X ALGO REWARDS BEHAVIOR

More you follow the rules, better your reach gets.

Here's 6 simple rules you should follow that'll get your account in X algo's good graces

[directly from X recommendation algo code] Let’s get into it ⬇️

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1. De-prioritization of links in main posts

→ Posts with URLs get less reach unless the link is embedded smartly (posted as a reply).

2. “Negativity” suppression

→ X is trying to push less negative content and favor more “informational or entertaining” posts.

3. Boosting broader voices

→ Smaller accounts are getting more opportunities (in theory) to break into feeds, not just mega accounts.

4. Freshness still matters, but not strictly chronological

→ Recency is a signal, but the “For You” algorithm ranks content based on predicted engagement more than timestamp alone.

5. Richer media is getting more love

→ Posts with images, video, polls, or media tend to outperform plain text (logically makes sense because user spends more time on those posts)

6. Stronger author / account signals

→ Consistency, engagement history, reputation and your interactions matter more than ever (algo has become extremely adaptive to the people you like or reply to and shows them on your feed - vice versa).

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HERE’S WHAT YOU SHOULD ACTUALLY DO

if you want to beat the algorithm (or at least not get buried by it):

1. Hook your readers

→ Your first 1-2 lines (or first 1-3 seconds of a video) must grab attention. On X, scroll speed is brutal. If you don’t hook quickly, the algorithm will quietly deprioritize it.

2. Embed media (but thoughtfully)

→ Use images, animations, GIFs, or polls. But don’t just slap on a random visual make it relevant and eye-catching. Mixed media gives you extra engagement signals.

3. Use “link in reply” for articles or external content

→ Put your link in the first reply rather than the main post. That helps your tweet avoid being judged for off-platform links and gives you more room to craft a compelling main message.

4. Layer in interactive prompts / calls to action

→ Ask a question. Invite replies. Use polls. The algorithm rewards conversations — not just passively viewed content.

5. Capitalize on multiple engagement types

→ Don’t chase “likes” only. Retweets, comments, quote replies.. they’re all signals to the algo. A thread that gets replies might “appear more valuable” to the algo than a simple like on a standalone post.

6. Mind your cadence and consistency

→ Inconsistent posting can hurt you. But overposting crap content will also tank your credibility. Find your rhythm.. a few high-quality posts per day (or every other day) is better than blasting mid content hourly.

7. Repurpose and recycle smartly

→ If something performs well, don’t be afraid to rewrite it - change the hook, update the media, shift your angle and recycle the idea. Test things out.

8. Test, experiment, iterate

→ Use A/B tests (e.g. tweak the opening line, image, format) and consistently check metrics like engagement rate, reach, impressions, and audience reactions.

9. Avoid toxic negativity (or at least tone it down)

→ Given the “negativity suppression” angle, combative posts may be downranked. If your voice is strong, you can still push edges, but do it in a way that encourages thoughtful reactions rather than knee-jerk backlash. Be constructive.

10. Build author “credibility” over time

→ Keep a clean history, stay engaging, avoid actions that'll get you flagged and don’t spam.

A good reputation with the algorithm (and with your audience) gives you leverage.

E-Book

If you found value in this newsletter, you’ll find this free e-guide helpful as well.

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The algorithm isn’t emotional. It’s calculative.

If your reach is dead, it’s probably not because your content sucks…

It’s because you’re ignoring the little things that matter (mostly unknowingly).

✦ Learn the system.
✦ Use it to your advantage.
✦ Then break the rules on purpose.

YOUR ASSIGNMENT ⤵

Test one change at a time.

And if you found this helpful, forward it to the creator who keeps complaining about being “shadowbanned.” 🧡 

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