X has updated its recommendation algorithm to increase the visibility of posts from mutual followers — users who follow each other — in an effort to make reply threads feel more communal and less like a battleground of unfamiliar voices.
The change was announced by Nikita Bier, X’s head of product. “We noticed this data was missing from the algo and it made your friends appear less in your replies,” Bier said. “This resulted in the reply section feeling more like a battleground with people you don’t recognize.” He added that the tweak should also help “clusters form around interests more easily, which many people have asked for.”
The move is not a major overhaul of X’s feed algorithm, but a targeted signal adjustment. By weighting mutual-follower content higher in replies, the platform is attempting to shift away from the confrontational dynamic that has characterised the platform since its rebranding from Twitter.
It follows a series of changes aimed at creators. X recently revamped its creator payout system to incentivise original content over aggregation, and in July 2026 launched a built-in video editor to encourage original video creation rather than reposting stolen content.
The timing also reflects competitive pressure from Meta’s Threads, which crossed 500 million monthly active users in June 2026 and has been rolling out community-focused features such as its “Your Algo” tool that lets users privately control their feed content.
Sources: X just tweaked its algorithm to make it more friendly, less battleground (TechCrunch, July 2026)