Beyond Logical Dilemmas: The Essence of Content Creation in the 2026 X Algorithm Era

The changes brought about by the new algorithm of X (formerly Twitter) are not just a technical update but a fundamental crisis of choice faced by CT (cryptocurrency-related) creators. The $1 million article reward system and the evolved semantic recognition system pose logical dilemmas for creators. Whether to choose brevity and wit or depth and substance, prioritize follower growth or engagement quality, pursue mass production or position as an expert—these dilemmas are no longer mere concerns but critical decision points that determine the success or failure of overall revenue strategies as of 2026.

Three Logical Conflicts Facing CT Creators

With the advent of the new algorithm, traditional success patterns have become ineffective. The first conflict is the Contradiction between length and timeliness. The algorithm prioritizes dwell time (P(dwell)) and highly values detailed data analysis reports and investigative papers. Meanwhile, short comments and tweets that spread instantly on X remain effective for breaking news and follower increase. Many KOLs are torn between “articles earning $20,000 in rebates with 2 million views” and “witty one-line comments reaching 10 million followers.”

The second conflict is the Trade-off between quantity and quality. Until 2025, mass posting using multiple accounts was effective as noise. However, the new Grok-based system remembers author profiles and immediately filters out spam-like mass posts. As exemplified by top Chinese creators, there is pressure to either accept basic incentives of a few hundred to 2,000 USD per month or to specialize deeply aiming for 2 million RMB annually.

The third conflict is the Balance between personality and expertise. The new algorithm recognizes “what kind of expert” someone is based on semantic vectors. Focusing over 80% of content on a vertical field and frequently using industry jargon (TVL, MEV, etc.) classifies the creator as a highly specialized account, which is favored in initial traffic pools. However, at the same time, the creator’s personal voice, unique perspective, and contrarian opinions are in high demand. Integrating expertise and personality appears logically challenging.

The Two-Tier System of X and the Era of Meaning Comprehension

The open-sourced new algorithm “xai-org/x-algorithm” by X’s official team has completely abandoned rule-based design. After the hashtag-centric era until 2023, the weighted layering era of 2024-2025, we are now in the era of semantic intelligence as of 2026.

This new system consists of two independent processing layers. The Thunder System manages follower feeds and strictly monitors diversity among posters. Excessive rapid posting from the same author is deemed noise and is immediately removed. The red line of this system is “excessive posts from the same author.”

Meanwhile, the Phoenix System handles the “For You” recommendation feed, delivering content to unknown users based on semantic vectors. Crucially, hashtags are ignored here. The Grok model understands the “meaning content” of the content and performs “intent matching” rather than “keyword matching.” Even without the hashtag “#DeFi,” if the content involves deep analysis with logical inference related to DeFi, it will reach users interested in DeFi.

This shift signifies the complete invalidation of traditional hashtag stuffing and trend-jacking. Simultaneously, it creates new opportunities where logically consistent, problem-solving content can reach the right audience automatically, even without tags.

The Truth of Interaction: What the Algorithm Truly Measures

Understanding the evaluation mechanism of the new algorithm is the starting point for creator strategy. The simple metric of “likes” has been abolished. Instead, multiple probabilistic prediction models operate in parallel.

Dwell time P(dwell) carries the highest weight. It measures whether the user read the content to the end. For example, a 100-character short tweet and a 3,000-character detailed article will have vastly different dwell times, with the latter likely scoring several times higher.

Photo expansion P(photo_expand) is the next most important. Clicking to enlarge an image signals high interest. By placing complex data charts or ecosystem maps in a “click for details” format, creators can intentionally leverage this metric.

Reply P(reply) is prioritized over simple retweets. Likes and RTs are rated low; replies that generate genuine discussion—disagreements, questions, in-depth comments—are highly valued.

Negative feedback P(no_interest) is deadly. Content that tricks users with clickbait titles but quickly loses interest causes rankings to plummet, even affecting account trust scores.

By understanding this evaluation system, creators gain an objective basis to optimize their content to be “algorithm-friendly.”

The Shift to Quality and Depth

The biggest transformation in content strategy in 2026 is the rising importance of format. X’s official campaign for “$1 million articles” has led the algorithm to favor long-form articles or thread formats.

The “golden themes” are detailed data analyses, investigative reports, and market insights with high information density and logical reasoning. Unsubstantiated predictions like “BTC will rise to the moon” are classified as low-quality noise. Conversely, content such as “Analysis of Bitcoin correlation coefficients over the past decade revealing institutional entry timing” is highly valued.

Such content boosts both dwell time and image expansion signals. There is also room to naturally embed related tools or rebate links, e.g., “Using XHunt’s real-time trend tracking tool, I discovered this early-stage project,” which is semantically natural and enhances content credibility, enabling affiliate monetization.

