X expands commentary tools with new video feature

On Tuesday, social media platform X launched a new feature called “React with Video” to expand commentary options on the platform. The feature allows users to record video responses to posts, offering an alternative to the standard Repost button. Instead of simply resharing a post or typing out a reaction through a Quote Post—which limits users to text-based commentary—users can now record and upload a direct video response. Nikita Bier, X’s head of product, highlighted the importance of the update, stating, “Commentary is one of the most important pillars of X. And sometimes the best way to share your thoughts is with video.”

The feature is currently available on iOS, and X plans to roll it out to Android and the web soon. This product update arrives as the platform’s user base continues to grow. According to SpaceX’s S-1 filing—the SEC registration document for public offerings—X had 550 million users as of March 2026. This is an increase from the 520 million users recorded in December 2025. The user data, revealed through the aerospace company’s regulatory filing, highlights the platform’s steady expansion over the winter months.

The feature is designed to cater to creators, who often build their personal brands by commenting on other users’ content and sharing their own thoughts. On X, this format could particularly appeal to news influencers looking to build an audience through reactions to current events or politics. By allowing creators to record video responses, the platform aims to provide a richer way to connect, where audiences can see facial expressions and hear tone, making creators a more active part of the conversation.

This update fits into X’s broader strategy of refining its creator-focused tools and monetization features. The platform has introduced several changes affecting creators recently. In April, X wound down its Communities feature to focus more on facilitating direct connections. During the same month, X also cracked down on clickbait by reducing payouts to accounts that circulate low-value content. Additionally, the platform revamped its Creator Subscriptions feature—a monetization tool for creators on X—by introducing new features such as exclusive threads and shareable cards.

Why it matters

The “React with Video” feature aims to expand commentary options on X by allowing users to record video responses. This update positions the platform to better serve creators who build brands through commentary.