Twitter Blue, which is currently undergoing another rebranding process to “X Blue” under Elon Musk’s leadership, has introduced a feature that allows Blue subscribers to hide their “earned” blue ticks. This development affords users discretion to mask the fact that they are paying for the platform’s premium services, bypassing potential ridicule and memes mocking the blatant display of someone’s proud blue tick.
The blue check mark, a symbol that has been synonymous with Twitter’s verification system alongside Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, has undergone several transformations over the years.
It originally served as an authenticity feature, distinguishing real accounts from potential impersonators, initially available only to members of the media, certain A-list Hollywood talent, and politicians. Over the years, the means by which people came to “earn” their blue checks were fueled and driven by a “pay to play” landscape where users could “buy” their blue check through third parties who knew how to navigate the system and more often than not, through actual Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter employees.
However, the whole account verification landscape around a blue check changed when Musk introduced the option for any user to achieve “verification” status through a Blue subscription, for just $8 USD. This move immediately sparked a wave of fake accounts seeking the coveted blue checkmark, causing massive damage to media publishers, Hollywood talent, and those companies and public figures who (in most cases) had rightfully earned their verification.
The ensuing confusion led Twitter to revamp its verification system, removing blue ticks from outdated verified accounts, and changing the appearance of these checkmarks several times.
Hide your blue check
Now, with the latest update, Twitter Blue subscribers have the choice to display a blue checkmark on their profile, accompanied by a “verified since” date (similar to how Instagram currently displays it under ‘About this profile’ ).
This date indicates the time when the account was first verified on the platform, prior to the introduction of the Blue subscription system. In particular, users with a following of 1 million or more followers automatically get blue ticks.
While the option to hide the blue check mark gives users more flexibility, there are caveats.
According to a Twitter support article“[t]The tick will be hidden on your profile and messages,” it reads in part, noting that “[t]The check mark may still appear in some places and some features may still reveal that you have an active subscription.” It also says that some features of Blue may not be available while a user’s checkmark is hidden.
Throw the “X” up
The ongoing transformation of Twitter Blue, which will soon become “X Blue,” is part of Musk’s broader vision for the platform. He envisions creating an “everything app,” possibly integrating a payment system in the future, already referring to X as a future financial platform.
This ambition was symbolized last week when Twitter’s iconic blue bird logo was replaced with a temporary “X” logo. This change was not just digital; an eye-catching, flashing “X” sign was also installed atop Twitter’s San Francisco headquarters — until it was removed by the City of San Francisco after X was notified of the permit violation and 24 complaints about received the board.
While Twitter’s abrupt rebranding to “X” has certainly generated mixed feelings from users, there are some who believe change is inevitable, but should still take Musk’s initiatives with a “grain of salt.”
Timmy Ghiurau, co-founder of The Point Labs, believes that similar to Google’s rebranding under Alphabet and its transformation from Facebook to Meta, Twitter also needs a similar restructuring shifting to a “more, interconnected experience” .
“It’s easy to stick to a familiar story, but innovation requires us to challenge the status quo and embrace the possibilities of the unknown. And while all other tech giants evolved into groups that served as umbrellas for various technology initiatives, a strong ecosystem must be able to support these developments,” Ghiurau now told nft.
He also acknowledged the understandable concerns of the tech communities, including the crypto and NFT sectors. “The fear that these communities and networks could lose their value, especially if their main communication platforms remain insecure as they undergo continuous transformation, is another reason for such concern. Ghiurau also encourages users and the Web3 community to actively participate in these discussions that help shape a digital future that balances user convenience with individual privacy rights.
Where do we go from here?
Despite the rebranding efforts, remnants of the original Twitter Blue branding remain visible in various parts of the platform. For example, the “X Blue” subscription page still contains multiple references to “Twitter Blue”.
As digital platforms continue to adapt to user preferences and the broader market landscape, Twitter’s latest move underscores the platform’s commitment to providing a tailored experience to its users. It remains to be seen how these changes will shape the future of social media interactions and the way users perceive premium subscription services.