is undergoing an unprecedented reshaping of its content ecosystem. If you've recently noticed a change in Timeline's recommendation logic, it's not an illusion.
Musk is reshaping the landscape of online communication with real money, and Twitter salaries are soaring. Twitter launched a massive "million-dollar article bounty" to reward creators who produce in-depth content that resonates across the internet. Shortly after its launch, the platform saw its first single article surpass 160 million views.
What does this mean? It means that Twitter is attempting to transform its past "quick, superficial, and emotional" information forum into a "deep and high-value" content platform through a combination of algorithms and incentives. For CT (Crypto Twitter) creators, the old method of "inflated traffic" is becoming ineffective, while a new "cognitive dividend" is just beginning.
To help you seize the initiative in the next round of traffic reshuffling, Biteye will deeply analyze CT's revenue structure, uncover the traffic secrets behind the x-algorithm open-source code, and present a "Content Monetization Practical Manual" adapted for 2026.
First, let's not talk about creative work yet: how exactly does CT make money?
Before studying "how to write," we must first understand "where the money is." Besides X's official share, CT's real goldmine lies deep underwater:
Official Creator Incentives: Most Transparent, But Lowest Potential
Blue label and page views are the most basic sources of revenue.
However, with frequent algorithm updates, traffic generated by artificially inflating replies and riding trending topics has become severely devalued. According to Biteye statistics, most creators in the Chinese-speaking region typically receive only a few hundred to $2,000 in official revenue sharing per month.
This is a "base salary," not a main job.
Rebate Economy: The Most Profitable Cash Flow Underwater in CT
This is CT's most hidden and highly profitable sector. From exchange registration links to invitation codes for on-chain tools, and various quantitative trading bots, a high-quality, viral tutorial post can generate commissions from its long-tail traffic that are often equivalent to a year's salary for an average worker.
Project Promotion/KOL Rounds: Only Focus on Genuine Influence
This is commonly known as "taking commercial orders." Web3 projects will always need KOL endorsements, but today's project teams are becoming increasingly savvy. They no longer just focus on inflated follower counts; they also require @xhunt_ai to rank at a certain level or higher. Only vertical KOLs who can withstand data scrutiny have the power to command premiums.
For a detailed introduction to KOL funding rounds, please refer to the Biteye tweet "Unveiling the KOL Fund Round: A Wealth Experiment Driven by Traffic".
https://x.com/BiteyeCN/status/1986748741592711374
Paid Knowledge/Private Domain Traffic Generation: The Charging Strategy of High-Net-Worth Creators
Cleanse and import general traffic from the public domain into the private domain (paid groups, newsletters, research report subscriptions). Currently, the annual fees of mainstream Alpha Groups in the Chinese-speaking world are generally several hundred USD, and the core VIP fees are even higher with no upper limit, and the repurchase rate is extremely high.
Token Alpha (Proprietary Trading): Highest cap, also the most brutal.
This involves monetizing knowledge. It involves leveraging information asymmetry to uncover early-stage Alpha projects and then trading them directly. This is the highest-potential but also the most unstable source of income. In this field, some people go bankrupt overnight, while others achieve meteoric success, leaping directly to higher social classes.
II. The Three Evolutions of Algorithms: From "Rules" to "Semantics"
X just open-sourced its 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 Era of Tag Matching
Logic: Rule-based (SimClusters).
How it works: Simply include the tags #$BTC and #Airdrop, and the algorithm will mechanically push the data to interested people. "Tagging" was the optimal solution at the time.
2024-2025: The Era of Weighted Layering
Logic: Increase weight based on content type
Gameplay: "Blue Label" and "Native Videos" receive a huge boost in ranking, while external links are penalized. Without a membership, you'll be stuck; videos are more likely to go viral than text.
After 2026: The Era of Semantic Intelligence (Grok-based)
Logic: Completely abolish manual features, and use Grok large models for semantic understanding and prediction of user behavior.
Dual-stream architecture core:
Thunder System (Follower-Known System): Handles follower traffic. Red Line: Author Diversity. Rapidly spamming in short bursts will be flagged as noise and immediately collapsed. Tweets should be delivered with quality over quantity.
Phoenix System (Survivor's Bureau): 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 the user's intent, it can be delivered accurately. Current algorithms only recognize "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 a user taking an action, with the following weighting logic:
P(dwell) Dwell Time (highest weight): Did the user stop and finish reading your long article? This is more valuable than a casual like.
P(photo_expand) Image expansion: Has the user clicked on your image? This is a strong signal of interest.
P(reply) In-depth replies: Those that spark discussion are favored by the algorithm more than simple reposts.
P(not_interested) Negative Feedback (Fatal): Clickbait titles trick users into clicking, causing them to quickly swipe away, resulting in a precipitous drop in search ranking.
