💡 Inside Track & Deep Insight
Elon Musk responded to a user's suggestion about advertisers on X with a laughing emoji and the comment 'That’s a tough sell to advertisers.' The remark, while casual, reflects ongoing tensions between the platform and major brands. Since Musk's acquisition of Twitter (now X) in late 2022, many advertisers have paused spending over concerns about content moderation and brand safety. Musk's quip acknowledges these hurdles, though he has previously stated that a drop in ad revenue is acceptable if it means preserving free speech.
The exchange occurred under a post by @nikitabier, who had earlier suggested that X could monetize by running ads from accounts users don't follow, a model often used by other platforms. Musk's response suggests he sees such a model as currently unappealing to advertisers. This comes as X faces increasing competition from platforms like Threads and Bluesky, which have gained traction among users seeking alternative social spaces.
Despite the joke, Musk has been working to win back advertisers through initiatives like improved brand safety tools and partnerships. However, the remark highlights that significant challenges remain in restoring advertiser confidence. The ad industry will be watching closely to see if X can stabilize its revenue stream in the coming quarters.
👇 Original Post on X
That’s a tough sell to advertisers 😂
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 20, 2026