X "Explore Beta" testing expands, replacing trending section for some users

If you’re one of several X (formerly Twitter) users noticing a strange new layout in your app, don’t panic — it’s not a glitch. It seems the platform’s much-debated “Explore Beta” is stepping out of the shadows and into the feeds of more users. For some, this test completely ditches the traditional trending topics list in favor of a curated Explore page, leaving people both curious and frustrated.

Earlier this year, X began trialing a revamped Explore page that swapped the familiar hashtag-and-word cloud trends for something more editorial. This included sections like “Live on X,” showcasing live Spaces or broadcasts, and curated headlines under “Explore Beta.” Initially, it seemed like just a fleeting experiment, but recent reports suggest the beta is rolling out to a wider audience, sparking mixed reactions.

Users in the test group report that their “For You” page, which previously featured trends alongside tabs like news, sports, and entertainment, now leads directly to Explore. Gone are the days of skimming trending hashtags at a glance. Instead, they’re met with a handful of headline stories — and clicking “show more” doesn’t bring back trends, only more stories.

This update has been rolling out sporadically. Some users noticed the change as early as April, but it wasn’t widespread. It reached other X users in September. Recent reports from regions like the U.S., Canada, and Colombia now suggest that this test is picking up steam, while users in other countries still retain the original trending format. A VPN experiment even revealed that the change is likely region-specific, adding another layer of intrigue. Below is a screenshot of what I see when I tap on the ‘Explore’ tab.

The feedback? Let’s just say X’s users are not known for holding back. Complaints range from confusion — “Is this a bug?” — to outright annoyance. Many are calling for a return to trends, criticizing the new layout as overly curated and even accusing the platform of narrative control. A common grievance is the lack of an opt-in or opt-out option, leaving people stuck with the change, like it or not.

This shift isn’t happening in a vacuum. X is trying to redefine itself under Elon Musk’s ownership, juggling features like pinch-to-zoom for video and even a chatbot called “Grok” for topic summaries in the Explore tab. The latter will likely roll out alongside the new Explore tab layout.

But some critics argue that these experiments feel disjointed, and replacing trends could alienate long-time users. Competitors like Bluesky, which has been welcoming 1 million newcomers daily and has already hit 20 million users as of this writing, are quietly waiting in the wings, offering simpler interfaces and fun that keep the ex-Twitter vibes alive.

For those longing for the old layout, there’s currently no official way to revert. X has yet to confirm whether this beta test is here to stay or how it might evolve. One thing’s for sure, though — if the platform wants to make this feature stick, it’ll need to listen closely to user feedback. After all, trends weren’t just hashtags — they were the pulse of the platform. Losing them, even temporarily, is bound to spark conversations (and, ironically, trends) elsewhere.

In the meantime, whether you’re navigating Explore Beta or clinging to your trending topics, now might be the time to share your thoughts with X. It’s clear this isn’t the final version, and user input could still shape what’s next.