Elon Musk announces $8 monthly fee for Twitter's blue tick
Have you ever wanted Twitter's blue tick? The one the platform gave only to people considered noteworthy? Well, you're in luck. As rumored, the blue check mark will be part of a more expensive Twitter Blue subscription. And guess what, it will be up for grabs for anyone. The announcement was made by Elon Musk, the company's new owner.
Why does this story matter?
Musk has been swiftly stamping his mark over Twitter since he took charge of the company. The billionaire began by firing senior executives of the company including then-CEO Parag Agrawal. Before he acquired the company, Musk had promised his investors that he will turn around the company financially. The decision to charge for the coveted blue tick is certainly a step in that direction.
Twitter Blue users will have priority in replies, mentions, searches
Musk called Twitter's current way of allotting blue ticks a "lords & peasant system" and termed it "bullshit." The billionaire said that Twitter Blue subscription will cost $8/month. The price will vary depending on the country. Users with the subscription will get a blue tick, priority in replies, mentions, and searches, the ability to post long audio and video, and fewer ads.
Check out Musk's announcement about Twitter Blue
Musk wants to build a new revenue stream for Twitter
Musk wants to put an end to the company's reliance on advertising revenue. He sees the revamped Twitter Blue as a way to accomplish that. This move comes amid advertisers taking a step back from Twitter. General Motors recently suspended advertising on the site. The resignation of former advertising chief Sarah Personette has added to the uncertainty surrounding the company.
Public figures will get a secondary identification tag
Twitter introduced the blue checkmark in 2009 as a way to stop imposter accounts. The badge was reserved for people who are prone to be impersonated, including celebrities, politicians, journalists, and more. The new system, therefore, raises some doubts about how an ordinary user with a blue tick will be differentiated from high-profile users. Musk said that the latter will have a secondary tag.
