X Appears to Be Nudging Users to Pay to Promote Posts With a Giant Hand Graphic

Social media platform X started showing a new graphic element for some users. Select users on the platform are seeing the prompt when composing posts, and it is directing them to the Promote button, which is a paid feature used to reach more people on the platform. The Elon Musk-led company has yet to give an official explanation for the new on-screen prompt, drawing confusion and criticism from users. Few users believe that it is a Halloween prank.

X Adds Pointing Hand Prompt to Promote Posts

Multiple X users have reported that they are seeing a pointing hand next to its “promote” button while they write posts. Many users shared screenshots of this on the platform. The prompt appears to be visible to select users. The company may be testing it with a limited audience.

The latest feature shows a large, prominent pointing hand on the screen, encouraging users to consider promoting their content. X has yet to publicly announce this change, but it seems to be an effort to get users to pay to increase the visibility of their posts. Users speculate that the unusual graphic could be intended as a prank as part of Halloween. Some users say that the new feature is scary. 

X’s New Prompt Appears as the company is changing its product leadership. Elon Musk-led company earlier this week announced that Peter Sellis, formerly associated with product roles at Snap and Discord, will take over as the platform’s product chief. Sellis succeeds Nikita Bier, who left X in August after serving as its head of product. Bier had been associated with many product and growth initiatives on the platform.

X’s Promote feature allows users to pay to increase the reach of their posts beyond their existing audience. It lets users turn top-performing content into ads in a few clicks. Increase reach and engagement.