Who to Follow on X: A Guide to Finding Interesting Accounts

X, formerly known as Twitter, is a powerful platform for staying informed, entertained, and connected. With millions of users, finding the right accounts to follow can significantly enhance your experience. This guide provides tips and strategies for discovering interesting accounts tailored to your unique interests.

Understanding Your Interests

Before diving into the search, take a moment to consider what you want to gain from your X feed. Are you looking for:

  • News and Information: Stay up-to-date on current events, industry trends, and expert insights.
  • Entertainment: Find humor, creative content, and engaging personalities.
  • Educational Content: Learn new skills, explore different perspectives, and expand your knowledge.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals in your field and build relationships.

Strategies for Finding Accounts

1. Utilize X's Search Function

X's search bar is a powerful tool for finding accounts based on keywords, hashtags, or usernames. Here's how to use it effectively:

  • Keywords: Enter specific terms related to your interests. For example, if you're interested in technology, search for "artificial intelligence," "blockchain," or "cybersecurity."
  • Hashtags: Explore trending topics and niche communities by searching for relevant hashtags. Examples include "#travelphotography," "#coding," or "#sustainableliving."
  • Usernames: If you know the username of a specific person or organization, you can quickly find their account.

2. Explore the "For You" Page

The "For You" page uses an algorithm to recommend content and accounts based on your activity. Scroll through this page to discover new profiles that align with your interests. The algorithm learns from your likes and dislikes, so the more you interact with content, the better the suggestions will become.

3. Check Following/Follower Lists

A great way to find new accounts is by exploring the profiles of people you already follow. Check their "Following" list to see who they're connected to, or look at their "Followers" to find people with shared interests. This method allows you to find common ground through the people you trust.

4. Use X's "Who to Follow" Feature

X provides a "Who to Follow" window that suggests accounts based on your existing network and interests. This feature can be found on the "Explore" page or in a window on the right side of the screen on a desktop computer. The mobile app also has this feature; simply scroll down the "For You" page.

5. Explore Lists

X's Lists feature allows users to curate groups of accounts based on specific topics or interests. You can find lists through the "Discover new lists" prompt or by checking other people's profiles. Lists allow you to see posts from a specific set of people without having to follow them all.

6. Engage with Hashtags

Type a hashtag related to your interests into the search bar. Using a hashtag instead of a general topic tab enables you to look for people talking about niche interests, keywords, or timely/trending topics. Also, include hashtags in your posts so that other people searching for that topic can find what you're saying.

7. Use Advanced Search

X's Advanced Search allows you to narrow down your search by language, location, and even follower size to find the most relevant users for your needs. You can also filter users by their last activity to ensure you're engaging with active accounts. Focus on verified accounts or those with profile photos to find reliable accounts. Target accounts based on how many people they follow or are followed by, perfect for identifying influencers.

Accounts to Consider Following

While the best accounts to follow depend on your individual interests, here are some general categories and examples to get you started:

  • News: CNN, CNN Breaking News
  • Science/Tech: NASA, BBC Earth
  • Business/Marketing: Gary Vaynerchuk, Pat Flynn, Neil Patel, Ryan Holiday
  • Comedy: Aparna Nancherla, Simon Holland, Abbi Crutchfield, Steve Martin
  • Inspiration: Simon Sinek, Adam Grant, Sahil Bloom

Tips for Curating Your Feed

  • Be Selective: Don't feel obligated to follow everyone who follows you. Choose accounts that genuinely interest you and add value to your feed.
  • Engage Actively: Like, comment, and retweet content from accounts you enjoy. This will help X's algorithm understand your preferences and provide better recommendations.
  • Unfollow Strategically: If an account no longer interests you or contributes to a negative experience, don't hesitate to unfollow it.
  • Create Lists: Organize the accounts you follow into lists based on topics or interests. This will help you stay organized and easily access content from specific groups of people.

By following these tips, you can curate an X feed that is informative, entertaining, and tailored to your unique interests. Happy exploring!