X is spicing up its existing subscription lineup, formerly branded as Twitter Blue, by introducing two new subscription models. The headliner is a $16 per month “Premium+ tier” that promises an ad-free experience on your “following” and “for you” timelines. And, for those who need to flex, it includes the blue checkmark and all the perks that the previous subscriptions offered. Not to be outdone, X is launching a budget-friendly “basic” tier at $3 a month, perfect for those who want just a taste of premium features.
This pivot towards a subscription-based model comes on the heels of X’s dwindling advertising revenue. The social media giant has also started to dabble in a pay-to-play experiment, requiring newcomers in selected countries to cough up a dollar per year just to join the tweeting bonanza.
For those with Premium+ membership, X is sweetening the deal by supercharging your algorithmic influence when replying to tweets. Interestingly, it seems these new tiers are web-only affairs, at least for the time being. The likely reason? Dodging those pesky fees that Apple and Google’s app stores like to slap on.
Now, let’s talk about that $3 “basic” tier. If you’re expecting the red-carpet treatment, think again. This tier doesn’t offer the blue checkmark or any revenue-sharing schemes. But hey, it’s not all bad news. You’ll be able to edit your tweets (finally!), post longer musings, download videos, and even get a modest boost in reply algorithms. Oh, and your DMs will be encrypted, because we all know how important that is.
Now, you might be wondering what’s driving all these changes. Well, put on your tinfoil hats, because Elon Musk is steering this ship. A year after his takeover, Musk is making moves, big ones. According to a Bloomberg scoop, he’s setting his sights on competing with the likes of YouTube and LinkedIn. While he’s keeping his cards close to his chest, X has been dropping hints about video streaming and job posting features.
And if you’re thinking that’s ambitious, you ain’t seen nothing yet. Musk is eyeing the financial sector too. He’s been quite vocal about wanting X to be your one-stop-shop for, well, everything—including your bank account. As Musk mentioned in a tweet this past July, he aims to make X a hub for “comprehensive communications and the ability to conduct your entire financial world.” According to some insider tea from The Verge, Musk shared with his team that he plans for X to replace traditional bank accounts by the close of 2024.
So there you have it. Whether you’re here for the gossip, the memes, or you’re just trying to slide into someone’s DMs without seeing ads, X’s new subscription tiers have something for everyone. Buckle up, because it looks like we’re in for a wild ride on the social media roller coaster.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about X new subscription tiers
What are the new subscription tiers introduced by X?
X has introduced two new subscription tiers. The first is a “Premium+” tier priced at $16 per month, offering an ad-free experience, a blue checkmark, and enhanced algorithmic influence on replies. The second is a “basic” tier costing $3 per month, providing features like tweet editing, longer posts, video downloads, a modest algorithmic boost for replies, and encrypted direct messages.
Why has X decided to introduce new subscription tiers?
The introduction of new subscription tiers comes as X’s advertising revenue has been on the decline. The company is looking to generate more income from subscriptions and decrease its reliance on ads.
What is Elon Musk’s involvement with X?
Elon Musk took over X about a year ago and has ambitious plans for the platform. He aims to make X a competitor to platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn. He’s also been vocal about venturing into the financial services sector, wanting X to become an “everything app.”
Will the new subscription tiers be available on mobile apps?
Currently, the new tiers are available only via the web. This is likely to help X avoid the additional fees imposed by Apple and Google’s app stores.
What extra features will the $3 basic tier offer?
The $3 basic tier will offer the ability to edit tweets, post longer content, and download videos. Users will also get a modest boost in reply algorithms and the feature of encrypted direct messages. However, it will not include perks like the blue checkmark or revenue-sharing.
Is X planning to introduce any financial services?
Yes, Elon Musk has plans to integrate banking and other financial services into X. He has noted that capturing users’ credit card information is the first step toward offering comprehensive financial services. He even plans for X to replace traditional bank accounts by the end of 2024.
How does X plan to compete with YouTube and LinkedIn?
While specific details are not yet available, the company has teased new features related to video streaming and job postings. This is in line with Elon Musk’s vision of turning X into an “everything app” that can directly challenge platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn.
Are new users required to pay to join X?
X has begun testing a program in some countries where new users must pay $1 per year to post and reply to tweets. This is part of X’s broader strategy to generate more revenue through user subscriptions.
More about X new subscription tiers
- X’s Official Announcement on New Subscription Tiers
- Bloomberg Report on Elon Musk’s Plans for X
- The Verge’s Inside Scoop on X’s Financial Services Ambitions
- Analysis of Declining Ad Revenue in Social Media Platforms
- Overview of Apple and Google’s App Store Fees
