'Twitter Blue' Re-Launches After Pause

Facts

• On Monday, Twitter officially relaunched its paid subscription service that paused last month after the platform was flooded with users violating the blue checkmark verification feature to impersonate famous brands and public figures.
• Called "Twitter Blue," the paid subscription service offers verified status to users for $8 a month, or now $11 per month for Apple devices.
• Under the revamped system, Twitter Blue subscribers cannot change their account handle, display names, or profile photos after receiving their verified badge until their accounts are reviewed again.
• Twitter Blue subscribers will reportedly be able to edit their tweets, see 50% fewer ads, have their tweets "rocketed" to the top of replies, and post 1080p videos.
• In concert with this program, Twitter will soon start transitioning from blue checks to gold checks for business accounts, and a gray checkmark for government accounts.
• Ahead of Twitter Blue's comeback, owner Elon Musk responded to an inquiry by saying he would increase the platform's character limit to 4k — more than 14 times the current cut-off at 280.

Sources: Guardian, BBC News, Tech Crunch, Newsbud, and Mashable.

Narratives

• Narrative A, as provided by Newsweek. Twitter's new offering will undoubtedly help the social media platform diversify its revenue stream, reduce its reliance on advertising, and cut down on trolls, impersonations, and fraud. In addition, Twitter Blue adds premium value to a user's account; at $8 or $11 a month, it's a bargain for the content.
• Narrative B, as provided by Straits Times. Musk initially mocked Twitter's "lords and peasants" blue tick system, but now he's charging a fee and legitimizing it. Musk claims he's redirecting more "power to the people." Unfortunately, his tone-deaf move is further dividing Twitter between the haves and the have-nots.