X Unveils Starterpacks to Boost User Discovery

X is introducing a new feature called “Starterpacks,” designed to help users navigate the platform by connecting them with accounts tailored to their specific interests. The announcement was made by Nikita Bier, the head of product at X, signaling a shift in how the platform manages user discovery.

The feature groups prominent accounts into categorized lists. Unlike similar tools on other platforms that rely on crowdsourced recommendations, X has opted for an internal approach. According to Bier, the company spent months analyzing data to identify top-tier posters across various niches, including:

• News and Politics
• Technology and Business
• Fashion and Health & Fitness
• Gaming, Stocks, and Memes

A Shift in Discovery Strategy

While the concept mirrors the “Starter Packs” popularized by Bluesky, the implementation differs significantly. On Bluesky, the ecosystem thrives on lists created and shared by the community. In contrast, X is leveraging its own internal metrics to curate these selections, aiming to streamline the onboarding process for its users.

Suggested user lists have been a staple of the platform since its inception as Twitter. In the early days, the app focused on interest-based connections rather than the friend-centric model of competitors like Facebook. However, those early editorial lists faced scrutiny for the massive influence they exerted over follower counts, eventually leading the company to pivot toward algorithmic curation in 2010.

The new Starterpacks are expected to roll out to all users in the coming weeks. Reverse engineer Jane Manchun Wong has already shared details regarding the specific accounts selected for these initial lists.

Industry Context

X is not the only platform adopting this discovery format. Meta’s Threads began testing a user-curated version of the feature in December 2024, integrating these lists into the sign-up process and the “For You” feed. Similarly, the decentralized network Mastodon has been working on its own “Packs” functionality to improve how new users find relevant content.