Why External Link Posts Are ‘Almost Nullified’ and How to Handle It｜Renのアダアフィ

‘My posts used to get reach, but lately impressions aren’t growing’—this is a concern I’ve been hearing often from people doing adult affiliate marketing on X.

One of the reasons is that X’s algorithm changed significantly entering 2026. In this post, I will break down the details of those changes and how you should adjust your adult affiliate operations.

For those who just want the conclusion: I’ve compiled the entire process, from account design to breaking the ‘50,000 yen per month barrier,’ into one guide.

One more thing. If you’re doing adult affiliate marketing, Appollo is worth registering for first due to its wide range of offers and user-friendly management dashboard. Registration is free, and you can start as early as today. I recommend clicking the link before you continue reading.

There is a clear pattern to posts that get ignored. This time, I’ll talk about how X’s mechanics have changed and how to adjust your posts accordingly.

Posts containing external links have been ‘almost nullified’

With the 2026 update, X significantly lowered the evaluation of posts containing external links. The reason is simple: X wants to keep users on the platform as much as possible. Posts that lead users to click and leave are treated by X as ‘posts that steal dwell time.’

As a result, it has been reported that posts containing external links from non-premium accounts are barely getting any impressions.

This is a significant headwind for operations like adult affiliate marketing, where ‘getting clicks is everything.’

Specifically, there are reports of cases where even the same content sees impressions drop to a fraction of what they were just by including a link. Even if you change the quality of the text or the timing, the evaluation hits a ceiling simply because a URL is in the body.

Switching from ‘links in the post body’ to ‘separating the traffic flow’

A realistic countermeasure is to stop putting links directly in the post body and instead separate where you place your links.

• Place links only in pinned posts and do not include links in regular posts.

• Consolidate links in your profile section.

• Keep regular posts focused solely on ‘insights, pain points, and numbers,’ and guide users at the end by saying ‘see the rest in the pinned post.’

• Pre-determine the roles of posts that contain links versus those that do not.

Earn impressions with the posts themselves, and narrow down the traffic flow to links via pinned posts and your profile. This is the format that fits the current algorithm.

Design posts to earn replies and dwell time

With this update, the system is designed to value replies far more than likes. Posts with a dwell time exceeding two minutes are also highly valued.

Specifically, the following techniques are effective.

• Include a question at the end to encourage replies (e.g., “Which one do you prefer?”)

• Use thread format to split into multiple posts, creating time for users to read through

• Use short-form videos (under 60 seconds) to get them to watch until the end

• Include information that people will want to save (checklists, summaries)

You need to shift your mindset from ‘posting a link and being done with it’ to prioritizing ‘posts that spark conversation’.

Dwell time is also a key metric; it is said that if someone stays on a post for more than 2 minutes, it scores 22 times higher than a like. Instead of sending links outside, the essence is to switch to a design that encourages reading and engagement within the platform.

Should you get X Premium?

There are reports that Premium members get 2-4 times more reach than non-members. Now that external links are being devalued, this gap is larger than ever.

While the monthly return on investment depends on the individual, if you are serious about making X your main source of traffic, I think it is worth considering.

If you are unsure, it is perfectly fine to use the criterion of joining only after your monthly earnings consistently exceed the monthly cost of Premium. Spot usage, where you only join in months when you have earnings, is also an option.

Also be aware of the July 2026 ‘Mutual Follow Update’

Around the same time that external link evaluation dropped, an update was confirmed in July 2026 that makes posts from people you follow more likely to be displayed prominently. For operations looking to reach new audiences, this is also a headwind.

As a countermeasure, it is effective to increase mutual follows with accounts in the same genre within a reasonable range, while also briefly mentioning the path to your pinned post or profile within your posts so that it can be accessed via ‘people you are already connected with’.

• Gradually increase mutual follows with accounts in the same genre

• Occasionally mention the existence of your pinned post in your regular posts

• Work on both new reach and strengthening relationships with existing followers in parallel

Summary

• Direct links in the body of a post are hard to grow with the current algorithm

• Consolidate link placement to pinned posts and your profile

• Switch to a post design that earns replies and dwell time

• Consider incorporating X Premium as an option

• Strengthen mutual follows while simultaneously pursuing new reach

• Design posts to include save-worthy information to increase dwell time

The algorithm will continue to change. If things stop working, before assuming your posting skills have declined, first suspect that the system itself may have changed.

I have compiled more in-depth procedures, templates, and raw data in the membership section. Only for those who find it a good fit.

Next time, I will delve into specific ways to create posts for an era where ‘replies’ are valued more than ‘likes’ on X.

Which phase are you in right now? I would be happy if you could let me know in the comments. Feel free to save this post for when you want to look back on it.