Formerly TweetDeck, now X Pro, transitions to a paid model, disappointing marketers and news enthusiasts. X, formerly Twitter, mandates subscription via X Premium, introduced by owner Elon Musk, costing $84 annually. Subscribers access X Pro’s real-time feed customization along with perks like blue checkmarks and reduced ads. Musk’s $44 billion Twitter acquisition led to significant policy changes and a rebrand, retiring the blue bird logo.
X Pro, formerly known as TweetDeck, has transitioned to a subscription-based model, creating a notable shift for marketers, journalists, and enthusiasts. The rebranded platform, now under the name X, was once Twitter’s well-received acquisition in 2011, offering real-time customization of various feeds.
Until now, access to TweetDeck, now X Pro, was free of charge. However, this changed following X’s announcement in July that it would transform into a subscription-exclusive service. Effective from Wednesday onwards, users interested in X Pro must subscribe to X Premium, an offering introduced by Elon Musk, the site’s proprietor. This strategic move aims to bolster the company’s revenue and costs users $84 annually.
By subscribing to X Premium, users not only unlock access to X Pro but also enjoy privileges like a distinguished blue checkmark on their profiles, improved visibility in replies and searches, extended post lengths, and a reduction in advertisements. This service, previously dubbed Twitter Blue, encountered a bumpy start in November when it was temporarily withdrawn due to impersonation issues. Although it relaunched in December, the challenges with impersonation persisted.
Elon Musk, who commands the roles of CEO at Tesla and SpaceX, made headlines with his acquisition of Twitter for a substantial $44 billion in the previous year. His influence was promptly felt by employees and users, with significant job cuts and substantial changes in policies and features on the platform.
In a recent transformational move, the company underwent a comprehensive rebranding, announced by Musk in July. This involved bidding farewell to the iconic blue and white bird logo, ushering in the era of X. Subsequent changes encompassed the renaming of Twitter’s services, including the well-known TweetDeck, now known as X Pro.
