X Adds New Features, Claims Record User Engagement

01/11/26
Source: Social Media Today – Latest News by Andrew Hutchinson. Read the original article

TL;DR Summary of X’s Latest Updates and User Engagement Insights

X has introduced a new “Priority” notifications tab to help users focus on key interactions and updated cashtag features with enhanced real-time asset info. However, controversy arises as the platform’s algorithm reportedly limits the reach of certain crypto-related posts, causing backlash from that community. Despite claims of record engagement growth, data suggests average user activity remains low, raising questions about the platform’s overall usage and advertising potential.

Optimixed’s Overview: Understanding X’s New Features and the Realities of User Engagement Trends

New Tools to Enhance User Interaction

X has rolled out significant updates aimed at improving user experience and engagement on its platform:

  • Priority Notifications Tab: Available on iOS and web, this tab highlights interactions from mutual followers and major accounts, replacing the “Verified” filter to streamline high-value notifications for power users.
  • Enhanced Cashtag Functionality: Users can now access more comprehensive asset listings with real-time price data and relevant mentions, expanding on previous integrations with eToro and TradingView. This may hint at future in-app trading capabilities tied to the upcoming XMoney feature.

Algorithm Controversy and Community Response

The crypto community has expressed significant dissatisfaction following revelations from X’s head of product, Nikita Bier, who disclosed that the platform’s algorithm reduces the reach of many crypto posts. Key points include:

  • Replying extensively with common greetings like “GM” does not boost post visibility and may actually harm growth within the community.
  • This disclosure has sparked calls within the crypto user base for leadership changes at X.

Questioning X’s Claimed Growth and User Engagement Metrics

Bier’s comments revealed that the average user views only 20-30 posts per day—significantly lower than engagement rates on competing platforms such as TikTok. Additional claims from X include:

  • Record-high engagement days in January 2026, though based on limited data sets focused on certain iOS users.
  • New users reportedly spending 43% more time in-app and existing users 20% more, without publicly available supporting data.
  • A reported 60% increase in downloads, unverified by third-party analytics.
  • Subscriptions totaling over $1 billion cumulatively, which likely reflects historical revenue rather than annual income.

These figures have been met with skepticism given the lack of transparent data and the relatively modest active user growth in regions like Europe.

Implications for Marketers and Users

While X continues to develop new features and claims growth, the low average user activity could impact ad reach and engagement effectiveness. For marketers targeting audiences active on X, this may require a more nuanced strategy to connect meaningfully with users. Ultimately, evaluating platform usage patterns alongside user behavior is essential to optimizing presence on X.