Appendix: Comparison Chart of X Open Source Algorithm Iterations
IV. Money-Making Strategies: How to Write the Most Profitable Articles in 2026?
Based on the new algorithm weights, future content operation recommendations will follow the following SOP:
Golden Theme: High Information Density + Logical Deduction
Grok models prefer content that is logical and contextual.
Discard: Meaningless calls to buy ("$BTC to the moon") will be categorized as low-quality noise.
Embrace: In-depth research reports, data analysis, and post-mortem analysis.
Monetization opportunity: This type of content has extremely high payoff (P) and is easy to embed with tool-related affiliate links (e.g., "I discovered this Alpha project by following XHunt's real-time trending topics...").
Formatting advantages: Long articles + visualization
Since the official platform is promoting "million-dollar articles," and the algorithm prioritizes dwell time:
Preferred formats: Articles (long articles) or Threads (long push strings).
Essential element: High-quality data charts.
By leveraging the P(photo_expand) mechanism of the algorithm, various Ecosystem Maps or data comparison charts can be created that are "unclear in detail unless you click to view the larger image," thus deceiving users into giving them a huge boost in traffic.
Appendix: Official High-Scoring Assignment Template – Four Ironclad Rules of Article Writing
The title determines success or failure: Reject paternalistic teaching. Replace mundane statements with counterintuitive viewpoints and concrete figures (such as "Why 95% of advice is nonsense"), accompanied by an eye-catching cover image.
Scan-style layout: Mobile-friendly. Paragraphs should not exceed 3 lines, and lists and bolding should be used extensively to allow users to scan for key information within three seconds.
In layman's terms: write like a casual chat with a friend, not a lecture by a professor. After writing, drastically cut 30% of the unnecessary text to maintain a conversational feel.
Traffic Acquisition: After the article is published, the essence is broken down into threads (long push strings) to attract traffic and link back to the original article. The article is also pinned to the top of the personal homepage for 72 hours to fully capture the traffic.
Operating Model: Personalized Elimination Matrix
Old model: Matrix number (industrialized stack size)
Creating 100 accounts to post spam tweets, piggyback on hashtags, and scam mutual follows -> This approach is guaranteed to fail immediately (it will be instantly eliminated by deduplication and anti-spam algorithms).
New Mode: Character-Driven Large Accounts (Grok-Friendly)
Algorithms now have a strong ability to remember author profiles. You need to make the AI remember "what this person is an expert in." Once tagged with high-value tags, every tweet you post will receive preferential treatment in the initial traffic pool.
Three practical tips:
Vertical anchoring: 80% of content focuses on a single area. Avoid posting miscellaneous lifestyle updates; maintain the purity of your content vector for easy Grok categorization.
Semantic Feeding: Use industry jargon frequently. In Bio and tweets, frequently use technical terms (such as TVL, MEV) to proactively "feed" the algorithm and reinforce your expert identity.
Graph Binding: Leveraging Top Account Authority. Frequent and in-depth interactions with leading accounts in the sector (such as Vitalik and official protocols) to increase one's own authority through the interconnectedness of the social graph.
At the same time, when operating and publishing content, please aim to create "Banger Posts".
What is a "Banger Post"?
Definition: This refers to top-tier content that can instantly ignite interaction and even "push the timeline forward." The official team even launched the Certified Bangers badge for this purpose.
The money-making logic: It's Grok's darling. They don't look at the number of followers, only the depth of genuine interaction. A logically sound Banger post can instantly trigger the Phoenix system (stranger referrals), giving your small account hundreds of thousands of targeted exposures, making it the perfect platform for high commissions and millions in rewards.
V. Market Consensus: Summary of KOL Views
To verify the impact of the new algorithm on actual operations, we compiled 12 of the most representative voices from the CT industry recently. These views reveal a common trend: the "false prosperity" is collapsing, and "real value" is beginning to take its price.
Algorithms and Ecosystem Reshaping: Saying Goodbye to "Watered-Down Meat"
@Phyrex_Ni (XHunt Chinese #8): Ineffective interactions increase followers but decrease points.
https://x.com/Phyrex_Ni/status/2010126344399794254
Citing X's official perspective, it points out that "frenzied replies (such as GMs) to gain followers" is the biggest misconception currently. The algorithm has already eliminated exposure credits for ineffective interactions; meaningless spamming will only damage account ranking.
@0xKingsKuan (XHunt Chinese #401): From "quantity" to "quality".
https://x.com/0xKingsKuan/status/2007704780945453115
Future points and rewards will introduce a "reputation + on-chain behavior" threshold, ending the era of "talking nonsense" and directing traffic to creators with cleaner data.
@biquanliergou (XHunt Chinese #2694): The cycle of the racetrack.
https://x.com/biquanliergou/status/2011862271274991867
With the blocking of Kaito-style "bot-driven APIs," InfoFi's era of noise has ended. Genuine "feature-hunting tutorials" and high-quality commercial deals will return, because users need tutorials, not spam noise.
