Twitter has released an update to its iOS app that introduces the new revamped Twitter Blue subscription that new owner and CEO Elon Musk is promoting through his own tweets. Most interestingly, Twitter Blue subscribers automatically get a blue check mark on their profile, which used to be given only to the verified accounts of companies, celebrities and public figures. Now Twitter users will have to pay for the “blue tick”. The price of Twitter Blue has risen to $7.99 a month in the US from $4.99, and Musk has indicated that it will scale up to purchasing power in other countries. According to the release notes of the iOS app update, the new ‘Twitter Blue with verification’ will be available first in the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Aside from the blue verification badge, Twitter Blue subscribers will see half as many ads, and those who do see them will reportedly be twice as relevant to each user. The release notes also indicate that subscribers will be able to post longer videos and their content will rank higher in search results, as well as in answer threads and mentions lists. On the other hand, the ability to read articles on participating sites ad-free has already been scrapped as a Twitter Blue feature despite the price increase. Musk has also suggested that the ability to edit tweets will soon be available to everyone, as opposed to just Twitter Blue subscribers.
While the Twitter app update is now visible in the App Store, it appears that these features are not yet available to everyone. An account claiming it was that of an “early stage products” Twitter employee, though notably missing a verification badge, tweeted that the new Blue subscription isn’t live yet as tests are underway while changes are in a rush. be pushed live to let it roll out. Others have tweeted screenshots of the Twitter Blue login page. It’s also not yet clear when or if the plan will roll out in other countries and if users on other platforms will be able to sign up.
The new Blue isn’t live yet – the sprint to our launch continues, but some people may see us making updates as we test and push changes in real time. The Twitter team is legendary. ? New blue… coming soon! https://t.co/ewTSTjx3t7
— Esther Crawford ✨ (@esthercrawford) Nov 5, 2022
Twitter has not yet specified what will happen to current Twitter Blue subscribers. However, it is likely that anyone who currently has a verification badge but does not choose to pay the subscription fee will lose it. While the company characterizes current and potential subscribers as “supporting Twitter in the fight against the bots”, this change will tip the balance of exposure on the platform in favor of those willing to pay for it and may also make it more difficult. to find authority. sources of information.
The change to Twitter Blue is one of many things Musk has tweeted about. Most notably, he initially proposed a fee of $20 (approximately Rs. 1,639) for the widely recognized verification check. While he says this is meant to reduce spam on the platform and make it harder for bots to thrive, Musk has wasted no time making drastic changes to turn his investment around.
Twitter has sent out its new Blue subscription for verification ahead of Musk’s Monday deadline given to employees. I have updated and verified accounts are now the first tab of notifications. pic.twitter.com/xfTl3b3GYk
— Alex Heath (@alexeheath) Nov 5, 2022
Since acquiring the company and firing the previous CEO and the entire board of directors, Musk has made headlines. Twitter kicked off a massive cost-cutting and layoff this week, cutting an estimated 50 percent of all employees, including entire teams and a significant portion of India’s workforce. Musk has also reportedly required all remaining remote workers to report to an office, and has brought in several Tesla engineers and consultants from his other companies to review Twitter’s business.