X finally brings back headlines in link previews

Since Elon Musk took over Twitter and moved it to X, the platform has undergone several changes. These changes included introducing paid verification badges and removing headlines from link previews, among others. However, X, formerly Twitter, is bringing back headlines to link previews. Interestingly, this change only impacted iOS and web users, leaving Android users unaffected. Musk initially removed the headlines to enhance the platform’s “esthetics”, but his decision may have been influenced by a Reuters article he shared without context in November.

X, formerly Twitter, shines again with headlines in link previews

Musk had hinted about this move so it doesn’t come unexpected. In November, as we reported, he called for headlines in posts. He had briefed about the change that the title will be in the “upper po[r]tion (sic).” However, he maintained his stance on “esthetics” and said, “I hate those giant, ugly URL cards.”

Finally, as we enter 2024, the link previews now offer more details than just an image and the website name. These previews now present the article headline or webpage title in a compact format. However, quite contrary to previous hinting, the headline appears in the bottom left corner as white text against a black backdrop. Folks at 9to5Google noted that the condensed format of the headline can pose readability challenges for longer titles. The default display size truncates headlines that exceed a few words, and this problem worsens on narrower screens.

The change is available on the web version, coming to iOS soon

So far, the latest update is available only on the web version, but it’s anticipated to roll out to the iOS app shortly. And Android users? Well, they were lucky enough to never go through this transition for undisclosed reasons.

This update coincides with X receiving another valuation reduction, this time from its investor, Fidelity. Fidelity, which invested $300 million in X during Musk’s $44 billion buyout in 2022, now believes X is worth 71.5% less than what it was then, as shown in recent SEC filings.