X Rolls Out Priority Notifications and Enhanced Cashtags Amid Growth Claims

X has rolled out several new updates designed to boost user engagement while simultaneously facing criticism over the accuracy of its growth claims. The platform introduced a Priority notifications tab for iOS and web users, highlighting interactions with mutual follows and engagements from notable accounts. Additionally, X expanded its cashtag functionality, allowing users to access real-time price information and asset listings through partnerships similar to previous integrations with eToro and TradingView.

Streamlining User Experience for Power Users

The Priority notifications feature essentially replaces the Verified mentions filter, which X notes is outdated since most active users are now verified. This update includes media previews within the notifications stream, making it easier for high-engagement users receiving hundreds of daily notifications to track important interactions. Industry experts suggest this could prove valuable for content creators and power users managing substantial follower bases.

Controversy Over Growth Metrics and Algorithm Transparency

However, these positive updates are overshadowed by recent tensions with the crypto community. X’s head of product Nikita Bier revealed that the platform’s algorithm penalizes reach for many cryptocurrency-related posts, sparking calls for his replacement. More concerningly, Bier’s comments indicated that the average X user views only 20-30 posts daily—a figure that raises questions about X’s repeated claims of record engagement and usage growth. Industry observers remain skeptical about X’s reported metrics, including assertions of 60% download increases and all-time high subscription revenue crossing $1 billion, noting that these figures lack transparent verification and context.