In a bold move, X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, is venturing into uncharted territory. They’ve announced a new subscription model that will charge fresh users a mere $1 per year for access to basic features. This revolutionary approach aims to reshape the landscape of social media and enhance user experiences.
X’s “Not a Bot” Campaign
X is currently testing its “Not a Bot” annual subscription method in New Zealand and the Philippines as a pilot program. Importantly, this test will not affect existing users, who can continue using the platform as usual.
The motivation behind this move is clear: X is determined to combat bots and spammers effectively while ensuring that the platform remains accessible to all users. X emphasizes that the subscription fee isn’t primarily intended as a profit driver.
How Does It Work?
So, how does it work? New users who create accounts will need to verify their identity with a phone number. These users then pay a nominal fee of $1 USD. In return, they gain access to essential features, including posting, liking, replying to, reposting, bookmarking, and quoting posts. Those who opt out of the subscription will still be able to explore the platform but will be limited to “read-only” functions, such as reading posts, watching videos, and following accounts.
This announcement falls in line with X’s owner, Elon Musk’s, prior statements. In 2022, Musk took the helm of X, and his recent remarks suggest a commitment to keeping the platform free from bots. During a live-streamed conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Musk hinted at the possibility of charging a “small monthly payment” to maintain a bot-free environment. He also revealed that X boasts a massive user base of 550 million monthly users, generating 100 to 200 million posts daily.
Earlier this year, Musk imposed temporary daily limits on the number of posts users can view, citing the need to address excessive data scraping and system manipulation.
It’s worth noting that X already offers a premium subscription service, which comes with specific benefits, such as post editing and prioritized rankings in conversations and search. Pricing for this premium service starts at $8 a month, providing users with an enhanced and customizable experience.
X’s journey, under the leadership of Elon Musk, continues to evolve, reflecting a commitment to a cleaner, more user-centric social media landscape. As the testing phase progresses, we’ll be keeping a close watch on how this bold experiment shapes the future of social media. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development.