Twitter’s New Spin on Recommendations
Twitter is sprucing up how it shows you posts from accounts you don’t follow. The platform announced the move on Tuesday, September 20. Alongside this, they’re rolling out tools that let you steer those suggestions—think of it like a “content steering wheel.”
Why This Matters
Every day, millions of new users hop onto Twitter. With that flood of fresh voices, the company wants to make connecting easier. As Tiktok proved, algorithm‑driven suggestions can skyrocket engagement when done right, so Twitter is following suit.
What’s In the Pipeline
- “Related Tweets” — A pop‑up section that drops below the main conversation on a tweet’s detail page. This way, you get fresh context without stepping off the thread.
- X‑Button — A handy little icon that lets you click away any recommended tweet that feels off-key, customizing your feed like a personal DJ.
- Experimentation with Algorithmic vs. Chronological Feeds — Twitter dubbed the algorithmic feed “For You,” borrowing TikTok’s naming style to keep things familiar.
Bigger Picture: Competition & Goals
Meta is targeting a hefty goal: doubling the share of recommended content on Facebook and Instagram by 2023’s end. Twitter, meanwhile, has leaned on recommendations since 2014 but isn’t aiming for a wholesale overhaul; instead, it’s fine‑tuning the “for-you” experience for newcomers who haven’t yet deep‑dive into who to follow.
Challenges & Feedback
Some users vented that “Related Tweets” can flood them with hyper‑partisan noise, blurring the line between a true conversation and algorithm‑generated chatter. Twitter’s senior director, Angela Wise, acknowledges this and is iterating to keep the feed useful—and not a noise‑factory.
Bottom Line
Twitter is tightening the screws on its recommendation system, offering users more control and a cleaner, friendlier feed. The tweak is subtle but promising: with better visibility into algorithmic lifts, users might sift through content with the same ease as scrolling through a personal playlist. Happy tweeting!
