Elon Musk has made good on his strange threat to strip headlines from news organizations’ posts on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The change, which began on Wednesday, alters how news links appear on users’ timelines in an effort to “greatly improve the esthetics,” according to Musk. Previously, when news organizations shared a link to an article on X, the post would automatically display the story’s lead image and headline below it. However, as of late Wednesday, only the main photo associated with an article is displayed. To see the story’s headline, users must now click on the lead image.
Users of X expressed their displeasure with the change. One user named Danika commented, “Esthetics are one thing, knowing what you’re going to read to want to click on it in the first place is another. The things I write about… not easy to summarize in a photo, to make people click on my posts with just a photo.”
In August, Musk announced this move as part of his plan to make X “the everything app.” He claimed that the platform’s algorithm tries to optimize time spent on X, which means links do not receive much attention because users spend less time on the platform if they click away. Musk suggested that long-form content is the best way to engage X users.
However, some users expressed skepticism about the removal of headlines from news stories. They argued that articles could become even more misleading without the context provided by a headline. One user said, “Ruins the flow and is actually less functional. There’s a reason why the headline and picture have gone together till now.”
Representatives for X have not yet responded to requests for comment on the change.
This change is just the latest in a series of unconventional moves made by Musk since taking over X in October. Notably, Musk rebranded the platform from Twitter and introduced a premium service that requires users to pay $8 per month to keep their blue checkmarks. Businesses can pay $1,000 monthly, plus $50 per employee affiliate account, to maintain their verified status. Musk has also hinted at a potential subscription service for X.
Musk revealed plans for a paywall during a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, explaining that it would help combat the presence of bots on the platform. The subscription model would discourage bot creation by requiring each account to register a new credit card. Musk did not disclose the exact pricing for the subscription but stated it would be lower than the current premium fee.
This shift in X’s display of news links comes as the social media site continues to face financial challenges. Musk recently announced a 60% decline in ad revenue for X and attributed the loss to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) accusing the platform and Musk of anti-Semitism. Musk accused the ADL of trying to kill the platform. The specific impact of the change in displaying news headlines on X’s financial situation remains to be seen.
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