X Algorithm Playbook
The definitive guide to maximizing your reach on X (Twitter), based on reverse-engineering the open-source algorithm.
Content Optimization
How to create content that maximizes your algorithm score.
The Content Hierarchy
Based on algorithm weights, prioritize content that generates:
1. 💬 Replies (highest weight)
2. 🔄 Quote Tweets
3. 👤 Profile Visits → Follows
4. 🔁 Retweets
5. ❤️ Likes
6. ⏱️ Dwell Time
7. 🖱️ Clicks
Content Types Ranked
Tier 1: Conversation Starters
Best for: Replies, Quote Tweets
| Type | Example | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | “What’s your hot take on X?” | Directly invites replies |
| Controversial opinions | “Unpopular opinion: [take]” | Triggers agree/disagree |
| Fill-in-the-blank | “The best [topic] is ___” | Low friction to reply |
| Polls + discussion | “Vote + explain in replies” | Double engagement |
| Debates | “A or B? Defend your choice” | Creates camps |
Tier 2: Shareable Value
Best for: Retweets, Bookmarks, Shares
| Type | Example | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Threads | “10 lessons from [experience]” | High dwell time, saves |
| Tutorials | “How to do X (step-by-step)” | Bookmark-worthy |
| Curated lists | “50 tools for [niche]” | Save for later |
| Data/stats | “[Surprising statistic]” | Easy to share |
| Cheat sheets | “Everything about X in one image” | Visual + useful |
Tier 3: Authority Builders
Best for: Follows, Profile Clicks
| Type | Example | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Original insights | “[Unique perspective on industry]” | Shows expertise |
| Predictions | “Here’s what I think will happen” | Positioning |
| Behind-the-scenes | “How I [achieved X]” | Personal + valuable |
| Lessons learned | “I made this mistake so you don’t” | Relatable expertise |
Hook Optimization
The first line determines if people stop scrolling.
High-Performing Hook Formulas
| Formula | Example |
|---|---|
| Contrarian | “Everyone is wrong about [topic]” |
| Promise | “This one change 10x’d my [metric]” |
| Curiosity gap | “I spent 100 hours studying [X]. Here’s what I found:” |
| Direct value | “Save this for later:” |
| Story | “Last week, something crazy happened…” |
| Challenge | “I bet you can’t [do X]” |
| Specificity | “3 things I learned from [specific experience]” |
Hooks to Avoid
| ❌ Weak Hook | ✅ Better Version |
|---|---|
| “Thoughts on X?” | “The biggest mistake people make with X:” |
| “Check out this article” | “Key insight from [article]: [insight]” |
| “New blog post!” | “[Specific takeaway from blog post]” |
| “Happy Monday!” | [Don’t post this] |
Format Optimization
For Dwell Time
✅ DO:
• Use line breaks (spacing helps readability)
• Use bullet points
• Use emojis sparingly as visual markers
• Create scannable structure
• Thread long content (keeps them reading)
❌ DON'T:
• Wall of text
• No formatting
• Bury the value
For Engagement
✅ DO:
• End with question or CTA
• Tag relevant people (sparingly)
• Use images that add value
• Reply to your own tweet with additional context
❌ DON'T:
• End with period (full stop)
• Tag randomly for reach
• Use stock photos
• Ignore the replies
Media Guidelines
Images
| ✅ Do | ❌ Don’t |
|---|---|
| Screenshots (tweets, data) | Generic stock photos |
| Diagrams and charts | Low-resolution images |
| Memes (if on-brand) | Too much text in image |
| Before/after | Irrelevant visuals |
| Carousels for multi-point content | Single slides with paragraphs |
Videos
| Requirement | Why |
|---|---|
| > 10 seconds | VQV weight only applies above minimum duration |
| Native upload | Better reach than YouTube links |
| Captions | Most watch on mute |
| Hook in first 3s | That’s your scroll-stop moment |
| Vertical format | Mobile-first consumption |
Threads
| Best Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| First tweet is the hook | Determines if people read on |
| 5-15 tweets ideal | Sweet spot for dwell time |
| Number your tweets | “1/10” shows commitment |
| End with value + follow CTA | Capture intent |
| Space within thread | Easier to read |
Content Calendar Strategy
Based on Author Diversity Penalty:
| Frequency | Score Impact | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 post/day | 100% score | Safe, sustainable |
| 2 posts/day | ~76% on 2nd | Space 6+ hours apart |
| 3 posts/day | ~59% on 3rd | Consider threading instead |
| 4+ posts/day | Diminishing returns | Quality suffers |
Pro tip: Use threads to pack more content into one “author slot.”
Quick Checklist
Before posting, ask:
- Does my hook stop the scroll?
- Will people reply to this?
- Is this formatted for easy reading?
- Does the media add value?
- Am I providing unique value?
- Have I spaced this from my last post?
- Is there a clear engagement hook at the end?
Next: Engagement Tactics →