X softens stance on external links

When Elon Musk acquired Twitter in 2022 and rebranded it as X, one of his earliest algorithmic priorities was to keep users on the platform. Posts containing external links — once central to Twitter’s role as a hub for news and commentary — were quietly downranked. For journalists and writers, that shift was seismic: a once-essential distribution channel suddenly turned hostile to their work.

X appears to be rethinking that strategy. Nikita Bier, the company’s head of product, recently announced that a new “link experience” is being tested on iOS. The feature is designed to make posts with links more visible and easier to engage with by addressing a technical quirk — the in-app browser overlay — that made such posts harder to access.

Bier described the update as an opportunity for creators and journalists to “reconnect with their audiences,” a notable departure from Musk’s earlier aversion to outbound links. It suggests X recognises that professional voices and original reporting remain key to its relevance in the long term.

The shift fits into a broader recalibration of Musk’s strategy. Earlier this year, X updated its recommendation algorithm to promote “entertaining and informational” content aimed at maximising what Musk calls “unregretted user-seconds” — time spent on the platform without frustration or fatigue. The company has also eased its moderation approach, opting to limit the visibility of problematic posts rather than issue outright suspensions.

For all its tweaks and tests, X still faces a central dilemma: how to keep users engaged without alienating the creators who give the platform credibility. Bier’s announcement signals a recognition that journalists, in particular, remain a powerful draw — even if many migrated elsewhere after link reach plummeted.
Whether this new experiment can win them back remains to be seen.

Source: Noah Wire Services

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score:
8

Notes:
The narrative presents recent developments regarding X’s approach to external links, with the earliest known publication date being October 19, 2025. ([socialmediatoday.com](https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/x-formerly-twitter-testing-links-in-app-link-post-penalties/803176/?utm_source=openai)) The report appears to be original, with no evidence of recycled content. The mention of a press release suggests a high freshness score, as press releases typically provide the most current information. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were identified. The content does not appear to be republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks. The narrative includes updated data and introduces new material, justifying a higher freshness score.

Quotes check

Score:
9

Notes:
The direct quotes attributed to Nikita Bier regarding the new ‘link experience’ feature were not found in earlier material, indicating potential originality. No identical quotes appear in earlier sources, suggesting the content is exclusive. The wording of the quotes matches the context and tone of the report, with no significant variations.

Source reliability

Score:
7

Notes:
The narrative originates from Business Insider, a reputable organisation known for its comprehensive coverage of technology and business news. This adds credibility to the report. However, the article does not provide direct links to the original press release or official statements from X, which would have further substantiated the claims.

Plausability check

Score:
8

Notes:
The claims about X’s new ‘link experience’ feature align with recent developments in the platform’s strategy to enhance user engagement and support content creators. The narrative is consistent with X’s ongoing efforts to balance user retention with allowing content creators to effectively promote work outside their ecosystems. The language and tone are consistent with typical corporate communications, and the structure focuses on the key aspects of the new feature without excessive or off-topic detail.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary:
The report provides a timely and original account of X’s new ‘link experience’ feature, with direct quotes from Nikita Bier and no evidence of recycled content. The source is reputable, and the claims are plausible and consistent with X’s recent strategic initiatives. The absence of direct links to the original press release is a minor limitation but does not significantly impact the overall credibility of the report.