X Introduces Animated Prompt to Encourage Post Promotion

After Elon Musk warned earlier this month that advertisers featuring unattractive, shrill, or overstated claims would be barred from X, the platform has introduced a jarring animated arm that sweeps across the screen to draw attention to the “Promote” button during post composition.

The feature has been spotted and shared by numerous users, including The Verge’s Tom Warren, though it does not appear for all platform participants. The animation seems restricted to verified accounts or X Premium subscribers. Reactions have been notably critical; Sheel Mohnot commented, “I’ve never promoted a post and HATE this screen takeover,” while Jesse Middleton likened the experience to a Halloween prank, noting, “I wish I could explain how jarring this hand and animation was in the @X app. It was truly shocking, almost like a Halloween gag, but I’m pretty sure it was real.”

The paid promotion feature expands post reach to broader audiences based on location, interests, or demographics, including users who do not currently follow the account. Promoted posts are indistinguishable from organic content except for a labeled “promoted” or “ad” designation.

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