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Hands on with X’s new AI-powered custom feeds

X has launched Grok-powered Custom Timelines, allowing users to create curated feeds on over 75 topics, promoting personalized experiences on its platform. This feature is part of a strategy shift as X phases out X Communities due to declining use. Launching initially for Premium subscribers on iOS, these custom feeds aim to enhance user engagement while addressing ad inventory challenges.

Key points

  • X introduced Grok-powered Custom Timelines, a major app enhancement.
  • Users can curate feeds on 75+ topics and pin them to their home tab.
  • Grok AI personalizes content rather than relying on traditional methods like hashtags.
  • The feature is currently available to Premium iOS subscribers, Android support is forthcoming.
  • The shutdown of X Communities signifies a pivot towards current user engagement strategies.
  • Custom timelines feature ads, aiming to boost X's ad inventory amidst struggles post-acquisition.

Why it matters

  • The launch coincides with broader AI trends in tech, emphasizing personalized user experiences.
  • Other platforms, like Bluesky, are developing similar AI-driven features for user engagement.
  • The decline of community features could reflect a shift in user preferences towards personalized feed options in social media.
  • Ad inventory challenges for X mirror wider concerns in the digital advertising landscape as companies seek innovative solutions.

The introduction of Custom Timelines positions X to better compete in the evolving social media landscape, leveraging AI for personalized experiences to increase user engagement and enhance ad revenue.