Is Twitter (X) Still Worth Building a Following In 2026?
Despite the shifts to X, the platform remains a powerful tool for establishing authority within a niche. The key isn’t simply amassing followers, but understanding who those followers are and why they’re connecting with your content.
The Demise of the Follow/Unfollow Tactic
The long-standing strategy of aggressively following accounts in hopes of reciprocal follows, then unfollowing, is largely ineffective. While it can inflate follower counts, it yields vanity metrics. X’s algorithm prioritizes engagement – replies, retweets and clicks – over sheer numbers. A smaller, highly engaged audience is far more valuable than a large, inactive one.
What Drives Growth on X Now?
Niche Specialization
Successful accounts focus on a single, well-defined topic. Broad appeal is less effective than becoming a go-to resource within a specific area. Narrow positioning consistently outperforms attempts to cover multiple subjects.
Optimal Posting Times
Posting when your target audience is active is crucial. Tools like Tweet Hunter or Hypefury can automate this process, but understanding your audience’s online habits is fundamental. Posting into the void, such as during typical operate hours for a US-based audience, diminishes visibility.
Engagement Before Promotion
Prioritize engaging with others before broadcasting your own content. Reply to influential accounts in your niche, contribute meaningfully to trending threads, and offer insightful quote tweets. Reciprocity remains a core principle of X; supporting others increases the likelihood of them supporting you.
The Power of Social Proof (and Growth Services)
A substantial follower count acts as social proof, signaling credibility and expertise. Accounts with larger followings tend to attract new followers more readily. Building to that initial critical mass organically can be slow and demanding.
Some creators and brands utilize growth services, like Social Crow, to accelerate this process. These services aim to increase visibility and reach a point where organic growth becomes self-sustaining. It’s vital to choose providers that deliver genuine accounts and offer retention guarantees, as bot farms can negatively impact engagement rates.
Content That Resonates in 2026
Contrarian Perspectives
Offering well-reasoned disagreement with prevailing industry opinions can capture attention. This isn’t about clickbait, but presenting a unique perspective backed by experience. Framing it as “Everyone says X, but I’ve found the opposite” can pique curiosity.
Specific Stories with Universal Lessons
Sharing personal experiences with relatable takeaways is more impactful than generic advice. For example, detailing a specific financial loss (“Here’s how I lost $50K on a bad hire”) is more compelling than a list of vague mistakes (“10 hiring mistakes to avoid”). Vulnerability fosters trust.
Value-Driven Threads
Threads should deliver on their promises. The overuse of the “🧵” emoji has highlighted the tendency for threads to be overly lengthy and lacking substance. If a thread promises seven lessons, ensure all seven are valuable and insightful.
Beyond Followers: Tracking Profile Visits
Focus on profile visits rather than solely on follower count. X provides data on profile visits, which indicates that users saw your content and were interested enough to learn more. A high number of profile visits with stagnant follower growth suggests an issue with your bio or pinned tweet.
Consistency is Key
X rewards consistent posting over sporadic bursts of activity. Regular, valuable content builds lasting authority. While a single viral tweet can provide a temporary boost, consistent effort over time yields more sustainable results. The platform favors accounts that show up predictably, even if not daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is X (Twitter) still relevant in 2026?
Yes, X remains a valuable platform for building authority and connecting with a niche audience.
What’s the best way to increase engagement on X?
Focus on providing valuable content, engaging with other users, and posting at optimal times.
Are growth services worth the investment?
They can be helpful for accelerating initial growth, but choose providers carefully and prioritize genuine accounts.
What metrics should I track on X?
Profile visits are a more honest indicator of interest than follower count.
Start with value. Add visibility. The followers come after.