A practical SOP for article creation involves four key principles: First, the title determines success. Replacing “ordinary headlines” with “counterintuitive, specific figures” increases click-through rates. For example, “Why 95% of advice is nonsense” outperforms standard titles.

Second, layout should be scan-friendly: keep paragraphs within three lines, use lists and bold text to allow mobile users to grasp key info in three seconds.

Third, adopt a conversational tone—like chatting with a friend rather than a lecture. After drafting, cut 30% of unnecessary text while maintaining a conversational style.

Fourth, strategic placement is essential for traffic maximization. After publishing, split key points into threads with links back to the original article, pin the post at the top of the profile for 72 hours to ensure continuous traffic.

Harmonizing Vertical Expertise and Personal Voice

The operational shift driven by the new algorithm moves from the “mass posting matrix with multiple accounts” to a “single account with character-based branding.” Grok models remember author profiles with high accuracy and classify “what kind of expert” the creator is.

Establishing vertical expertise involves three practical steps. First, Vertical Anchoring: focus over 80% of content on a single field, avoiding miscellaneous lifestyle posts to preserve semantic vector purity.

Second, Semantic Feeding: consciously and frequently use industry jargon (TVL, MEV, civil attack) in profiles and tweets to signal expertise to the algorithm.

Third, Graph Binding: engage frequently and substantively with top industry accounts (Vitalik, official protocol teams, etc.). Through social graph connections, authority is indirectly enhanced.

Simultaneously, personality and perspective are highly valued. The new KOL round emphasizes that “only vertical KOLs with verifiable data can demand premium prices,” but adding personal viewpoints and contrarian opinions becomes a key differentiator.

Integrating expertise and personality remains the greatest challenge of 2026.

Opportunities for Small Accounts: The Power of Banger Posts

One of the most important concepts under the new algorithm is “Banger Posts.” These are high-quality content pieces that instantly generate interactions and push the timeline forward. X’s official team has introduced a “Certified Bangers” badge to recognize such posts.

The monetization logic of banger posts is straightforward. Grok prioritizes “interaction depth” over “follower count,” so logically accurate banger posts can immediately activate the Phoenix system. As a result, even small accounts can gain hundreds of thousands of targeted exposures, leading to high-value commissions or multi-million-dollar rewards.

This is a revolutionary shift from the old X paradigm, where follower count was everything. Only mega-accounts with over 10 million followers could land large deals. Now, niche accounts with 10,000 followers producing logical, in-depth discussions are earning higher rewards than mega-accounts.

To seize this opportunity, small accounts must focus on “maximizing quality”: contrarian insights, untested new analytical angles, pointing out industry blind spots—these form the material for banger posts.

Industry Consensus: KOLs on the Turning Point

By early 2026, major KOLs share a common understanding: “the end of superficial interactions” and “the shift toward deep value exchange.”

Previously, “meaningless interactions could still increase followers,” but the new algorithm completely removes exposure credit for low-quality engagement. The industry is accelerating the transition from “quantity to quality,” with reputation and on-chain behavior now part of the point and reward thresholds.

Additionally, the blocking of “bot-driven APIs” signals the end of the InfoFi noise era. Users now seek practical tutorials and high-quality commercial info rather than spam news.

For example, an analysis article with 2 million views and a 10,000 RMB rebate demonstrates that “high signal-to-noise ratio content”—detailed info helping users avoid pitfalls—has huge potential for long-tail monetization.

Overcoming “content shame” and maintaining consistent output are emphasized. In the rapidly changing algorithm environment, continuous value provision is more important than viral single articles.

Practical Steps to Surpass Logical Dilemmas

Creators facing logical dilemmas should take specific actions:

First, discover and specialize in a niche. Platforms and sponsors prefer vertical, expert, highly loyal, memorable accounts. Focus on one domain to build authority.

Second, engage in viewpoint-driven interactive discussions. Reject mere news transfer; add logical judgment to trending topics. Grok highly values logic, so counterarguments, alternative perspectives, and new interpretations are highly appreciated.

Third, learn data visualization skills. Charts can convey thousands of words; transforming complex info into understandable visuals is essential. Data visualization also plays a key role in leveraging image expansion signals.

Fourth, strategically utilize long-form articles. Whether aiming for the $1 million reward or higher ad revenue, long articles are optimal under current algorithms.

Finally, recognize the potential to scale from small to large. The new algorithm explicitly eliminates author bias (favoring followers). If content is sufficiently compelling (generates immediate engagement), even small accounts can trigger Phoenix and achieve viral success through initial deep engagement.

In essence, logical dilemmas are not insurmountable contradictions but challenges that can be gradually overcome through stratified creative strategies. As of 2026, the doors to surpassing these dilemmas are open to all CT creators.