Eko Hot Blog reports that Twitter has launched a subscription service allowing users to buy blue-tick verification for a monthly fee of $7.99 (N3,515).
The move represents a significant change under the company’s new owner, Elon Musk, who took over in October after completing a $44 billion takeover.
The system was designed to help users identify authentic and influential users on the platform, including government figures, sports stars, entertainment figures, journalists, brands and organisations.
However, anyone who can pay $8, regardless of their status, can now have the signature blue tick on their profile.
Elon Musk carrying a sink into Twitter HQ
In an update to Apple iOS devices on Saturday, the social media company said any users who “sign up now” to its premium “Twitter Blue” service will get a blue tick.
“Power to the people: your account will get a blue checkmark, just like the celebrities, companies, and politicians you already follow,” the update said.
Other features promised to be “coming soon” include half the number of adverts, the ability to post longer videos and priority ranking for content posted on the platform.
Musk’s move to launch the subscription service may not be unconnected to his aim to diversify Twitter’s revenue streams.
He has also sought to drastically reduce costs at the company with the widespread staff cuts around the world on Friday. As many as half of the company’s more than 7,500 staff were affected.
Meanwhile, Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey took to the platform on Saturday to apologise for growing the company too quickly. He suggested he was at fault for Musk’s mass layoffs.
“I own the responsibility for why everyone is in this situation: I grew the company size too quickly. I apologize for that,” he tweeted.
Musk, who has lamented that the company is losing more than $4m a day, said on Friday evening that Twitter employees who lost their jobs have been offered a three-month payoff. He added that the move was unavoidable.
Click to watch our video for the week:
US Reaffirms Support for Migrants and Refugees on International Migrants Day US Secretary of State…
Access Bank Plc recently hosted Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the President of the Federal Republic of Germany,…
Anambra Assembly Approves N607 Billion 2025 Budget The Anambra State House of Assembly has approved…