After issues, delays, postponements, and more, Twitter has launched the Twitter Blue service. The subscription service has been Elon Musk’s pet project since he took over Twitter on October 28. In a series of tweets, Twitter has confirmed the rollout of Twitter Blue, and here’s what you need to know about it.
What happened to the grey and gold checkmarks?
They are very much a part of Twitter Blue. Twitter says users will get a blue checkmark after reviewing their account with Twitter Blue. The official Twitter account tweeted on December 10 that the social-media platform will replace the “Official” label and blue check mark on notable accounts with a gold one in hopes of preventing impersonation and distinguishing them from Twitter Blue subscribers. At some point, “a gray checkmark for government and multilateral accounts” will be used.
Twitter Blue with verification has arrived on Dec 12 with specific charges for Android and iPhones
Twitter on Sunday announced to relaunch its Blue subscription service with verification on December 12, that will cost $8 for Android users and $11 for iPhone owners per month.
Musk has raised the price of Twitter Blue subscription service from $8 to $11 for iPhone users, keeping the 30 per cent cut that Apple takes on revenues from iOS apps on its App Store.
“We’re relaunching @TwitterBlue on Monday – subscribe on web for $8/month or on iOS for $11/month to get access to subscriber-only features, including the blue checkmark,” the company said.
“We’ll begin replacing that “official” label with a gold checkmark for businesses, and later in the week a grey checkmark for government and multilateral accounts,” said the company.
Subscribers will be able to change their handle, display name or profile photo, “but if they do, they’ll temporarily lose the blue checkmark until their account is reviewed again,” said Twitter.
Musk last month launched Blue subscription plan with verification but later postponed it after it met with huge controversy as several fake accounts came up on the platform, impersonating brands and celebrities.
He said that the micro-blogging platform will relaunch its $8 Blue subscription service with verification from November 29, this time more “rock solid,” but deferred that too to avoid Apple’s 30 per cent cut of App Store purchases.
Musk criticised the App Store cut, calling it a “hidden 30 per cent tax on the Internet”.
Later, after his meeting with Apple CEO Tim Cook, Musk said that they had “resolved” misunderstandings over the micro-blogging platform possibly being removed from the App Store.
Why is iOS Blue Checkmark more expensive than Android?
With Apple charging a 30% commission to all developers for in-app subscription services, Musk threatened to wage a brief so-called “war” against Apple and the commission. However, it turned out to be a damp squib as he claimed he met Apple CEO Tim Cook and had a “good conversation” to clear up “misunderstandings”.
What are the benefits of Twitter Blue?
Some of the features that Twitter said will be a part of the subscription service are the ability to edit tweets, a reader mode and 1080p video uploads.
What else should you know about Twitter Blue?
Twitter also clarified that customers will be able to change their handle, display name or profile photo, but “if they do, they will temporarily lose the blue checkmark until their account is reviewed again.