@punk2898 (XHunt Chinese #197): Exposing the algorithm's true colors.
https://x.com/punk2898/status/2013538743467286981
This first installment features a 6,000-word in-depth breakdown, translating open-source code into plain language. It reveals the core principles of traffic allocation between the "follower feed" and the "discovery feed," as well as the algorithm's strict limitations on "author diversity." This means that the strategy of spamming is completely ineffective; precise output based on understanding the code logic is the key to success.
Monetization and Mindset Building: How to Enter the Market During the Bonus Period
@Bitwux (XHunt Chinese #22): Overcome "content shame".
https://x.com/Bitwux/status/2012063949232226455
Addressing the psychological barrier many people have of "not daring to write long articles," it emphasizes that in today's rapidly changing algorithmic world, consistent output is more important than pursuing a single viral post. First, get the process working; don't cut corners just because you're worried no one will read it.
@Bqlsj2023 (XHunt Chinese #70): Interaction is the only truth.
https://x.com/Bqlsj2023/status/2013508218350436588
The current recommendation system relies entirely on the Grok model's self-learning, rendering click fraud completely ineffective. The algorithm's primary concern is whether it can truly retain users and engage them in conversation. Deep, back-and-forth dialogue is the strongest positive signal.
@DeFiTeddy2020 (XHunt Chinese #88): Practical Guidelines and XHunt Traffic Tools
https://x.com/DeFiTeddy2020/status/2013506697202184692
This article summarizes 6 golden rules for XHunt creators, as suggested by Grok. In response to this urgent need for filtering "real traffic," XHunt launched the "Traffic Ranking" feature to help users track KOLs, topics, and trending projects, and identify who are the true top influencers with genuine engagement.
@DtDt666 (XHunt Chinese #255): The truth about earning 2 million a year.
https://x.com/DtDt666/status/2007698288347410635
He shared his personal experience, revealing that he earned approximately 2 million RMB in 2025 through advertising and commission rebates. His core secrets lie in "self-education" and "vertical positioning," emphasizing that continuously sharing his growth path is essential to attracting high-value traffic.
@DRbitcoin36 (XHunt Chinese #408): Creator bull market.
https://x.com/DRbitcoin36/status/2007376209626444015
We have observed that the base income for Chinese-language CT is rising (with a ceiling of up to 2990U). X's incentive mechanism is forming a positive cycle, and now is the bonus period for continuous producers.
Content creation methodology: Long articles, personality, and anti-consensus
@y_cryptoanalyst (XHunt Chinese #319): The game between traffic and depth.
https://x.com/y_cryptoanalyst/status/2013119291512820082
This points out the current dilemma faced by KOLs: should they write long articles to cater to the algorithm, or follow their hearts and post short, witty comments? This indirectly confirms that the weighting of long articles is forcing creators to change their behavior.
@oran_ge (XHunt Chinese #682): Pragmatism triumphs.
https://x.com/oran_ge/status/2006848798816108582
Taking a single guide article (2 million views, 10,000 RMB rebate) as an example, this demonstrates the algorithm's reward for content with a "high signal-to-noise ratio." Detailed content that helps people avoid pitfalls has a strong long-tail monetization potential.
@JimmyShequ (XHunt Chinese #2950): Reject mediocrity.
https://x.com/JimmyShequ/status/2012858319820784097
Under the constraints of tags, ordinary content struggles to stand out. Viral articles require "contrarianism" and "narrative upgrades." KOLs must dare to take a stand and gain loyal fans through personal resonance, rather than simply being content reposters.
Biteye's Viewpoint
The CT scan of 2026 will no longer be a primitive world.
This is an era in which cognitive efficiency is systematically amplified.
The algorithm has finally sided with "those who think seriously".
If you wish:
Write one thing clearly
Draw a picture
Establish stable viewpoint output
So, this round of reshuffling is good for you.
Next Step:
Find your niche: Both platforms and project owners prefer accounts that are sufficiently vertical and professional, have high fan loyalty, and are memorable.
Interactive discussion with viewpoints: Reject being a parrot; don't just forward news; add your logical judgment while following trending topics (Grok likes logic).
Charts are king: Learn to visualize complex information; a good picture is worth a thousand words (a clickbait tool).
Embrace long articles: Whether you're after the $1 million bounty or higher ad rates, long articles are the optimal solution under the current algorithm.
Opportunity for smaller accounts: The new algorithm explicitly eliminates author bias. As long as your content is sufficiently Banger (i.e., content that can instantly generate engagement), early and genuine deep engagement can trigger Phoenix's stranger push notifications, leading to a single article going viral.
Appendix: A Must-Read Guide for Creators
[Official SOP] Twitter Post Writing Guidelines:
[Real Money] Million Dollar Rewards Program:
[Practical Tool] Recommended Hot Topic Tracking Tools:
[Wealth Experiment] Unveiling the KOL Round:
https://x.com/BiteyeCN/status/1986748741592711374
[KOL Panorama] An Illustrated Guide to the Influence of Chinese-Speaking KOLs Under the InfoFi Wave:
