X has rolled out a new feature called Custom Timeline, giving users greater control over what they see on their home screen by allowing them to pin personalised topic feeds powered by its AI assistant, Grok.
The update shifts how content is consumed on the platform, moving away from a one-size-fits-all algorithmic feed to a more user-directed experience.
With the Custom Timeline feature, users can now create and pin multiple topic-based feeds directly to their home screen. These timelines can revolve around specific interests such as technology, politics, sports, or niche conversations, allowing users to switch between them seamlessly.
Unlike traditional lists or follower-based feeds, the timelines are powered by Grok, which uses AI to curate and surface relevant posts in real time.
This means the content is not only based on who a user follows, but also on evolving discussions and trends within a chosen topic.
The Custom Timeline feature is part of the main X app, meaning it is designed for both iOS and Android users.
However, availability is not immediate for everyone yet, but it will let Premium iOS users pin over 75 topics to their homepage.
Access to the Custom Timeline feature is not strictly limited to paid users, although important distinctions remain.
While Grok was initially introduced as a benefit for premium subscribers, access has gradually expanded beyond paid tiers.
However, enhanced AI capabilities are still often tied to subscription plans, meaning the feature may be available to both free and paid users, but premium subscribers are likely to receive earlier access and more advanced AI-powered curation, with some deeper Grok integrations potentially remaining exclusive.
This reflects X’s broader strategy of rolling out new features to paying users first before expanding them more widely.
How to use the Custom Timeline feature
Once the feature is available on your app, setting up a Custom Timeline is straightforward:
Users can create multiple timelines and swipe between them, effectively turning their home screen into a collection of personalised content streams.
Like many of X’s recent updates, the feature is being rolled out in phases. Some users may see it earlier than others depending on their device, region, or whether they are part of a test group.
In some cases, features appear on one platform before the other, meaning iOS users might get access before Android users, or vice versa.
Powered by AI-driven curation
At the core of the feature is Grok, developed by xAI. The AI system analyses posts, engagement patterns, and contextual relevance to build a dynamic stream of content tailored to each topic.
This allows timelines to continuously update with fresh and relevant posts, without requiring users to manually manage lists or search for updates.
Competing for attention in a crowded space
The introduction of Custom Timeline comes as X continues to compete with platforms like Instagram and TikTok, which have heavily invested in algorithm-driven content discovery.
By giving users the ability to “pin” their interests, X is attempting to strike a balance between algorithmic recommendations and user control.
The move also echoes earlier versions of Twitter, where users relied on lists and chronological feeds to organise content.
However, the addition of AI introduces a new layer of automation, reducing the manual effort required to maintain those curated spaces.
While the feature is expected to appeal to users who rely on X for real-time updates, it also raises questions about echo chambers and content filtering.
Narrowing feeds to specific topics could limit exposure to diverse viewpoints, depending on how the AI curates posts.
Availability is expected to expand over time as testing continues.
The launch of Custom Timeline signals X’s continued push toward AI integration and user personalisation.