--- name: "x-content-optimizer" description: "Write and optimize X/Twitter content using exact engagement weights from Twitter's open-source algorithm, real reach killers, and high-value behaviors that compound distribution." metadata: version: "1.0.0" --- # X Content Optimizer Write and optimize X (Twitter) content using the exact engagement weights from Twitter's open-source algorithm, the real reach killers, and the high-value behaviors that compound into distribution. ## Overview Twitter's recommendation algorithm has been open-sourced at `twitter/the-algorithm`. The engagement weights are public. This skill encodes those weights and the known reach dynamics into a practical writing framework for anyone creating content on X. **Based on the Twitter open-source algorithm weights and community X algorithm research.** ## The Algorithm Weights These are the engagement event weights that determine how the algorithm scores a tweet's quality: | Engagement | Weight | Notes | |---|---|---| | Author replies to your reply | 75× | Highest possible signal | | Direct reply to tweet | 27× | (heavy engagement) | | Direct reply from non-follower | 13.5× | Broader reach signal | | Retweet | 20× | High share signal | | Profile click through to profile | 12× | Shows genuine interest | | Link click | 11× | (link inside app) | | Bookmark | 10× | High-intent save | | Like | 0.5× | Baseline engagement | | Video 50% completion | ~0.005× | Very low weight | **Key insight:** A single reply chain where the author responds is worth 150× a like. Build content that generates conversation, not just likes. ## The Reach Killers These actions actively suppress a tweet's distribution: ### External Links — 50–90% Reach Reduction Tweets with links to external sites (any domain not Twitter/X) are suppressed in the For You feed. The algorithm deprioritizes content that takes users off-platform. **Strategy:** Put the link in a reply. Post the main tweet link-free, then reply to yourself with the URL. The main tweet distributes; the reply captures clicks. ### Repetitive Content / Engagement Bait The algorithm flags patterns like "RT to win," "like if you agree," explicit asks for engagement. These trigger the "engagement manipulation" classifier. **Strategy:** Never ask for engagement directly. Create content worth engaging with. ### A Single Report Can Destroy Reach One report from a user can dramatically reduce a tweet's reach until review. This asymmetric downside means controversial framing is a distribution risk, not just a sentiment risk. ### Rapid-Fire Posting Bursts Posting multiple tweets in a short window signals spammy behavior. The algorithm normalizes for burst activity. **Strategy:** Space posts with at least 30-60 minutes between them during a campaign window. ## High-Value Behaviors ### Replies-to-Replies Are 75× — Build Conversations The highest weight event is the original author replying to someone who replied to them. This means: - When someone engages with your tweet, reply back quickly - The algorithm interprets author-responds-to-reply as a signal that the content sparked real conversation - A thread where you respond to top replies compounds faster than a thread you write alone **Workflow:** Post → monitor for the first 30 minutes → reply to every substantive reply immediately. This initial engagement burst is the most important window. ### Profile Clicks Are 12× — Make the Profile Worth Clicking Dwell time on a tweet followed by a profile click is a very strong quality signal. This means your bio, pinned tweet, and recent posts are integral parts of every tweet's distribution. **Checklist:** - Bio states specifically what you do and why people should follow - Pinned tweet is your best recent post (update monthly) - Profile picture is recognizable at 40px thumbnail size - Header image reinforces the bio message ### Video Gets ~10× More Distribution Than Text-Only Video tweets receive significantly more For You feed placement than text-only tweets. The algorithm favors content that keeps users on platform. **Practical note:** Dwell time threshold is approximately 15 seconds. A video under 15 seconds that users don't complete scores poorly. A video over 30 seconds with 50%+ completion scores well. ### The First 30 Minutes Are Decisive The algorithm uses early engagement velocity to determine wider distribution. A tweet that gets 20 replies in 30 minutes gets pushed broadly. A tweet that gets 2 replies in 30 minutes enters a low-visibility pool. **Strategy:** Post at your highest-engagement time window. Use analytics to find when your followers are most active (typically 8–10am, 12–1pm, and 8–10pm in their local time zone). ## Tweet Structure for Maximum Weight ### Hook optimization The first sentence (visible without "Read more") must generate curiosity or state a specific claim. Vague openings lose the scroll-stop. Specific claims (with numbers, names, or counterintuitive statements) perform 3–5× better than generic openings. **High weight:** "The Twitter algorithm source code has 6 variables that determine your reach. None of them are follower count." **Low weight:** "Here are some thoughts on the Twitter algorithm that I think you'll find interesting:" ### The Reply-Anchor Thread Structure For threads with important information: 1. Post the most engaging insight as the first standalone tweet (no "1/N") 2. Reply to yourself with the thread content 3. The first tweet distributes; thread readers who want more find it in replies This format outperforms traditional numbered threads because the first tweet is self-contained and not marked as "part 1 of N" (which signals long-form commitment and reduces click-through). ### Quote Tweet vs Retweet - Retweet: 20× weight, but credit goes to original author - Quote Tweet with substantial added commentary: ~27× (treated as a reply with retweet signal) - Quote Tweet with only "interesting!" type commentary: scores closer to retweet, less distribution **Rule:** Only quote tweet when you have something genuinely additive to say. Otherwise, retweet. ## Pre-Post Checklist ``` [ ] No external links in main tweet (link in first reply if needed) [ ] No explicit engagement asks ("RT if", "like if", "share with") [ ] Hook sentence: specific claim or counterintuitive statement [ ] Post time: within your audience's peak engagement window [ ] Profile is current and bio states specific value proposition [ ] First 30 minutes: calendar a reply review window after posting [ ] For video: runtime > 30s, core content in first 15s [ ] For threads: first tweet is self-contained, not labeled "1/N" ``` ## Measuring Success The metrics that matter per the algorithm weights, ranked: 1. **Reply rate** — the highest-weight signal per impression 2. **Retweet rate** — second highest aggregate signal 3. **Profile click rate** — indicates audience growth potential 4. **Bookmark rate** — high-intent engagement (saves for later) 5. **Like rate** — lowest weight, commonly over-optimized If you're optimizing for reach, optimize for reply rate and retweet rate. Likes are a vanity metric relative to the algorithm.