X, formerly recognized as Twitter, has recently implemented a significant alteration to the way posts are displayed when users are logged out. Instead of the traditional chronological order, posts are now arranged based on their like counts, marking a departure from the previous approach. While posts, previously referred to as tweets, continue to appear in a time-based sequence when users are logged into the platform, the sorting mechanism shifts to performance metrics when users are logged out.
This noteworthy adjustment was initially noticed by 9to5Google, raising intrigue and speculation among users and observers alike. The alteration entails that posts are organized according to the number of likes they have garnered, rather than the number of views they have received. This has led to situations where posts with higher view counts but comparatively fewer likes are positioned lower in users’ feeds. This unexpected change has led to some intriguing dynamics, particularly as it can lead to previously well-liked posts from years ago resurfacing at the top of users’ feeds, potentially overshadowing more recent content.
Interestingly, the new sorting methodology has garnered attention for its propensity to elevate popular posts while subduing newer and more current content. Even posts that have been pinned to the top of a user’s profile do not enjoy prominence in the feed when that user is logged out. This has sparked debate about the efficacy of pinning posts in light of this new sorting strategy.
The motivation behind X’s decision to adopt this approach remains shrouded in mystery. Speculation abounds, with one possibility being that X is wagering on the idea that presenting logged-out users with highly popular posts upfront may encourage them to follow the account or even consider signing up for the service. This strategy aims to leverage the allure of well-received content to entice potential new users.
X’s recent transformations have been closely tied to the leadership of Elon Musk, who assumed control of the company in the preceding year. In another development this morning, the social networking platform introduced X Pro, a formerly known product as TweetDeck, as a subscription-based offering. This decision aligns with the company’s prior announcement in June that TweetDeck’s accessibility would be restricted to verified users in the near future. This ongoing evolution underscores X’s dynamic strategy under its new leadership.
