Source: xAI Open Source Release (github.com/xai-org/x-algorithm) Date: January 2026 Status: CURRENT - Supersedes XAlgorithm2025.md
X eliminated ALL hand-engineered features. Pure ML prediction via Grok transformer now.
Key changes:
- Phoenix replaces Heavy Ranker
- Grok-based transformer does all ranking
- Follower count bias removed - quality matters more than audience size
- Timing optimization is now OBSOLETE
| Action | Multiplier | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| You replying to comments on YOUR posts | 75x | HIGHEST ROI |
| Getting replies | 13.5-27x | Design posts for this |
| Quote tweets | Higher than RT | High |
| Bookmarks | High | High |
| Retweets | 1-2x | Medium |
| Likes | 0.5x | Baseline |
| Video watch 10s+ | Very high | Use native video |
| Dwell time 2s+ | High | 40+ words |
| Action | Multiplier | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Reports | -369x | Account devastation |
| Blocks | -74x | 3-month penalty |
| Mutes | -74x | 3-month penalty |
| "Not interested" | -74x | Long-term damage |
| Mass unfollow | N/A | 3-month shadowban |
Math: 1 report (-369x) = destroys ~738 likes (0.5x) worth of goodwill
| Score | Status |
|---|---|
| 0-64 | SEVERELY LIMITED - Only 3 tweets get distribution |
| 65+ | Normal distribution |
| 100 | Maximum |
- Pause posting 48-72 hours
- Delete problematic tweets
- Limit to <5 follows/likes per hour
- Focus only on high-quality replies
- Rebuild over 2-4 weeks
The 2026 algorithm heavily weights conversation engagement:
- You replying to comments = 75x (highest ROI action in entire algorithm)
- Getting replies = 13.5-27x (design every post for this)
- Reply chains boost all participants
- Check your posts every 2-3 hours
- Reply to EVERY comment
- Even brief replies matter
- This single habit outweighs everything else
- Engagement velocity in first 30 min = algorithmic destiny
- High early engagement → expanded distribution
- Low early engagement → suppressed visibility
- Consecutive posts from same account get downranked
- Space posts by 30-60 minutes minimum
- Don't batch-post content
NOW OBSOLETE - Phoenix removed time-based ranking features entirely. Focus on content quality, not schedule.
| Format | Boost |
|---|---|
| Native video (<2:20) | 10x vs text |
| Images/GIFs | High |
| Polls | High (interaction trigger) |
| Text-only | Baseline |
| External links | PENALIZED |
- NEVER put links in main post
- Place in first reply instead
- Premium: Links viable (~0.25% engagement)
- Free: Links get 0% engagement
| Feature | Boost |
|---|---|
| In-network visibility | 4x |
| Out-of-network visibility | 2x |
| Reply priority | 30-40% higher |
| Link viability | Restored |
Premium is effectively required for link-based content.
Core principles from October 2025 remain valid:
- 6-Month Niche Strategy: One unexpected insight daily
- Medium-Form Wins: 1-2 paragraphs, 40-280 words
- No Threads: Single posts outperform
- Canvas for Comments: Posts should provoke discussion
- Reply-Guy Growth: Build authority through quality replies
- Reply to ALL comments on your posts (75x ROI)
- 50 strategic replies to target accounts
- One high-quality post with native media
- Space posts by 30-60 minutes
- No links in main post ever
Never risk:
- Offensive content (1 report = -369x)
- Controversial topics (until TweepCred established)
- Links in main post (severe penalty)
- Consecutive posts (author diversity penalty)
Always:
- Include media (2-3x boost)
- End with discussion prompt (triggers replies)
- Monitor for negative signals
- Protect TweepCred above 0.65
Last Updated: January 2026 Algorithm Version: Phoenix (Grok-powered)