In a groundbreaking announcement, Elon Musk has revealed significant updates to the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), marking a pivotal shift in its user experience. The 52-year-old tech mogul, recognized as TIME’s 2021 Person of the Year, took to the platform to disclose the transformative alterations, set to redefine how users engage with X.
Effective immediately, Musk declared, "all X accounts with over 2500 verified subscriber followers will get Premium features for free, and accounts with over 5000 will get Premium+ for free." This move aims to democratize access to premium features, offering enhanced capabilities to a broader array of users.
Previously, X Premium features required a subscription fee of $8 per month, granting users privileges such as extended post length, video uploads, enhanced reply prioritization, and reduced ad visibility on their timelines. Meanwhile, Premium+ subscribers enjoy ad-free experiences in the For You and Following timelines, along with exclusive access to the cutting-edge generative artificial intelligence chatbot Grok.
Notably, these premium subscription models now serve as the sole means for users to obtain the coveted blue checkmark, once emblematic of verified accounts prior to Musk's acquisition of Twitter Inc. for a staggering $44 billion in April 2022.
These sweeping changes come in the wake of a recent legal dispute, as a U.S. judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by X against the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH). The judge criticized Musk's handling of criticism, stating that X appeared unable to handle dissent and accused the company of retaliating against critics.
However, despite these alterations and legal battles, X faces challenges in retaining its user base. Reports indicate a decline in daily users, lagging behind competitors like Instagram and TikTok. Figures suggest a notable decrease in daily users in the U.S., coupled with a global decline in active users.
As X navigates this evolving landscape, the tech community eagerly awaits the implications of Musk's latest initiatives on the future trajectory of the platform.
Read More: A Brief History of Elon Musk Saying One Thing and Doing Another at Twitter
User Frustration and Competition: Factors Behind Decline in X App Users, Analysts Suggest
Abe Yousef, a senior insights analyst at Sensor Tower, highlighted potential drivers behind the decline in active users on the X mobile app. In a recent research report, Yousef pointed to factors including user frustration with content, platform technical issues, and the rising competition from short-form video platforms.
Adding to the discourse, a post shared by X Data on March 18 revealed that the platform currently boasts 250 million global daily users. However, outlets like NBC News were quick to note that this figure represents a decline from the 258 million users reported by Musk in 2022, following his acquisition of the platform.
In conclusion, insights from analysts like Abe Yousef shed light on the complexities underlying the decline in active users on the X mobile app. While factors such as user frustration with content and technical issues play a role, the growing competition from short-form video platforms also contributes to the shifting landscape. Despite efforts to address these challenges, including maintaining a sizable user base of 250 million daily users, the platform continues to face scrutiny amid declining numbers compared to figures reported following Elon Musk's acquisition. As X navigates these hurdles, the tech community remains attentive to how the platform evolves to meet the demands of its users and adapt to an increasingly competitive digital landscape.