Elon Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter), the platform is gearing up for a significant algorithm update
Elon Musk shared that the upcoming changes aim to revolutionize the For You feed by shifting focus from popular and trending posts to showcasing content from smaller accounts.
Unlike the current setup that primarily highlights posts from users’ existing network of friends and follows, the updated algorithm intends to expose users to content from lesser-known accounts. Elon Musk emphasized that this alteration seeks to introduce users to new and interesting accounts they might not have discovered yet, fostering a more diverse and engaging user experience. Additionally, the update aims to provide smaller creators with increased visibility, aligning with Musk’s broader vision of transforming X into a creator-centric platform.
Over the preceding months, X has actively courted creators with various features, such as extended character limits of up to 25,000 for paying subscribers, the ability to upload two-hour videos, and the introduction of an ad revenue-sharing program that has already disbursed nearly $20 million to creators, according to X CEO Linda Yaccarino.
Elon Musk, in a tweet on November 10, 2023, revealed that the major algorithm update would be implemented over the next few days. The objective is clear: to surface content from smaller accounts and diversify users’ feeds beyond their immediate social circles.
The larger strategy is to empower creators to build their audience on X and monetize their posts through a combination of ad revenue sharing and subscription models, allowing fans to access exclusive content. Features like message requests from subscribers and recent additions like audio and video calling further underline X’s aim to become more than just a social platform, potentially rivaling services like Cameo.
While the success of X in attracting creators remains uncertain, Musk’s algorithm change could potentially provide smaller creators with a broader audience. This shift might not only increase X’s usage but also enhance content discoverability. However, challenges persist for X, including its purported decline in traction under Musk’s ownership and the emergence of new startup competitors like Bluesky, Post, Spill, and others.
Musk’s commitment to making the recommendation algorithm open source and subject to continuous improvement indicates a transparent and adaptable approach to refining the user experience on X. The industry now eagerly awaits the impact of these changes on the platform’s dynamics and the potential reshaping of the creator landscape.
