It's official: paid Twitter is here.
Known as Twitter Blue, the $7.99-a-month service will enable users to take part in a subscription-based plan in order to get the coveted blue checkmark next to their names, as well as a host of other perks.
A recent in-app notification revealed the details of the subscription, saying: "Power to the people: Your account will get a blue checkmark, just like the celebrities, companies and politicians you already follow."
"Coming soon," the announcement read. "Half the ads and much better ones: Since you're supporting Twitter in the battle against the bots, we're going to reward you with half the ads and make them twice as relevant."
Regarding video posts, the announcement added: "Post longer videos: You'll finally be able to post longer videos to Twitter. Priority ranking for quality content: Your content will get priority ranking in replies, mentions and search.
"This helps lower the visibility of scams, spam and bots."
Don't be alarmed if you haven't seen the subscription option pop-up on your account yet - the service is only currently available in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand - as Musk has said that it will eventually be launched worldwide.
This bold new revamp of Twitter's verification process comes amid Musk's plan to lay off up to 50% of Twitter's workforce.
However, Twitter's new CEO has defended his actions, blaming a "massive drop in revenue".
"Regarding Twitter’s reduction in force, unfortunately there is no choice when the company is losing over $4M/day. Everyone exited was offered 3 months of severance, which is 50% more than legally required," Musk tweeted earlier this week.
Several former employees filed a lawsuit against the social media giant last week, arguing that the 3,700 layoffs are in breach of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act.
The attorney who filed the lawsuit, Shannon Liss-Riordan, told Bloomberg: "We filed this lawsuit tonight in an attempt to make sure that employees are aware that they should not sign away their rights and that they have an avenue for pursuing their rights."
Twitter's former CEO, Jack Dorsey, expressed his feelings about the historic move to fire up to half of the company's workforce, tweeting: "Folks at Twitter past and present are strong and resilient.
"They will always find a way no matter how difficult the moment. I realize many are angry with me. I own the responsibility for why everyone is in this situation: I grew the company size too quickly. I apologize for that."
"I am grateful for, and love, everyone who has ever worked on Twitter. I don't expect that to be mutual in this moment...or ever…and I understand," the 45-year-old added.
Well, it seems the coveted blue ticks that were once earned are now going to appear in far larger numbers on the platform. Whether that's a good or bad thing, we will have to wait and see.
