Elon Musk has dropped a bombshell, hinting that X (formerly Twitter) may soon introduce a monthly subscription fee for users. This bold move is not just about monetization; it aims to tackle the persistent issue of bot accounts infiltrating the platform. In a recent livestream conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Musk unveiled this groundbreaking idea, but the specific pricing details remain shrouded in mystery.
A Strategic Shift Towards Paid Access
The revelation that X could migrate behind a paywall signifies a significant shift in the social network. Under Elon Musk’s leadership, the former Twitter CEO is considering a monthly subscription fee as a prerequisite for using the platform. However, Musk refrained from disclosing the exact cost of this subscription plan during the conversation.
Moreover, Musk remained tight-lipped about any new features that might accompany this subscription model. As it stands, X boasts a staggering 550 million monthly users who collectively generate 100 million to 200 million posts daily. Musk’s rationale for introducing a subscription fee is to erect a formidable barrier against the army of bots that plague the platform.
The Missing Puzzle Pieces
While the prospect of X (formerly Twitter) embracing a subscription model is intriguing, crucial details are conspicuously absent. The enigmatic pricing structure and the timeline for the commencement of monthly payments are yet to be unveiled. Users and industry observers eagerly await further information on how this transition will unfold.
The Evolution of X Under Elon Musk’s Ownership
Elon Musk’s acquisition of X (formerly Twitter) for a staggering $44 billion last year set the stage for transformative changes within the social network. Notably, the company underwent significant downsizing, with an 80% reduction in its workforce, trimming it down from 7,500 employees to just 1,500.
Additionally, X introduced the Twitter Blue subscription, granting users access to coveted features such as the Twitter verification blue tick. In India, the Twitter Blue plan costs Rs 650 per month for desktop users and Rs 900 per month for iOS and Android users. Subscribers gain the privilege of a verification checkmark, the ability to post longer videos and a reduction in ad exposure.
Beyond these changes, Elon Musk decided to rebrand Twitter as X. He explained that the rebranding was aimed at preserving freedom of speech while accelerating the development and release of X. The name “Twitter” had served its purpose in the era of 140-character tweets, but with the platform’s evolution allowing longer videos and posts, a new identity was necessary.
The prospect of a monthly subscription fee adds an intriguing dimension to X’s evolution under Musk’s leadership. As the details surrounding this development gradually emerge, users and industry observers are eager to see how this bold strategy will shape the future of social networking.
