X has introduced a couple of new updates aimed at improving how users interact on the platform. At the same time, the company is dealing with growing frustration from one of its most active communities, following recent revelations about how the algorithm actually works.
Let’s start with the updates.
A Smarter Notifications Experience
X has updated its notifications tab on iOS and web by introducing a new “Priority” section. This tab highlights interactions that are more likely to matter — such as engagement from mutual followers and replies or interactions from larger accounts.
In practical terms, this replaces the old “Verified” filter, which X says has lost relevance now that a large portion of active users are verified. Instead of filtering by verification status, the platform is trying to surface interactions that are more meaningful.
For power users — especially creators, brands, and marketers who receive a high volume of notifications daily — this could make it easier to focus on conversations that actually move the needle. It’s probably not a game-changer for casual users, but for those managing visibility and engagement at scale, it’s a welcome refinement.
X has also added media previews directly inside notifications, which makes scanning interactions quicker and more context-rich.
Cashtags Get an Upgrade
On the financial side, X has rolled out improvements to cashtags. When users type a $cashtag, they now see more detailed asset options, and tapping on a cashtag provides real-time pricing data alongside related posts.
This isn’t entirely new territory for X. Similar features were introduced before through partnerships with platforms like TradingView and eToro. However, this version feels more native and polished — and it hints at something bigger.
With XMoney still waiting in the wings, these updates look like another step toward deeper financial functionality inside the app, potentially even trading down the line.
The Crypto Community Pushback
Ironically, the community that would benefit most from improved cashtags — crypto users — is currently one of the most unhappy groups on X.
Recently, X’s Head of Product, Nikita Bier, disclosed that certain common behaviors within crypto circles are actually limiting reach. Specifically, mass replying to posts with low-effort comments like “GM” doesn’t help growth — and may even hurt it.
This directly challenged a long-held belief within crypto Twitter, where aggressive daily engagement is often seen as a growth hack. The reaction was swift and hostile, with some users openly calling for Bier’s removal.
While the backlash was predictable, one detail from Bier’s explanation stood out far more to me.
The Engagement Claim That Doesn’t Add Up
According to Bier, the average X user only views 20–30 posts per day.
Let that sink in.
Most of us scroll past that many posts in under a minute. If that number is accurate, it suggests that a significant portion of X’s reported user base is barely spending time on the platform at all.
When you compare this to platforms like TikTok — which reports average daily usage of around 100 minutes — the contrast is stark.
This raises serious questions about X’s broader claims of explosive growth and record engagement.
Questionable Metrics, Limited Transparency
In recent weeks, X leadership has made several bold statements about performance:
- January 2026 reportedly delivered the highest engagement days in the platform’s history, including its Twitter era — but this metric only applies to a subset of iOS users using an optional device attestation feature, excluding Android entirely.
- New users are said to spend 43% more time in the app, though no supporting data has been released.
- Existing users allegedly spend 20% more time on X — which seems inconsistent with the 20–30 posts-per-day claim.
- Downloads are said to be up 60%, despite third-party data providers not seeing evidence of a sustained surge.
- Subscriptions reportedly crossed $1 billion, which likely reflects cumulative revenue since launch rather than current annual performance.
Individually, these stats sound impressive. Collectively, without full context or transparent methodology, they’re difficult to trust.
What the Reliable Data Shows
The only independently auditable numbers we have are X’s EU active user reports, and those do show a modest rebound. Europe saw roughly a 7.5% increase in active users after a period of decline.
That’s a positive sign — but it’s far from the “record-breaking” growth narrative being promoted.
What This Means for Marketers and Businesses
From a strategy standpoint, the big question is: does any of this actually matter to you?
If your audience is active on X, the platform can still be valuable — regardless of overall user numbers. However, if average sessions are truly that short, it suggests limited ad exposure and tougher competition for attention.
In other words, X may still work for niche influence, thought leadership, and real-time conversation — but as a scalable reach platform, the data suggests caution.
As always, strategy should be guided by where your audience actually engages, not by headline growth claims.
