Nikita Bier, X Product Chief, Sparks Backlash from Crypto Twitter Over Algorithm

Nikita Bier, Head of Product at X, and who has a history of building viral apps, has found himself at the center of intense criticism from the cryptocurrency community. Over the past several days, users have accused him of contributing to changes in X's algorithm that appear to suppress Bitcoin and crypto-related content. Many report sharp declines in engagement, with posts receiving far fewer impressions and accounts experiencing what feels like shadowbanning.

The controversy ignited when Bier shared observations about posting habits in Crypto Twitter, pointing out that repetitive replies, such as hundreds of daily "GM" (good morning) messages, were exhausting a limited daily reach budget and burying higher-quality content. He emphasized that this behavior was reducing visibility for meaningful announcements, sometimes limiting them to just a handful of views. The thread, which drew swift and heated responses, was subsequently deleted by Bier, further fueling accusations of avoidance.

Community Reactions and Platform Developments

Elon Musk entered the conversation by noting that xAI manages the recommendation system and announcing that the full algorithm will become open source on January 17, 2026, with regular updates aimed at improving user experience. This statement has been interpreted by some as an indirect acknowledgment of the ongoing debate, offering hope that greater transparency could address perceived biases.

Crypto users, many of whom value free speech and decentralized systems, have expressed particular frustration at feeling silenced on a platform that has positioned itself as a champion of open discourse.

In addition, Bier made more posts such as the one below, saying "And truth be told yes WE at X are heavily focused on removing bubbles such as "CT" from our app. For transparency, moving forward the algo will be 70% less likely to push posts identified as crypto related to larger audiences." This post really lit the fire under Crypto Twitter users, who amped up the backlash.

Amid the criticism, Bier highlighted upcoming features designed to benefit the crypto space, including Smart Cashtags that will provide real-time price information for cryptocurrencies and stocks directly in posts. He described X as the leading driver of crypto market sentiment in public markets and outlined plans for potential integration with trading tools and non-custodial wallets. These announcements have been welcomed by some as positive steps forward, creating a sense of irony given the simultaneous complaints about reduced visibility for crypto content.

The broader discussion has revealed divided opinions within the community. While a significant portion continues to blame algorithm adjustments for prioritizing 'rage bait' politics over niche topics like Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, others acknowledge that some spammy posting practices may indeed contribute to lower reach. Influencers and everyday users have shared memes and calls for change, with some even suggesting decentralized alternatives to X.

Bier's background as a Solana advisor has also come under scrutiny, with critics questioning whether personal ties influence platform decisions. Defenders argue that the issues stem from user behavior rather than deliberate suppression. The situation has paradoxically boosted visibility for many backlash posts, demonstrating Crypto Twitter's enduring influence on the platform.

As the open-sourcing date approaches, attention will likely shift toward examining the algorithm's inner workings for evidence of favoritism or flaws. For now, this crypto drama highlights the ongoing tensions between X's product direction and its vocal user base, a group deeply committed to principles of freedom and innovation.