X, formerly known as Twitter, has introduced a noteworthy update to its blue tick policy, now awarding this status to its most influential users for free. This shift primarily benefits individuals with over 2,500 verified followers who are already subscribers of X Premium, offering them additional premium features at no extra cost.
In addition to the coveted blue tick, these users will experience fewer advertisements on the platform. X has also initiated a bot-cleansing operation, which may lead to a drop in follower counts as the cleanup progresses.
Historically, the blue tick served as a verification symbol, confirming the authenticity of user identities and significantly curbing fake accounts and misinformation spread. This feature, however, morphed into a paid perk following Elon Musk’s acquisition of the platform, sparking much debate among users.
The recent updates suggest a shift towards merit-based recognition, as messages circulated among selected users indicate that the blue tick and additional premium benefits are being granted complimentary to those recognized as influential community members.
Furthermore, those with a following exceeding 5,000 verified users are being upgraded to Premium+, which significantly reduces ad exposure and enhances the visibility of their tweets in replies.
Musk hinted at this new development in late March, and it marks a significant pivot in the platform’s strategy towards user verification and engagement.
The evolution of the blue tick from a simple verification tool to a paid feature and now to a blend of both underscores a significant transformation in X’s approach under Musk’s leadership. The billionaire’s critique of the original verification system as elitist has led to a more inclusive model where prominence and influence, as evidenced by follower count, determine access to the platform’s premium features.
This reimagined verification strategy democratizes access to premium services and aligns with Musk’s vision of reducing the divide between “lords and peasants” on the platform. As X continues to evolve, this update represents a new chapter in the platform’s history, blending the past with Musk’s futuristic social media engagement and community-building vision.
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