2023-10-27 23:42:25
The social network X (formerly Twitter) launched two new subscriptions on Friday, exactly one year following Elon Musk bought it for $44 billion. The platform, now in financial difficulty, is only worth $20 billion.
Users can choose between three plans: Basic, Premium (formerly “Blue”) and Premium+, costing $3, $8 and $16 per month respectively.
In addition to the benefits included in the Premium plan, Premium+ subscribers will benefit from the best exposure for their messages (more chance of being read and generating reactions) and will no longer see advertisements.
As for the cheapest option, it includes basic editing tools (ability to correct a message or publish longer videos, among others) and two-factor authentication, but not access to the tools for creators (which allow remuneration) nor the certification of the account with the famous blue checkmark.
Desertion of advertisers
The Blue subscription, launched chaotically in the months following the takeover of the company by the boss of Tesla, was intended to serve to diversify sources of income and democratize the user certification system. The blue checkmark, which was previously free but reserved for authenticated and well-known accounts, has thus become paid but open to all.
Between this method and the sharp reduction in content moderation, the platform has become more confusing, with many supposedly certified fake accounts spreading false information or rumors.
Many advertisers have deserted X. The value of the social network has fallen to $20 billion and revenue has fallen by half, according to Elon Musk.
It might also become paid for everyone: in New Zealand and the Philippines, new users already have to pay a dollar each year to be able to post messages. The idea is to dissuade the registrations of “robots”, these automated accounts which can be used to artificially amplify political messages, for example.
ats, afp
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