How Twitter Algorithm Works: A Thread 🧵 1/ Ever wonder why some tweets go viral while others flop? Let's decode Twitter's algorithm - the invisible force shaping what appears in your timeline. Based on expert analysis + my insights on how it actually works. 👇

2/ First, know this: Twitter has TWO main timelines. The algorithmic "For You" feed (default) and chronological "Following" feed. Most users never switch to chronological, so the algorithm impacts EVERYTHING.

3/ Core principle: Twitter's algorithm prioritizes ENGAGEMENT above all. It wants to keep you scrolling and interacting. The more time you spend on the app, the more ads they can serve.

4/ The algorithm scores every tweet based on multiple factors: • Engagement (likes, RTs, replies) • Your relationship with the author • Recency • Media type (text, image, video) • Time spent viewing similar content

5/ Your "relationship" with accounts matters enormously. If you regularly interact with someone's tweets, you'll see more of their content. This creates filter bubbles but increases engagement.

6/ Timing is critical. The first 10 minutes after posting determine ~80% of a tweet's reach potential. If it gains traction quickly, the algorithm pushes it wider. If not, it disappears into the void.

7/ Twitter also uses a "relevance model" that predicts which tweets you'll engage with. This is why you sometimes see tweets from people you don't follow but who are followed by people you follow.

8/ Video content gets preferential treatment. Twitter wants to compete with TikTok/YouTube, so the algorithm gives video tweets up to 10x more initial reach than text-only tweets.

9/ Controversial but true: Tweets with high "reply-to-retweet ratios" often get boosted. The algorithm interprets debate (even arguments) as valuable engagement. This incentivizes divisive content.

10/ Hashtags matter less than they used to. The algorithm now understands content context without them. Using 1-2 relevant hashtags can help, but stuffing tweets with hashtags can actually hurt visibility.

11/ The algorithm has built-in recency decay. A tweet's score drops dramatically after 3 hours unless it continues getting strong engagement. This is why Twitter feels so ephemeral.

12/ Tweet threads (like this one) get algorithmic preference because they increase time-on-site. The algorithm detects threads and often shows the entire sequence to users who engage with any part.

13/ My insight: Twitter's algorithm rewards "pattern interrupts" - content that makes users stop scrolling. This is why tweets with surprising statistics, controversial takes, or visual pattern breaks perform well.

14/ Pro tip: The algorithm tracks "dwell time" - how long users pause on your tweet without interacting. Tweets that make people stop and think often get boosted even without likes/RTs.

15/ Another insight: Twitter's algorithm has a "diversity mechanism" that occasionally inserts content outside your typical interests. This prevents complete echo chambers while testing new content types with you.

16/ Want algorithmic favor? Focus on: • Consistent posting (3-5 times daily) • High-engagement topics in your niche • First-hour engagement (reply to early commenters!) • Visual elements that stop scrolling • Creating micro-controversies (carefully)

17/ The algorithm penalizes: • Link-heavy tweets • Automated content • Low-effort engagement bait • Duplicate content • Long periods of inactivity

18/ Final thought: Algorithms change, but human psychology doesn't. Create content that makes people feel something - curiosity, surprise, validation, disagreement - and the algorithm will work FOR you, not against you.

19/ What's your experience with Twitter's algorithm? Have you noticed any patterns I missed? Drop your thoughts below! 👇