Elon Musk’s X has made a significant policy shift, opting to provide blue check verifications for free to users boasting substantial followings. This unexpected move comes as a reversal of Musk’s previous efforts to monetize the verification process on the platform.
Under the new policy, users with significant followings were pleasantly surprised to find their blue checkmarks reinstated, a privilege they had lost when Musk initially overhauled the verification system, reserving it primarily for paying subscribers.
The change follows Musk’s recent announcement that X accounts with over 2500 verified subscriber followers would receive Premium features for free, while those with over 5000 followers would enjoy even more benefits under the Premium+ tier.
Musk’s initial decision to overhaul the verification system upon acquiring X was met with mixed reactions. He aimed to dismantle what he perceived as an outdated hierarchy system, hoping to establish a new revenue stream by offering blue checks as a paid feature.
However, the strategy seemed to have backfired, as the paid verification system failed to gain traction among users. The return to free blue checks suggests that Musk may have underestimated the value users placed on the traditional verification system.
Former Twitter executive, Jason Goldman, highlighted the symbolic importance of the blue check, noting that its value lies not only in individual verification but also in fostering trust and credibility across the platform.
Despite X’s attempt to offer additional perks through its Premium subscription service, including enhanced visibility and access to advanced features, some users remain skeptical. Concerns have been raised about the potential for abuse, with scam and troll accounts exploiting the system to gain prominence.
Ultimately, Musk’s decision to reinstate free blue checks may signal a shift in strategy for X, as the platform navigates the delicate balance between monetization and user trust. Only time will tell whether this latest move proves successful in reinvigorating the platform’s verification process.
