Musk Announces X Will Open Source New Algorithm Within 7 Days

Elon Musk has announced that X will open-source its new algorithm, including the code used to recommend posts and advertisements, within seven days. This will be followed by additional updates every four weeks, with detailed developer notes explaining changes. The move marks a significant shift in transparency for the social media platform.

Musk shared the announcement via X, stating that the process will be repeated every 4 weeks. He emphasized that the updates will include comprehensive documentation to help users and developers understand what has changed. However, he did not provide a specific reason for the open-source decision.

The timing of the announcement coincides with increased regulatory scrutiny of X. European regulators have extended an order requiring X to retain algorithm-related data until the end of 2026. In July 2025, French prosecutors also investigated X for suspected algorithmic bias and fraudulent data extraction.

Why the Move Happened

Musk has long promised to open-source aspects of X's algorithms, but past commitments have not always materialized. In 2025, he stated the goal was for X's recommendation engine to be "purely AI." At the time, he indicated that open-sourcing the algorithm would occur roughly every two weeks.

Recent user complaints also played a role. Some X users had reported receiving fewer posts from people they follow, which led Musk to acknowledge a "significant bug" in the platform's "For You" algorithm in October. A fix was promised at that time.

How the Algorithm Update Affects Users and Developers

The decision to open-source the algorithm will allow developers to access and understand the code that influences what users see in their feeds. According to Musk, the use of AI, specifically his Grok chatbot, will increasingly shape the recommendation system. This means that improvements in user feeds are expected to stem from AI tools rather than manual adjustments as Musk explained.

The open-source nature of the algorithm also aligns with Musk's broader strategy to integrate more AI into X. The company is working to ensure that all 100 million daily posts are evaluated by Grok, which will then recommend content to users based on their interests according to reports.

What Analysts Are Watching

Analysts are closely monitoring how the open-source algorithm will affect user engagement and content visibility. Some users have already raised concerns about the quality of crypto-related content on X, noting that repetitive or low-value posts are reducing the reach of more important updates as observed.

The move also raises questions about regulatory responses. European and U.S. regulators are already investigating how X's algorithms may influence content distribution and user safety. If the open-source strategy leads to greater transparency, it could ease some regulatory concerns, but it may also invite further scrutiny according to analysts.

Investors are also watching how this development affects X's competitive position. The platform faces stiff competition from Meta, Google, Snap, TikTok, and others. Musk's open-source approach may attract developers and users who value transparency, but it could also introduce new challenges in maintaining a coherent content strategy as reported.