Elon Musk Urges Tim Cook to Reduce App Store Fees for Twitter Content Creators

Elon Musk, the owner of X, has penned a lengthy message encouraging users to show their support for creators on the social media platform by subscribing to them. Recently, the microblogging platform introduced a new feature that allows users to subscribe to accounts for additional content, a ‘subscribed’ badge, and exclusive interactions in Spaces. Musk announced that the company will not take any commission from creator subscriptions for the first year, until they reach a $100K payout. After that, a 10 percent commission will be implemented. Additionally, Musk expressed his intention to discuss the App Store fee structure with Apple CEO Tim Cook, aiming to explore potential adjustments that could maximize creator revenue.

In a tweet, Musk talked about the importance of supporting creators. He said: “Very important to support creators! If you can afford it, subscribe to as many content creators on this platform as you are interested in. People from all over the world post incredible content on X, but often live in dire circumstances where even a few hundred dollars a month can change their lives.

Then, emphasizing X’s commitment to the cause, he revealed: “While we previously said 𝕏 would keep nothing for 12 months, then 10%, we’re changing that policy so that 𝑏 won’t keep anything forever until the payment exceeds $100,000, then 10%. The first 12 months are still free for everyone.”

He even called out Apple for its high fee and expressed his desire to speak with Apple’s CEO, saying: “Apple takes 30% but I’ll talk to @tim_cook and see if it can be adjusted to just 30% of what 😍 keeps to maximize what creators get” .

Elon Musk wants to maximize content creators’ earnings

In recent months, Musk has been building various avenues on the platform through which users, especially those posting engaging content, can generate revenue. X allows pre-verified users to receive a portion of ad-generated revenue as part of the company’s ad revenue sharing program. This way, any ads that appear in a post or on a user’s profile generate revenue.

In addition, eligible users can also get a subscription button through which they can also earn. This is similar to an Instagram subscription or a Twitch subscription, where a creator can earn regular monthly income by offering exclusive content and other benefits to top followers.

Building a creator economy for X could be part of the larger goal of a video-specific feed that the company wants to create. CEO Linda Yaccarino has said several times in the past that it’s a work in progress. The short video format is very popular these days, but attracting big name creators would require a company to pay them top dollar.