X Algorithm Faces Mounting Criticism Over Reduced Post Visibility Since Early 2024

User frustration is growing on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, as many individuals report a significant decline in the visibility of their posts to followers. Among those voicing concerns is user Bill Mitchell, who recently tweeted, > "Why isn't X letting my followers see my posts? Come on man. Look at the change since January. 😡" This sentiment reflects a broader pattern of complaints regarding the platform's evolving algorithm.

Since its rebrand to X and under new ownership, the platform's recommendation system has undergone continuous modifications. These changes aim to personalize user feeds, primarily through the "For You" timeline, which prioritizes content based on perceived relevance and engagement rather than strict chronological order. This shift has led to a less predictable experience for content creators and regular users alike.

A key point of contention is the algorithm's reported difficulty in distinguishing between positive and negative user engagement. X owner Elon Musk himself acknowledged this challenge in September 2024, noting that the system may amplify content even if users are engaging with it out of outrage or disagreement. This can inadvertently promote controversial or low-quality content while suppressing more substantive posts.

Users also report issues such as "shadowbanning," where content, particularly posts containing external links, is subtly deprioritized without notification. While X aims to boost content based on recency, engagement (likes, replies, reposts), account credibility, and rich media like videos and images, the frequent and often unannounced updates make it challenging for users to adapt their content strategies effectively. Despite efforts to highlight smaller accounts, many creators struggle to gain traction in the algorithm-driven environment.

The ongoing algorithmic adjustments, particularly those implemented since early 2024, have created an inconsistent performance landscape for posts. While X's stated goal is to provide a more engaging and relevant user experience, the current implementation has led to widespread user complaints about reduced reach and a lack of transparency regarding how content is prioritized or suppressed.