How the X Algorithm Works in 2026

If you have ever wondered why some posts blow up while others get buried, you are not alone. The X algorithm can feel like a mystery, but it does not have to be.

In this post, we will break down exactly how it works in 2026 and what you can do to get more eyes on your content.

The Two Feeds You Need to Know About

X has two main feeds right now. Understanding the difference will save you a lot of confusion.

The "For You" Feed is the default. It is powered by the algorithm and shows you a mix of posts from people you follow, trending topics, and recommendations based on your interests. This is where most people spend their time.

The "Following" Feed used to be purely chronological. But here is the thing: in late 2025, X started using Grok (their AI) to sort this feed too. Elon Musk confirmed that posts from people you follow are now ranked based on "predicted engagement and relevance to you."

So even if someone follows you, your post might not show up at the top of their Following feed unless the algorithm thinks they will engage with it.

What the Algorithm Actually Looks At

X open-sourced parts of their algorithm back in 2023, so we have a pretty good idea of what goes into ranking a post. Here are the main factors:

1 Engagement Velocity

The first 30 minutes after you post are critical. If your post gets likes, replies, and retweets quickly, the algorithm sees it as a signal that people find it valuable. That early momentum can push your post to way more people.

2 Not All Engagement Is Equal

This is where it gets interesting. The algorithm weighs different types of engagement very differently.

Look at those numbers. A reply where you actually respond back is worth 150 times more than a like. This tells you something important: the algorithm rewards conversations, not just passive scrolling.

3 Your Account Credibility

The algorithm also looks at your account itself. Things like:

• Whether you are verified (X Premium does give you a boost)
• Your follower-to-following ratio
• How consistently you post
• Whether you have had any violations or bans

This does not mean you need to buy X Premium to grow. But it does mean that building a credible account over time helps your content reach more people.

4 Content Type Matters

Not all posts are created equal in the algorithm's eyes.

Images boost engagement by about 150% compared to text-only posts.

Native video (uploaded directly to X, not linked from YouTube) can drive 10x more engagement. Keep it under 2 minutes and 20 seconds for best results.

Threads get about 3x more engagement than single posts. They keep people on the platform longer, which X loves.

External links take a hit. X has been penalizing posts with links by 30-50% in reach. The workaround? Put your link in the first reply instead of the main post.

5 Relevance to Your Audience

The algorithm pays attention to what topics you usually post about and what your followers engage with. If you normally post about marketing and suddenly start posting about cooking, your reach might drop because your audience did not follow you for cooking content.

This is why niche accounts often grow faster than general accounts. The algorithm can more easily match your content with people who care about that topic.

The Stuff That Hurts Your Reach

Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to do.

• External links in the main post: Put them in the first reply instead
• Too many hashtags: Stick to 1-2 relevant ones. This is not Instagram
• Posting and ghosting: If you do not respond to comments, you are leaving a ton of algorithmic value on the table
• Inconsistent posting: The algorithm favors accounts that show up regularly
• Buying followers: Fake followers do not engage, which tanks your engagement rate and signals to the algorithm that your content is not worth showing

A Simple Strategy That Works

Based on everything we know about the algorithm, here is a straightforward approach:

1. Post 2-3 times daily at times when your audience is online
2. Use images or native video in most of your posts
3. Write threads for your best content instead of single posts
4. Reply to every comment in the first hour, especially ones where you can start a real conversation
5. Engage before you post. Spend 10-15 minutes replying to other posts before you drop your own content. This warms up your account
6. Put links in the first reply instead of the main post

None of this is complicated. The hard part is doing it consistently.

What About Timing?

Recency still matters. A lot, actually. In 2026, X is pushing real-time content more than ever. If something is trending and you post about it within minutes, you can get 8,000+ impressions. Post about the same thing a day later and you might get half that.

The lesson: stay plugged in to what is happening in your niche and be ready to jump on relevant trends quickly.

The Bottom Line

The X algorithm in 2026 is not as mysterious as it seems. It basically comes down to:

• Get engagement fast (especially in the first 30 minutes)
• Prioritize replies and conversations over likes
• Use visual content
• Stay consistent
• Actually talk to people

The algorithm rewards content that keeps people on the platform and sparks real interactions. If you focus on creating stuff worth talking about and then actually participate in those conversations, you will do better than 90% of people who just post and disappear.

It takes time. But it works.