Social media users increasingly seek ways to regain control of their digital data. As platforms like X (formerly Twitter) become less popular, many users turn to alternatives such as Bluesky, Threads, and Mastodon. This shift has created a growing desire for users to change their social media presence by starting fresh or leaving platforms altogether.
Also: How to migrate from X to Bluesky without losing your followers
In response to this need, Micah Lee, the creator of an earlier tool called Semiphemeral, has developed a new tool for Windows, Mac, and Linux called Cyd. Unlike Semiphemeral, which depended on costly web-based API access, Cyd bypasses the API, providing a reliable and cost-effective solution for deleting tweets, likes, direct messages, and follows.
With its official release, Cyd empowers users to take control of their data, while also planning to support additional platforms in the future.
Cyd’s features and pricing
Cyd’s full features on initial release.
Cyd.social/Micah Lee
Cyd offers flexible plans for individuals and teams to manage their online presence effectively.
Free plan
The free plan offers robust tools for managing your X data at no cost. You can manage unlimited accounts and delete and back up your tweets and retweets. This plan is ideal for users who want to save or remove their data without spending money.
Also: Why I don’t regret leaving X for Bluesky
Premium plan
The premium plan costs $36 per year and includes all the features available in the free plan and advanced tools. These tools allow for selective tweet deletion, letting users keep tweets with high engagement.
Additionally, the premium plan offers more thorough cleanup options for likes and direct messages and the ability to unfollow all accounts. It’s a great value for users looking for tailored deletion options.
Use coupon code CLAWBACKYOURDATA for 20% off your first year of a Premium plan. It’s valid until December 31, 2024.
Cyd for teams
The teams solution, available at $60/user/year, provides all premium features with added benefits for organizations, including centralized management, auto-enrollment, and flexible seat transfers. This plan is ideal for protecting employee privacy and preventing issues like doxing and harassment. Contact hi@lockdown.systems for early access.
How Cyd works
Cyd performing automated Tweet deletion on X.
Jason Perlow/ZDNET
Cyd navigates the X website and clicks buttons on your behalf. Although everything the tool does could technically be performed manually via a web browser, it saves you significant time and effort. This approach makes Cyd immune to X’s restrictive API policies and ensures it continues functioning well, regardless of platform changes.
Also: 7 things to know about Bluesky before you join
I used Cyd to clear several thousand tweets, retweets, likes, and follows from my account. The process was straightforward: I logged into my X account through Cyd, selected the items I wanted to delete, and let the app handle the rest.
Cyd processes about 200 deletions per session, pausing for 10 to 15 minutes to comply with session limits. For larger accounts, you may need to let it run overnight. The app’s hands-off operation allowed the tool to run in the background while I continued using my computer.
Retaining your X username
For users who want to leave X while retaining their username, Cyd can help by unfollowing all accounts, deleting private likes, and clearing direct messages (DMs). This approach minimizes the metadata left behind, enhancing the security of your account against misuse or unauthorized access.
Also: 8 Bluesky tips every new user should know
Keeping your username offers several strategic benefits:
Direct Communication: You can post a pinned tweet with your migration details, such as where your followers can find you on Bluesky, Threads, or Mastodon, along with any relevant contact information.
Updating Your Bio: Include your new social media handles (e.g. @jperlow.bsky.social and @jperlow@journa.host) in your X profile bio. This helps migration utilities like Sky Follower Bridge quickly locate and connect with you on other platforms.
Preventing Reassignment: By maintaining a restricted account, you ensure that X cannot reassign your username to someone else, which helps protect your identity and prevent impersonation.
Cyd simplifies this process, giving users peace of mind about their digital presence.
Prevent your computer from sleeping
Cyd runs directly on your computer, and X’s rate limits may require sessions to last hours or even days. To prevent your computer from sleeping during this time:
MacOS: Use Caffeine, a free app that prevents sleep. Click its menu bar icon to activate it before starting Cyd. Keep your laptop lid open.
Windows: Adjust your power settings to disable sleep. Go to Control Panel > Power Options and set “Put the computer to sleep” to “Never”.
Linux: Use the caffeinate command or a similar utility to prevent sleep. For example, run caffeinate -u in your terminal during the Cyd session.
Remember to restore your normal sleep settings or disable the tool after Cyd completes its work.
Take back control with Cyd
Cyd is a powerful and user-friendly tool for anyone looking to clean up their X account or reclaim their data from Big Tech. With its free tweet deletion, advanced premium features, and privacy-focused design, Cyd is the solution users have been waiting for. Download Cyd today and take the first step toward managing your online presence on your terms.
