Hidden rules to become a "reached account" in the X (formerly Twitter) algorithm

Posts on X by 0xTodd are trending. Elon Musk has open-sourced Twitter’s algorithm, fulfilling his promise, allowing users to gain a deeper understanding of how their content is curated and displayed in feeds. This transparency enables users to clearly recognize which types of content are prioritized and what they should do to become a reachable account.

Two Key Mechanisms of the Algorithm

X’s algorithm operates mainly through two streams. One is called “Thunder,” which prioritizes displaying posts from accounts you follow. The other is “Phoenix Retrieval,” a system that pulls the most suitable posts from all X content, including accounts you do not follow.

Even more interesting is the hidden “Glock” assistant behind each user. This assistant predicts engagement with each post and decides whether to display content from your followings or to pull content from a broader range. In other words, your behavior patterns directly influence what content you see.

Invisible “Reputation Score” Influences Content Visibility

The algorithm once operated on hard-coded rules. A few years ago, posts including videos were strongly favored, while posts containing links were penalized. However, it has now evolved into a dynamic system that emphasizes individual user preferences over rigid rules.

The most overlooked but crucial factor is the “Reputation Score.” Each user is assigned an invisible score ranging from -128 to +100. New accounts start with a low score, and until they actively engage with high-reputation users, their content reach is significantly limited. Importantly, interacting with low-quality accounts can severely damage your score. Therefore, who you engage with is a key factor in whether you can become a reach-worthy account.

Verified Accounts vs. New Users

Verified accounts (with a blue checkmark) are favored by the algorithm and are more likely to have their content retrieved through “Phoenix Retrieval.” In contrast, unverified accounts find it difficult to reach the initial candidate pool unless their engagement grows rapidly. This gap represents the first barrier to becoming a reach account.

Negative Feedback Is More Important Than Positive Reactions

Surprisingly, negative feedback such as muting or blocking is more influential than positive interactions like likes. Extreme actions can reduce visibility, and a single block from a user can outweigh many likes from loyal followers. Therefore, collecting positive reactions is not enough; avoiding negative reactions is equally or more important for your content to reach a wider audience.

“Low-Quality Behavior” That the Algorithm Avoids

The algorithm strictly responds to certain patterns. One is called “topic fatigue,” where multiple posts from the same author are automatically ranked lower if they appear consecutively within a short period. Repetitive content on popular topics also incurs penalties, favoring timely and fresh posts.

Additionally, dwell time is a factor. The longer users spend interacting with a post—even without direct engagement—the higher its evaluation. Each tweet is assessed independently through a “candidate isolation” system, avoiding recommendations based on past content or repetitive posts, with a strong emphasis on video completion rates.

Practical Approaches to Maximize Reach

Understanding these rules clarifies strategies to become a reach account. Focus on increasing interactions with high-quality users to boost your reputation score, design content carefully to avoid negative feedback, and consistently post fresh, timely content.

X’s algorithm has become more transparent, making it easier for users to develop effective content strategies. By grasping these hidden rules, you can confidently walk the path toward achieving greater reach.