Twitter to start charging for verification mark, reports say

Various reports on Sunday evening suggest Twitter will soon start charging a monthly fee of between £5 and £20 for an account holder to display a blue verification badge. The coveted check mark is given to users with accounts that Twitter defines as “authentic, notable, and active,” and gives followers reassurance that the account is genuine. The move to start charging a fee to display the mark could be one of the first major changes enacted by new owner Elon Musk, who last week took control of the social media company in a deal worth £44 billion.

Tech site Platformer said Twitter is “strongly considering” asking verified users to pay for the verification badge by subscribing to Twitter Blue, a service offering premium features that currently costs £5 per month. “Executives at the newly Elon Musk-owned company have spent the weekend discussing the move and making plans related to the project, according to two people familiar with the matter,” Platformer said in its report. Also on Sunday evening, The Verge reported that the fee to keep a verification badge, or indeed to be given one in the future, could soon cost as much as £20 per month.

The tech site suggests that the change could also be tied to Twitter Blue, with people who want to use the verification badge required to join the premium service. The report said Twitter Blue’s monthly fee may be increased to £20, though it added that the price is subject to change. The Verge said it had spoken to “people familiar with the matter” and had also seen internal correspondence relating to the matter.

In an apparent bid to force the change through, and in what some may see as a sign of things to come as the company adjusts to life under its new owner, workers tasked with making the potential changes have reportedly been told that they should do so by November 7 or face losing their job. Suggesting the situation is moving at a fast pace, Musk tweeted on Sunday: “The whole verification process is being revamped right now,” though he declined to give further details. It’s been known for a while that Musk is keen on increasing Twitter’s revenue through subscriptions.

In May, when the billionaire entrepreneur had already signaled his intention to acquire Twitter, Musk reportedly said that subscriptions would become a more important revenue driver than they have been. The aim is for them to account for £10 billion of annual revenue in a projected 2028 figure, with advertising pulling in an estimated £12 billion. This would see ad income falling from 90% of total revenue in 2020 to 45% in 2028, indicating just how important Musk views subscriptions as a future revenue driver.

The new owner has also spoken of charging commercial and government accounts for continued use of Twitter, though details about this potential move have yet to be made public.

Digital Trends has reached out to Twitter for more information and we will update this article when we hear back.

Editors’ Recommendations

Tags:

avis-rent-a-car listed on couponmatrix.ukfat-face listed on couponmatrix.ukrichersounds listed on couponmatrix.ukskinny-tan listed on couponmatrix.ukswift-direct-blinds listed on couponmatrix.ukvirgin-pure listed on couponmatrix.uk
avis-rent-a-car listed on couponmatrix.ukEnjoy more of any holiday or trip with an Avis rental car. You can have the freedom to travel wherever and whenever you feel like it, without waiting about on public transport or worry about being overcharged for a taxi. Enjoy the convenience of a rental for less with an Avis discount code from us. You don’t even have to be going away to enjoy these deals - maybe your car is in the garage or you just fancy a change of style?
fat-face listed on couponmatrix.ukWhether you’re heading to the countryside or the coast, there’s plenty of style and functionality to be found at FatFace. With a huge range of men’s, women’s and kid’s clothing, you can dress the whole family for your next big adventure. Shop with a Fat Face discount code and hit the slopes or take a hike in both comfort and style. With complete outfits for every activity, FatFace is every explorer's favourite shopping destination.
richersounds listed on couponmatrix.ukPassionate about music or film? Richer Sounds, too! Offering high-quality Hi-Fi systems and accessories as well as the best TVs, turntables and home cinemas, Richer Sounds lead the way when it comes to tech. Make sure you take advantage of a Richer Sounds discount code from Groupon to get even better value for money. With cracking customer service and a 6-year guarantee, Richer Sounds is the place to shop for the latest gadgets and technology.
skinny-tan listed on couponmatrix.ukGet natural, streak-free skin that looks good and smells like tropical coconuts with Skinny Tan. Created by women, for women, Skinny Tan wants to make sure everyone has a great tan from home without any harsh chemicals or difficult application. Use your Skinny Tan discount code to save on affordable and high quality tanning products for your face and body, or suncare and accessories. Get beautiful skin every time with the long-lasting, even fade from Skinny Tan.
swift-direct-blinds listed on couponmatrix.ukDecorate and illuminate your window fittings with Swift Direct Blinds, the Yorkshire-based business that offers all you need to keep your house full of light. From classic Venetian blinds to suede curtains and wooden shutters, kit out your home and use a Swift Direct Blinds discount code to secure savings on your fixtures of choice. Even if you’re on the lookout for skylight blinds or energy-saving alternatives, Swift Direct Blinds have an option for you.
virgin-pure listed on couponmatrix.ukWave goodbye to bottled water. Virgin Pure water dispensers are smaller than a coffee machine and more energy-efficient than a kettle – they supply an endless stream of hot or cold water when you need it while filtering out all the bad stuff (bacteria, microplastics and limescale). With these neat appliances, you’ll get free delivery, free installation and you can split the cost over 12 months with no interest. Follow our page for the latest Virgin Pure discounts, including special promotions and promo codes, and your household could save a fortune on fresh water.