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In the first significant overhaul of the social media site under Elon Musk, Twitter has updated in the Apple App Store and will now start charging $US8 ($A12) for its coveted blue checkmark.
The development occurs a week after Musk acquired control of the social media giant in a $US44 billion deal.
The CEO of electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla dismissed half of Twitter’s personnel and promised to start raising user fees.
Twitter said those who “sign up now” for $US7.99 a month can receive the blue checkmark, “just like the celebrities, companies and politicians you already follow.”
Prior to Musk’s leadership, blue checkmarks next to a user’s name signified Twitter had verified that the account belonged to the person or business claiming it.
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In addition to collecting a fee, it was not immediately obvious how or if Twitter intended to verify the user’s identity.
Other benefits of the update, per the iOS notification, include the ability to submit lengthier videos to Twitter and priority ranking for high-quality material. The update also reportedly eliminates “half the ads.”
In an effort to monetize the social media network and reduce its reliance on advertisements, Twitter’s new CEO announced the adjustments earlier this week.
Most users of Twitter currently enjoy free service.
Read also: Elon Musk completes Twitter buyout, fires top execs (commsroom.co)
The United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom will all be allowed to use the new service with verification, according to Twitter.
Musk said in a tweet, “As soon as we confirm it’s working well in the initial set of countries and we have the translation work done, it will roll out worldwide.”
Musk tweeted in response to a follower’s query that Twitter Blue would launch in India in “hopefully less than a month.”
Musk also stated in a different post that Twitter’s “fixing search is a top priority.”
When a user brought up the fact that producers on YouTube receive 55 per cent of ad revenue, Musk replied in another tweet, “We can beat that.”
Musk added, “Twitter will soon add ability to attach long-form text to tweets, ending absurdity of notepad screenshots. Followed by creator monetization for all forms of content.”
Jaw de Guzman is the content producer for Comms Room, a knowledge platform and website aimed at assisting the communications industry and its professionals.
