X Rolls Out “Certified Bangers” & Users Aren’t Impressed
X has launched a new feature called Certified Bangers, a monthly spotlight that rewards posts with high engagement. Creators whose posts make the list receive a badge on their profile for one month, giving them extra visibility across the platform. The feature uses a mix of verified impressions, likes, bookmarks, reposts, and replies to identify the month’s top five posts.
The company says the feature is designed to highlight posts that actually get a reaction out of users or spark conversation. To qualify, the post has to be original, written in English, from a personal account, and follow the usual rules about safety and content.
The system leans heavily on verified interactions, and that’s where people see a problem. Only a small percentage of users pay for X
Premium, so the pool of voters is tiny. The first batch of Certified Bangers mostly came from blue-check accounts. To many, it comes off as an ego boost for Elon supporters, since most Premium subscribers are either there to back him, are bots, or represent a very small group of real, relevant users.
The badge itself appears as a small trophy icon beside the user’s name. It works as a light recognition tool that mirrors the trend of other platforms, giving creators profile-based awards.
Many users said the feature feels “corny” and out of touch with what people consider genuinely creative or memorable posts. Others pointed out that simple questions or “mid” jokes dominated the first batch, raising doubts about whether the system reflects true quality.
A growing number of users also speculate that the feature may ultimately boost posts that appeal to a small, loyal group of X Premium subscribers. Some believe the system could favor content that aligns with Elon Musk’s own views, since the ranking depends on interactions from a user base that is often vocal in their support of him. This has added to concerns that Certified Bangers may not reflect the broader community’s interests or values.