The new owner of Twitter, Elon Musk, has been optimistic that “Twitter Blue”, the premium subscription service providing coveted verified blue ticks on the platform, can become a crucial revenue stream for the microblogging platform. However, the service has not yet gained much traction. Twitter Blue managed to make $11 million (around Rs 90 Cr) in mobile subscriptions, according to data from app intelligence firm Sensor Tower. Notedly, Musk advocated paid verification as a different economic model from one based on advertisements.
The figures do not include revenue generated by web-based subscriptions. Reportedly, Sensor Tower data suggests that 385,000 mobile users (iOS and Android both) have subscribed to the service, globally. The U.S. is its largest market, with 246,000 subscribers spending around $8 million.
Twitter Blue was launched in November 2022 after multiple major revisions following Musk’s $44 billion acquisition of the micro-blogging platform. Even though the subscription service rolled out in a few select locations back in 2021, it got vigorous backing after the company’s acquisition.
Last week, the microblogging platform announced it will take down the ‘legacy’ blue ticks on April Fool’s Day or April 1. Earlier in December 2022, the company announced that it would remove verified checks “in a few months”.
In a tweet on Friday, Twitter announced the move saying, “On April 1st, we will begin winding down our legacy verified program and removing legacy verified checkmarks. To keep your blue checkmark on Twitter, individuals can sign up for Twitter Blue here.”
Recently, Twitter announced pricing for its Twitter Blue subscription in India. The pricing for Twitter Blue is also announced for Indonesia and Brazil. Talking about India, the monthly Blue subscription will cost users Rs 650 for the web and Rs 900 each for Android and iOS devices. Twitter will charge Rs 6,800 for a yearly subscription.
