X Introduces New Watch History Tab to Help Users Find Previously Viewed Content

X is developing a "Seen" tab feature that will track videos users have watched in the app, making it easier to locate content they've previously viewed but can't fully recall. The new feature was revealed by X's Head of Product Nikita Bier in a recently shared screenshot.

The watch history feature addresses a common user frustration of remembering a video but being unable to find it again due to forgotten details or creator information. This addition comes amid several interface changes as X continues to refine its user experience.

Finding content you've previously watched can be particularly challenging on fast-moving social platforms, similar to how many users struggle with managing and accessing saved voice messages on iPhone without proper organization tools.

Recent Interface Changes at X

The screenshot shared by Bier revealed not only the upcoming watch history feature but also a new presentation style for user replies. The update includes bubble icons that highlight when people you follow have responded to a post, potentially increasing engagement by encouraging users to check friends' comments.

These interface modifications align with X's evolving approach to product development. Unlike many social platforms, X typically doesn't make formal announcements when releasing new features, instead allowing users to discover changes organically after implementation.

X has recently made significant adjustments to its content display systems. The "Following" feed now uses relevance-based algorithms rather than chronological ordering, showing content based on past user behavior. Additionally, the platform now defaults to the algorithmically-curated "For You" tab, requiring users to manually switch to the Following tab each time they log in.

These changes represent a strategic pivot toward algorithm-driven content delivery. By prioritizing its AI-powered For You feed, X aims to keep users scrolling through a broader content selection rather than limiting them to accounts they've explicitly chosen to follow.

Impact on User Experience

The effectiveness of these changes remains difficult to assess without access to X's internal metrics. While the AI-defined For You feed appears to have improved over time in delivering relevant content, some users may find the Following feed less useful now that it no longer displays posts chronologically.

Industry observers note that X seems focused on increasing time spent on the platform and encouraging return visits, though questions remain about whether these incremental changes will significantly impact user growth. Competition from platforms like Threads continues to provide alternatives for users seeking different social experiences.

Some critics point to concerns about content bias, noting that posts from X's owner appear to receive disproportionate visibility, potentially affecting long-term user engagement. Whether improved AI recommendations and features like watch history will counter these issues remains to be seen.

Security and Privacy Considerations

With the introduction of watch history tracking, users may have legitimate privacy concerns about how their viewing data is stored and utilized. Secure storage solutions similar to iPhone's secure folder might be beneficial for protecting user viewing history. While X hasn't specifically addressed data retention policies for this feature, privacy-conscious users should monitor how this information is managed once the feature launches.

According to Pew Research, approximately 81% of social media users express concerns about how platforms collect and use their data. The introduction of more tracking features makes transparent data practices increasingly important for maintaining user trust.

How Users Can Leverage X's New Features

The new watch history feature will be particularly valuable for users who frequently consume video content on the platform. When implemented, users should be able to:

1. Access previously viewed videos without needing to remember specific creators or keywords
2. Revisit content they found interesting but didn't save or interact with
3. Build a more personalized experience based on their viewing patterns

Additionally, the new reply presentation style may help users more easily identify conversations their connections are participating in, potentially increasing meaningful interactions within their network.

For users who prefer chronological feeds, it's worth noting that this option now requires manual selection each time they use the app, as X clearly favors its algorithmically-enhanced experience over user-curated timelines.

The ongoing evolution of X's interface demonstrates the platform's commitment to refining its user experience, even as questions remain about its long-term growth strategy in an increasingly competitive social media landscape.

Content Discovery Optimization

One notable enhancement would be improved content organization systems that allow users to categorize or tag viewed videos for easier retrieval. Currently, the platform appears to be implementing basic viewing history, but adding the ability to create personalized collections or playlists would significantly enhance the user experience and content management capabilities.

Advanced filtering options for the watch history could also prove beneficial, allowing users to sort previously viewed content by topic, date watched, or creator. This would transform the feature from a simple chronological list into a genuinely useful content management tool.