The new owner of Twitter, Elon Musk has announced that the price of Twitter Blue verification will now cost $8 per month. This will be an increase of about $3 from the current price of $4.99.
Before now, a report by Verge had stated that Musk planned to hike the price of Twitter Blue to $20 per month.
However, it appears the new Twitter owner who also doubled as Tesla CEO has had a change of mind after widespread condemnation of the $ 20-a-month idea.
Investors King learnt that a Twitter poll conducted by Jason@calacanis.com where Elon Musk also commented resulted in an absolute majority of 82 percent saying they wouldn’t like to pay for the Twitter verified checkmark. While 10% voted for $5 a month, 5% voted for $15 a month and 2% voted for $10 a month. A total number of 1,928,055 people voted in the poll.
Apparently, Musk responded to the poll in a series of posts. “We need to pay the bills somehow! Twitter cannot rely entirely on advertisers. How about $8?” He tweeted.
In addition to the verified badge, other privileges that come with the monthly payment include the ability to post long videos and audio.
The world’s richest man however added that the price for the verification will vary by country. He subtly hinted that the price could be higher or lower in some countries.
“Adjusted by country proportionate to purchasing power parity,” he said.
He added that the verification process will henceforth be open to everyone who can pay the fee.
He stated, “Twitter’s current lords & peasants system for who has or doesn’t have a blue checkmark is bullshit. Power to the people! Blue for $8/month”.
It would be recalled that Twitter blue verification was launched in 2009 in response to celebrity concerns about impersonation. The privilege has thereafter been extended to staff working in recognised organisations, journalists, and politicians among others.
The verification badge has therefore since then improve the credibility, trust, and users’ safety on the social media platform.
