Since its inception in 2006, Twitter has evolved into a leading social media platform, boasting 329 million users globally as of 2022. Renowned for facilitating rapid communication and diverse discussions, Twitter remains a cornerstone of online interaction. With Elon Musk assuming the role of CEO, the platform is poised for significant changes and updates in 2023. Let’s delve into some of the anticipated features that Musk may introduce to enhance the Twitter experience.
Blue Tick Subscription
Elon Musk announced on November 1 that Twitter will implement a subscription model for the coveted blue tick verification badge. Previously provided at no cost to verified accounts of public interest, the blue tick will now be available for a monthly fee of USD 8. Subscribers will enjoy additional perks such as priority in replies and mention/search functionalities. Although initially launched earlier this year, the subscription option was temporarily withdrawn due to misuse by fake accounts. The relaunch, now priced at USD 8 (USD 11 for Apple users), marks a renewed effort to maintain the integrity of verified accounts.
Edit Button Testing
Twitter revealed on September 1 that it had commenced testing the highly anticipated ‘edit button’ feature. This functionality allows users to modify tweets within 30 minutes of publication. Initially available exclusively to Twitter Blue subscribers in select countries (US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand), the edit button seeks to provide users with greater flexibility and control over their tweets.
Expansion of Twitter Blue
Twitter Blue, a premium subscription service introduced in 2021, is slated for expansion beyond its current availability in Canada, the US, Australia, and New Zealand. Offering exclusive features such as new themes, a bookmark option, and an undo button, Twitter Blue aims to enhance the user experience for subscribers seeking additional customization and functionality.
New Video Carousel
Twitter announced plans to introduce a new video carousel, enabling users to browse and watch popular videos, including movie teasers, with ease. Accessible via a swipe-up gesture, the video carousel promises an immersive viewing experience within a full-screen player, enhancing video discovery and engagement on the platform.
Long-Form Text Tweets
Elon Musk hinted at Twitter’s upcoming feature to enable long-form text attachments to tweets, addressing the inconvenience of sharing notepad screenshots for extended content. This enhancement will increase the character limit to 4000 characters, as confirmed by Musk, offering users greater flexibility in expressing themselves within a single tweet.
Twitter Payments
Speculation suggests that Elon Musk may transform Twitter into a banking platform, enabling instant global money transfers and real-time payments. Users could potentially receive debit cards linked to their Twitter balances, facilitating seamless transactions while shopping. While Musk has proposed the concept, its implementation in 2023 remains uncertain pending further developments.
In summary, Elon Musk’s stewardship of Twitter heralds an era of innovation and transformation on the platform. With these anticipated features and updates, Twitter aims to enrich user engagement, foster community interaction, and adapt to evolving user preferences in the dynamic landscape of social media.
