In order to keep their brand verification status, companies are required to pay X, formerly known as Twitter, $1,000 per month in advertising expenses. 

Elon Musk justified the action, saying it will dissuade con artists and set a high bar for verification. However, discussions regarding justice, cost, and the effect on companies and people have been spurred by the decision.

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(Photo: CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images)
This illustration photo taken on July 24, 2023, shows the Twitter bird logo upside down in the background of Elon Musk's screen advertising an "X" as a replacement logo, in Los Angeles.

Bad News for Brands

Brands have two choices under the revamped certification system: pay $1,000 for a gold checkmark designating "Verified Organization" or risk losing it. 

On social media, Elon Musk praised this trend and said that subscriptions enable businesses to give affiliates a sense of authority, increasing their natural reach on the network.

Elon Musk justified the verification cost of $1,000 per month, saying it would support trustworthy businesses and deter criminals and phony accounts. He further asserted that this action may aid X in recovering losses brought on by a drop in ad income.

Read Also: Twitter CEO Linda Yaccarino Hints at Fintech Features in X Rebrand

Changes in Verification

X has come under fire for its verification measures, which include a blue badge model for individual users that costs $8 per month. 

Long-time users were furious as a result of losing their heritage badges. Concerns regarding the progressive commercialization of necessary capabilities that were previously provided to consumers at no cost have been raised by the introduction of these rules.

Effects on Twitter Users

Brands are worried that the $1,000 monthly price for verification would be too expensive for small and medium-sized firms, in particular. The cost can lead to an unequal playing field that favors larger businesses with bigger finances. 

It may be difficult for nonprofit groups, academic institutions, and grassroots initiatives to justify the cost of retaining verification status. 

The effects go beyond companies since influencers and content producers depend on verified status to build trust and broaden their audience.

Many people might not be able to pay the membership, which could result in missed possibilities for income development.

Criticism Towards the Move

Supporters and detractors of X's authentication procedure have reacted differently to the $1,000 price. While some see it as a legitimate expense for respectable organizations, others see it as an exclusionary strategy that benefits wealthy groups. 

Social media users have voiced their worries by using hashtags like #NoPayToPlay and #VerifyForAll.

Debates over cost, fairness, and the direction of the platform have been prompted by X's $1,000 monthly price for brand certification. 

The change increases accessibility and has an impact on smaller firms and people, despite Elon Musk's explanations that it would help fight fraud and increase ad income. As the social media environment changes, it is unclear how X and its user base will fare in the future.

Related Article: Twitter's X Rebrand: User with '@x' Handle Still Has No Notifs from Elon Musk-Will They Take It?

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