Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, now enables users to sort replies to posts, aiming to surface more relevant comments. The change comes in response to criticisms regarding the prioritization of blue checkmark accounts in reply threads.
Evolution of Blue Checkmarks
Previously, X, formerly Twitter, used blue checkmarks to distinguish notable users. Since Musk took over, the platform began offering blue checks to anyone subscribing to X Premium for $8 a month. Subscribers received verification and higher visibility for their replies, a situation the new sorting feature addresses.
Users can now sort replies by “Most recent,” “Most liked,” and “Most relevant.” The “Most recent” option arranges replies chronologically, and “Most liked” highlights replies with the most likes. Both options reduce the previous advantage of blue check accounts. The “Most relevant” option still appears to prioritize blue checks, though the algorithm details are not shared.
rolling out now: sort replies on any post by most relevant, recent, or liked pic.twitter.com/bBjaRliUxZ
— X (@X) August 9, 2024
Potential Impact on X Premium
These sorting options may influence the appeal of X Premium. If users prefer “Most liked” or “Most recent,” the perceived benefit of the blue checkmark could decrease, possibly affecting subscription renewals. The sorting feature works on any viewed post, enhancing its accessibility.
It remains to be seen how X’s user base will react to the new sorting feature. This update aligns with the platform’s attempts to improve user experience and address community concerns. Success could lead to further tweaks in content visibility and user interactions on the platform.
Broader Context of Changes
This update is part of a broader series of changes under Elon Musk’s leadership. Planned enhancements include turning live streaming into a premium feature and developing a supercomputer for AI initiatives on X. These efforts signal a strategy shift concerning user engagement and platform features.
The sorting feature is available on iOS and web platforms. However, users need to reselect their preferred sorting option each time they view a new tweet. In 2023, X also introduced X Premium+ for $16 monthly, offering even higher visibility boosts for replies compared to X Premium.
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 3:20 pm CET
