X (formerly Twitter) is testing a new ad format that links posts to products



It has been revealed that X (formerly Twitter) is testing a new advertising format that inserts redirection links into posts that mention affiliated company products.

X is testing a new ad format that connects posts with products | TechCrunch

https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/06/x-is-testing-a-new-ad-format-that-connects-posts-with-products/

The following user discovered the new ad format being tested by X: 'Get Starlink, it works great in Portugal. I get 350mbps, and Gbps is coming soon. I've never had a problem, and my friends have had constant issues with regular ISPs like Vodafone and MEO.' A link to 'Get Starlink' was automatically inserted at the bottom of the post.




The link to Starlink in the red frame below has been automatically added.



In response, Nikita Beer, head of product at X, said, 'We're trying to create advertising products that aren't advertising.'




At the time of writing, this new ad format is only being shown to some users in some regions, so if you check the post but are not in the region where the ad test is being performed, the ad will not be displayed. Users in regions that are part of the ad test will see the ad, while users outside the region will see a placeholder (a white box) in the place where the ad would be displayed.

In response to the question , 'If someone clicks on the link at the bottom of the post and buys Starlink, there should be an affiliate reward,' Beer said, 'No, that would encourage people to lie. I want to trust recommendations by X users.'




In March 2026, X added the 'Paid Partnership' label to ensure transparency of advertising content. This was added to comply with regulations on social media advertising, and allows creators to clearly indicate that their posts are sponsored, without using hashtags such as '#advertising' or '#PR.'

X adds 'paid partnership' label to ensure transparency of advertising content - GIGAZINE



TechCrunch, a technology media outlet, points out that 'if creators start adding embedded links to sponsored posts, which they're testing, X will likely attract more marketers to its platform. This could encourage creators to use the app and strengthen its competitive position against major social networks popular with creators, such as Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.'

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in Software,   Web Service, Posted by logu_ii