X adds intrusive animated prompts urging users to promote posts
X appears to be showing some users a large animated arm pointing to the “promote” button while they compose a post. The intrusive prompt has drawn criticism from users who say it is startling, and it comes as the platform seeks to encourage paid promotion.
The animation does not appear for everyone and seems limited to verified users or X Premium subscribers. Paying to promote a post can show it to a wider audience based on location, interests or demographics, including people who do not follow the account; promoted posts carry an advertising label.
In short
- X is using an animated arm to highlight its promote button.
- The prompt appears limited to verified users or Premium subscribers.
- Paid promotion can extend posts’ reach beyond existing followers.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
X can argue that the prompt makes users aware of a paid tool that may help creators, businesses and other account holders reach people beyond their followers. If it is clearly labelled as advertising and participation remains optional, drawing attention to promotion could be seen as a straightforward way to explain a service and support the platform’s revenue.
The case against
Users can reasonably object that a large animated prompt interrupts composing and may startle or distract them, especially when they did not ask for advertising guidance. Showing it to paying or verified users may also feel like pressure to spend more, and could weaken trust if commercial prompts intrude on an activity they expect to control.
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Originally published by The Verge as “This is how badly X wants you to pay to promote your posts”.