In a notable shift of policy, X, previously known as Twitter, has begun awarding blue ticks to its most “influential” users. This change grants premium features, previously exclusive to those with over 2,500 verified followers or subscribers to X Premium, to select individuals free of charge. Alongside the coveted blue verification badge, these users will experience a reduction in advertisements on the platform.
Furthermore, X has initiated a crackdown on bots, potentially resulting in decreased follower counts for some users. Originally intended as a means of verifying a user’s identity, blue ticks transitioned into a paid feature following Elon Musk’s acquisition of the platform.
Messages received by recipients of these features indicate that they are now bestowed upon individuals deemed “influential members of the community” at no cost. Premium users enjoy perks such as enhanced tweet visibility and eligibility for revenue sharing from ad placements.
Moreover, those with over 5,000 verified followers have been granted complimentary access to Premium+, which offers ad-free browsing and even greater tweet visibility. Elon Musk’s announcement of these changes in late March heralded a departure from the previous system.
Prior to Musk’s involvement, blue ticks were freely granted by the platform as a means of authentication to combat fake accounts and misinformation. Initially regarded as a symbol of authority on the platform, reserved for celebrities, government officials, and journalists, the blue tick evolved under Musk’s leadership. It transformed from a subscription-based verification tied to X Premium to a hybrid system, where prominence is determined by the size and legitimacy of one’s follower base. This shift reflects Musk’s critique of the previous dichotomy between verified and unverified users.
