X Changes Like Button from Heart to X Icon

X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, recently rolled out small but noticeable X changes Like button has switched from a heart icon to an “X” icon.
This surprise update has left many users puzzled. Does the new X mark represent something completely different than the previous heart symbol?

Details of the Like Button Change

Without any official announcement, X began changing the Like button from a red heart to a black “X” icon on its web interface and across mobile apps.
Long-pressing on the X icon still shows the term “Like”, clarifying it represents the same action as before.
The new X icon is solid black on a white background, providing high contrast and visibility.
On third-party apps and interfaces that integrate X functionality, the icon remains a heart for now. But these will likely update to the X over time.

X has not commented publicly on the meaning or intent behind the Like button design switch. Here are some potential reasons:
Visually distinct icon – The X creates a clear visual separation from the previous heart shape. This makes the Like action easier to distinguish at a glance.
Emphasize brevity – X is moving away from being a microblogging platform to a more traditional social media site. The X matches the overall minimalist, text-focused aesthetic.
Symbolic of closing or dismissal – Some speculate the X could represent closing or dismissing a Post, similar to clearing notifications. This is unlikely since Liking something is a positive action.

Overall, the response has been mixed:
Some appreciate a unique, distinct icon compared to the ubiquitous heart shape across other platforms and products.
Many long-time users feel nostalgia for the familiar heart icon that has been core to the platform’s identity.
A vocal portion of users strongly dislike the change, calling the X confusing, overly generic, or simply ugly.
It remains to be seen if this icon change will stick long-term or be reverted back.
Since Liking behaviour seems unaffected so far, the icon itself may not matter to most users as long as the underlying action remains the same.

While only a small cosmetic change, switching the Like button icon from a heart to an X represents the end of an era for X.
The company seems willing to make updates, however minor, that break from its established Twitter past. This will likely fuel ongoing debate over larger identity changes.
Users, both new and old, will eventually adjust to this new icon if X decides to make the change permanent. But for now, it signals that no element of the platform – even beloved icons – is off limits to rethinking.