X Introduces ‘Starterpacks’ to Enhance User Connections
In a strategic move to bolster user engagement, X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, has unveiled a new feature named ‘Starterpacks.’ This initiative aims to assist users in discovering and following accounts that align with their interests, spanning categories such as News, Politics, Fashion, Technology, Business & Finance, Health & Fitness, Gaming, Stocks, and Memes.
The concept of curated user lists isn’t novel. Bluesky, a decentralized social network, previously introduced ‘Starter Packs,’ allowing users to create and share lists of suggested accounts. These packs have been instrumental in fostering connections within the Bluesky community. Recognizing the success of this approach, X has developed its own version to enhance user experience.
Nikita Bier, X’s head of product, announced the forthcoming feature, stating that the company has meticulously identified top contributors across various niches and countries over recent months. Unlike Bluesky’s user-generated packs, X’s ‘Starterpacks’ are curated internally, leveraging the platform’s extensive data to recommend accounts. This method ensures that users receive high-quality suggestions tailored to their interests.
Historically, X has employed suggested user lists to help newcomers find engaging content. In its early days as Twitter, the platform provided editorially curated lists to guide users. However, this approach faced criticism for disproportionately boosting certain users’ popularity. In response, Twitter transitioned to algorithmically generated suggestions in 2010 to promote fairness.
The introduction of ‘Starterpacks’ signifies X’s commitment to refining user engagement strategies. By offering curated lists, the platform aims to streamline the process of finding relevant content, thereby enhancing the overall user experience.
It’s noteworthy that X isn’t alone in adopting this feature. Meta’s Threads began testing a similar concept in December 2024, allowing users to create and share curated lists of suggested accounts. Additionally, the decentralized network Mastodon has been developing ‘Packs’ to assist users during onboarding.
As X prepares to roll out ‘Starterpacks’ in the coming weeks, users can anticipate a more personalized and engaging experience, making it easier to connect with content that resonates with their interests.
