Elon Musk has published the latest version of the X “For You” feed algorithm, aiming to enhance user engagement by showing the most relevant posts. The average X user sees only 20-30 posts daily, making this optimization crucial. Since November, the algorithm has been "purely AI" driven, managed by xAI’s servers to tailor content based on individual preferences. While AI interprets signals, human-set rules now guide the algorithm instead of complex code.
Algorithm Structure and Function
The "For You" feed combines two main streams:
- Thunder: Ranks posts from accounts you follow based on past engagement, but limits the number of posts from the same creators to promote diversity. This reduces the likelihood followers see all your posts daily unless they switch to the "Following" feed, which is no longer the default.
- Phoenix: Uses Grok AI to analyze the last 128 posts you engaged with, predicting your interests to keep the feed fresh by adapting to your recent preferences.
The feed ranks posts based on likes, replies, reposts, and now places more emphasis on dwell time and video viewing.
Impact on Content Strategy
To boost presence on X, users should focus on generating likes, replies, and increasing dwell time through videos and long-form content. Posting too frequently is penalized to diversify the feed, and reposting duplicates is discouraged. Engaging with comments is beneficial, while posting external links is penalized. Freshness matters, as older posts receive reduced reach. Negative actions like being muted or blocked also decrease reach, with some users concerned about blocklists affecting visibility.
Transparency and Criticism
X first published its feed algorithm on GitHub in 2023 but did not update it until now, falling short of promised transparency. The new code is available for public viewing, marking a significant step. However, Elon Musk has openly criticized the current algorithm, calling it "dumb" and acknowledging it "sucks," with ongoing efforts to improve it.
Engagement and Competition
X’s head of product reports increased time spent by new users, a positive sign, but overall usage is declining as Meta’s Threads gains popularity. The algorithm plays a critical role in this trend, and despite internal optimism, external feedback suggests X still faces challenges. The hope is that AI advancements, particularly Grok, will eventually make the "For You" feed more compelling and personalized.
Maintaining user engagement is vital for X’s AI projects, and future updates will likely focus on refining the algorithm to better meet user needs and compete in the social media landscape.
