X is experimenting with a new feature on iOS that ensures the like, reply, and repost buttons remain visible when users engage with links. Typically, clicking a link on X causes the page to open and completely obscure the original post, which seems to result in decreased user interaction, such as liking or commenting.

Many users tend not to return to Twitter after navigating away via an external link. To counter this, X is now minimizing the original post to the bottom of the screen rather than allowing the web browser to dominate the display. This move aligns with Elon Musk’s ambition for X to become an “everything app” that users never need to exit.

There is a widespread notion that linked posts on X struggle to gain traction. The post introducing this feature suggests that the current user interface, which directs users away from X, could be a contributing factor to the reduced engagement levels.

In a recent post on X, Elon Musk mentioned forthcoming modifications to the recommendation system, potentially boosting the visibility of posts containing links. He noted that the company is on the verge, about four to six weeks away, from eliminating all heuristics, implying that likes and replies will soon weigh less. Musk explained that, “Grok will literally read every post and watch every video (100M+ per day) to match users with content they’re most likely to find interesting.”

Transitioning to an AI-driven comprehension of post content, rather than relying on traditional algorithms, has long been a target for X. Such developments could potentially enhance the reach of posts, even for users with a limited follower base.