Social network X has officially announced a major update aimed at changing the standard format of user interaction. The platform has launched the React with Video feature, which allows users to create visual responses to other people's posts by recording comments using the front camera.

As Nikita Bir, X's Chief Product Officer, stated, the new tool is positioned as a modern and more emotional alternative to traditional text reposts. Developers aim to catch up with visual trends, borrowing successful experience from competitors, specifically TikTok, where a similar feature has existed since 2021.

How React with Video Works

The mechanics of use are simple: when clicking the repost button, the user gains access to a video editor. Two main modes are available for formatting the response:

  • Split-screen: the original post and the author's video recording are placed side by side, providing context for the comment.
  • Green screen: the text or image of the source is overlaid on the background, while the speaker's face appears on top of it.

Currently, the feature is available exclusively for owners of mobile devices based on iOS. The company has assured that the release for Android and the web version of the client will take place in the near future.

Radical Reduction of Activity for Free Accounts

Parallel to the introduction of new tools, X has significantly tightened the rules for users who have not purchased a paid subscription. The company has introduced strict daily activity limits, presumably to encourage upgrading to the premium level.

Limits have been reduced by tens of times:

  • The number of published messages has been reduced from 2400 to 50 posts per day.
  • The number of possible replies (comments) under other people's messages is limited to 200 per day.

Platform Cleanup: What Was Removed and What Was Added

Elon Musk's team is demonstrating a high intensity of updates, experimenting with content management tools. Among the useful innovations, users appreciated the appearance of custom news feeds (timelines) and the snooze function. Now, you can disable the display of specific topics or keywords for up to 24 hours, which allows effectively cleaning the feed from spoilers or unpleasant content.

At the same time, the platform is ruthlessly getting rid of unpopular services. X has completely eliminated the "Communities" feature, which failed to win a serious audience during its existence.