X tests removing headlines from links to news articles

X, the social media web site previously often known as Twitter, is testing stripping headlines from articles shared on the location. The transfer was initially reported by Fortune, earlier than X proprietor Elon Musk confirmed it directly. Posts would solely embrace the lead picture and the URL, until the individual or writer posting the hyperlink provides their very own textual content, per supplies the outlet seen.

The picture would nonetheless function a hyperlink to the article, however there is no phrase on a timetable to roll it out or affirmation that it’s going to ship in any respect. “It’s one thing Elon desires,” a supply is quoted as saying, “They had been working it by advertisers, who didn’t prefer it, but it surely’s taking place.”

In accordance with Musk, the change “will enormously enhance the esthetics” of the service. Different explanations for the change reported by Fortune embrace decreasing the peak of particular person posts so customers’ timelines show extra content material, and that Musk apparently “believes the change will assist curb clickbait.”

X didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark past an automatic response from its press contact deal with.

Replace August twenty second, 3:37AM ET: Up to date with Elon Musk’s affirmation.