Twitter’s Big Bunch: $8 for a Blue Tick
When Elon Musk swooped into Twitter last November, he didn’t just rub out half the staff—he also sprinkled a secret sauce over the platform. On its latest App Store update, he’s turning that iconic blue checkmark into a shiny, pricey badge.
What’s the Deal?
- Sign up now for $7.99/month and flaunt that legendary blue tick next to your name.
- Only in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the U.K. (worldwide rollout speeds up once the payment checks out).
- + Half the ads: because who wants a constant stream of random tweets about cat food?
- Longer videos: you can pitch in up to 2× the usual length (think full‑filed movie scenes).
- Priority ranking: your posts get preferential treatment and are more likely to hit the front page.
Why the Price?
Under Musk’s reign, Twitter is pivoting from a free, ad‑heavy platform to one that monetizes more directly. 8 bucks feels just sunny enough for those who want to brag about verified status without digging into their bank account.
Any Identity Checks?
Before Musk, a blue check simply meant the platform had verified you. After the takeover, the details are fuzzy—so far, it’s all about the dime, not a fancy background check. That remains an open question.
Other Musk‑ish Tweaks
- Musk says “fixing search” is the top priority—because finding that famous meme is a nightmare.
- He’s hinting at future creator monetization, maybe even a deal where you get a slice of ad revenue like YouTube does.
- Long‑form text attachments for tweets are on the horizon, finally ending the “—notepad screenshot” crisis.
Meanwhile, Twitter’s early‑stage product chief, Esther Crawford, is still ironing out the new service. “The new Blue isn’t live yet,” she said, noting that the team keeps working around the clock. She even posted a candid photo sleeping on the office floor—evidence that the grind is real.
In short, Twitter’s flipping the script: who knew a blue check would cost a small fortune, a new set of perks, and a dash of high‑tech drama? Time will tell if users are ready to pay for prestige.
