Elon Musk Confirms Huge X Changes After Apparent Drop In Users

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Lydia Mee | Last updated 3/28/24

In a move to rejuvenate X, Elon Musk has unveiled plans to grant select users access to premium functionalities at no cost, following indications of a decline in platform engagement. This strategic pivot is designed to enrich the user experience for influential members of the X community.

Key Takeaways:

Users boasting a following of over 2,500 verified subscribers on X are set to enjoy complimentary access to premium services, including enhanced posting capabilities and a reduced ad presence, typically available for $8 monthly.
Furthermore, individuals with a following exceeding 5,000 verified subscribers will be granted free access to the superior tier, Premium+, encompassing exclusive features like Grok, an advanced AI tool.
Amidst assertions from X denying a falloff in user numbers, it had been reported that the user numbers had recently declined.

In a shift aimed at revitalising the platform, Elon Musk has declared that X will offer free premium features to accounts with a significant subscriber base, in an effort to counteract the perceived downturn in user participation. This initiative will enable users with more than 2,500 verified subscriber followers to access enhanced posting capabilities, fewer advertisements, and an esteemed blue tick at no charge, services that are ordinarily priced at $8 per month. The offer extends further to those with over 5,000 verified subscribers, who will gain complimentary access to the platform's Premium+ services, including the innovative AI tool, Grok, which is positioned as a comprehensive information source.

Going forward, all accounts with over 2500 verified subscriber followers will get Premium features for free and accounts with over 5000 will get Premium+ for free
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 28, 2024

This announcement comes amid discussions surrounding the decline in X's user base since Musk's stewardship began, contrasting with the user growth trends on rival social platforms. By providing premium services to a select group of influential users, X aims to bolster user engagement and content quality.

However, the announcement has led to some confusion among users, with many seeking clarity on the specifics of the eligibility criteria—particularly whether it pertains to followers or subscribers. Given the limited number of accounts currently meeting the threshold based on subscriber counts, the impact of Musk's new policy may be modest.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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