Linda Yacareno emphasizes that X operates on different rules and philosophies compared to Twitter, focusing on creating a platform that values free expression.
Despite a decline in engagement, Linda Yacareno remains optimistic about X's potential and commitment to enhancing user engagement.
Linda Yacareno clarifies the inaccurate claim of a 75% decline in content posted to X by attributing it to not considering the platform's aggressive efforts to combat spam and bots.
Deep dives
Linda Yacareno responds to Yoel Roth's comments
In response to Yoel Roth's comments, Linda Yacareno acknowledges that she and Yoel did not overlap at Twitter and do not know each other personally. She emphasizes that she is now at X, a new company building a foundation based on free expression and freedom of speech. Linda highlights that X operates on different rules and philosophies compared to Twitter, and they are focused on creating a platform that values free expression. She also addresses the personal threats and safety concerns mentioned by Yoel, mentioning that she feels well-protected and is taking them seriously. Linda acknowledges the challenges faced in the public spotlight and emphasizes the importance of personal safety. She concludes by expressing her optimism for X and the potential for positive change.
Engagement Challenges at X
Recent data points to a decline in engagement for X (Twitter). This includes a decrease in active users and a drop in app downloads. However, Linda Yacareno highlights that X has over 540 million global users, indicating a large user base. She suggests that a thorough analysis of data points would be needed to understand the engagement trends fully. While she acknowledges the challenges and varying data points, Linda remains optimistic about the platform's potential and emphasizes their commitment to enhancing user engagement.
Addressing Content Posting Decline
Yoel Roth mentioned a 75% decline in content posted to X (Twitter), but Linda Yacareno clarifies that this information is inaccurate. She states that there are days, weeks, and months when more content is posted to the platform. Linda attributes the false claim to not considering X's aggressive efforts to combat spam and bots. These efforts have led to increased content posting on the platform. She points to the unique strategies implemented by X that other platforms have followed, further emphasizing their commitment to fostering user engagement and combating misuse.
Reconciling Elon Musk's Comments on Engagement
While Elon Musk has made statements about engagement on X (Twitter), Linda Yacareno acknowledges that there are varying data points and opinions. She highlights that X has a significant user base of over 540 million global users. Linda expresses the need to evaluate the different data points to gain a comprehensive understanding of user engagement and the impact of Elon's comments. She underlines X's focus on creating a platform that values free expression and their efforts to provide a positive user experience.
The Velocity of Change and Ambition at X
The podcast episode discusses the rapid progress and ambitious goals at a company referred to as X. The speaker highlights the significant changes and advancements made in just 100 days, including the introduction of brand safety and content moderation tools, the development of advertiser products, and the establishment of third-party verification partnerships. The podcast emphasizes that this company's pace of innovation and scope of ambition surpasses any other platform or company.
Addressing Misconceptions and Defending Progress
In this podcast episode, the speaker addresses various misconceptions and defends the progress made by the company. The podcast highlights conversations with industry partners and efforts toward election integrity, content moderation, and community engagement. While emphasizing the importance of free speech and expression, the speaker challenges critics to recognize the ongoing improvements and the collaborative approach taken by the company to meet evolving challenges.
On Wednesday, two Twitter-related interviews rocked the stage at the 2023 Code Conference. Kara interviewed the former head of trust and safety at Twitter/X, Yoel Roth, and Julia Boorstin, CNBC's Senior Media & Tech Correspondent, interviewed X’s CEO, Linda Yaccarino.
The late booking of Roth rattled Yaccarino, and her interview led to a media storm. Today, we bring you both interviews. We start off with Kara and Nayeema, as they set the stage early on Wednesday morning, play the interviews in chronological order and then rejoin Kara and Nayeema for a debrief to address accusations that the schedule change amounted to “sandbagging” Yaccarino. (Kara’s response: it does not).
Questions or comments? Email us at on@voxmedia.com or find us on social media. We’re on Instagram/Threads as @karaswisher and @nayeemaraza
