After Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in 2022, many journalists left the platform due to changes that de-emphasized external links, limiting their visibility in user timelines. Musk’s approach prioritized keeping users on the platform by reducing the reach of posts containing links. Now, Nikita Bier, X’s head of product, is attempting to entice journalists back by promising improved visibility for links through a new link display system currently being tested on iOS.
Bier posted a short video showing how a link on a Twitter post might appear in a user’s timeline, aiming to make it easier for followers to engage with posts containing links. This shift suggests X may be recognizing the need to support content creators who rely on link sharing, reflecting broader industry trends where platforms aim to retain users while accommodating creators’ needs.
The move marks a significant change for X under Musk’s ownership, as the platform previously discouraged link-sharing to keep users engaged within the app. If successful, this initiative could signal a broader industry trend where social media platforms recognize the value of external content and adjust their algorithms to support creators.
