X is nudging users to promote their posts with a pointing hand, and people are confused

The new interface element on X aims to encourage users to utilize the platform’s “promote” feature, which allows individuals to pay to increase the visibility and reach of their posts. However, the introduction of a highly conspicuous pointing hand has reportedly caused significant user frustration, with some finding it so intrusive they might be deterred from using the feature altogether.

This engagement tactic has been characterized by TBPN podcast’s president Dylan Abruscato as “most Nikita-coded,” a reference to the growth strategies associated with X’s former head of product, Nikita Bier. This suggests the design aligns with an emphasis on prominent, perhaps even forceful, prompts intended to drive revenue through paid post promotion.

The appearance of this feature coincides with recent leadership changes within X’s product team, with Peter Sellis taking over as product chief on Monday. Despite this timing, it remains unclear whether the new pointing hand is an initiative under Sellis’s direction, as X has not publicly commented on the change, leaving its specific origin unconfirmed.