A growing spam problem on X has come into sharp focus after entrepreneur Pieter Levels disclosed that he had muted 17,500 accounts and blocked an additional 3,000—totaling approximately 20,500 accounts, most of which he identified as AI-driven bots.
The mass action represents about 2.5% of his total followers, highlighting the scale of automated or low-quality engagement affecting even high-profile users on the platform.
Levels’ move comes amid increasing complaints from users about spam replies, particularly under viral posts where bot-generated responses often flood conversations, reducing meaningful interaction.
Adding to the debate, tech entrepreneur Nikita Bier shared internal-style analytics pointing to a deeper structural issue tied to X’s revenue-sharing model. According to the data, accounts participating in revenue sharing are twice as likely to post spam replies compared to regular users.
To give you an idea of how bad the AI bot problem was getting
I muted about 17,500 of them, then started blocking them recently, so another 3,000
99% bots
So I blocked about 2.5% of my follower count and didn’t even get close to stop AI replies either https://t.co/0YnZrmXGVz pic.twitter.com/0bIjrhIIDJ
— @levelsio (@levelsio) March 26, 2026
Even more striking, the likelihood of spam reportedly increases up to 100 times when those replies originate from accounts based in different countries than the original poster. The data specifically highlighted patterns involving cross-border engagement, with some regions—such as Nigeria—frequently appearing in the analysis, though experts caution that such trends may reflect broader systemic incentives rather than geographic intent.
The findings have sparked widespread discussion among users of X, with many questioning whether monetization features are unintentionally encouraging low-quality or automated content designed purely to generate impressions and earnings.
Some users and analysts have proposed potential solutions, including:
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Geographic weighting of replies, to prioritize local or relevant engagement
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Stronger bot detection systems using AI and behavioral analysis
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Revising revenue-sharing incentives to reward quality over quantity
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Algorithmic adjustments to reduce visibility of repetitive or low-value replies
The issue reflects a broader challenge facing social media platforms: balancing monetization opportunities for creators with the need to maintain authentic and meaningful user interaction.
Under the ownership of Elon Musk, X has aggressively pushed monetization tools, including ad revenue sharing, as part of its strategy to attract and retain creators. However, critics argue that without sufficient safeguards, such systems can be exploited by spam networks and automated accounts.
The surge in bot activity also raises concerns about platform credibility, particularly as X continues to position itself as a hub for real-time information, public discourse, and news.
As discussions continue, the actions by Pieter Levels and the data shared by Nikita Bier have amplified pressure on X to refine its systems and address what many users now see as a growing spam crisis.
Whether through algorithmic reforms or policy changes, the platform faces increasing expectations to ensure that monetization does not come at the expense of user experience and trust.
