How does keyword targeting work on X, and does the platform still rely on Twitter-style hashtag indexing for discovery?
How does keyword targeting work on X, and does the platform still rely on Twitter-style hashtag indexing for discovery? X has shifted far beyond the hashtag-driven discovery model that once defined Twitter. Instead of indexing posts mainly by hashtags, X now interprets the meaning, context, and intent behind words, replies, reposts, and even profile activity to determine who should see your content. Understanding how keyword signals influence distribution today—and how this differs from Twitter’s older hashtag system—is essential for creators trying to optimize visibility in a more AI-driven platform. 1. The fundamental shift from hashtag indexing to semantic discovery On classic Twitter, hashtags acted as the primary method for discovery. When users added #technology or #business to a post, Twitter grouped that content into a searchable index. The algorithm then suggested posts largely based on hasht...