Twitter announces new features to enable calls, encrypted messages

Twitter bans ads for non subscribers

Following the removal of the blue tick for non-paying Twitter accounts, the popular social media network has stated that non-subscribers to the Twitter ‘blue tick’ would no longer be able to run advertisements on the platform.

The decision followed the recent removal of “blue ticks” from many Twitter accounts, which affected many celebrities and high-profile people who no longer had verifications and could simply be reproduced.

A notification sent to Twitter advertisers with the headline ‘Building a better Twitter through verification’ states:

“To continue running ads on Twitter after April 21, your @account must have a verified checkmark or subscribe to either Twitter Blue or Verified Organisations.” 

Business accounts that spend more than $1000 per month already have gold checks or will soon, and they will continue to have uninterrupted access to advertising at this period.

“This change is consistent with Twitter’s broader verification strategy, which is to improve the quality of content on Twitter and your experience as a user and advertiser.” This strategy also contributes to our ongoing efforts to decrease bogus accounts and bots. Subscribing to one of these services indicates that Twitter has authenticated you as a legitimate person and/or business.

“You’ll have a more visible organic presence and a broader range of creation tools, among other things.” We can’t wait for you to get started and benefit from a better Twitter experience,”l media platform has again announced that non-subscribers to the Twitter ‘blue tick’ will no longer be able to run adverts on the platform. 

The announcement came after the removal of “blue ticks”  on many Twitter accounts recently, which affected many celebrities and high-profile people who no longer have verifications, and their accounts can easily be duplicated. 

A  notice sent to Twitter advertisers titled ‘Building a better Twitter through verification’ reads:

“Starting April 21, your @account must have a verified checkmark or subscribe to either Twitter Blue or Verified Organizations to continue running ads on Twitter. Business accounts spending in excess of $1000 per month already have gold checks or will soon, and they’ll continue to enjoy access to advertising without interruption at this time.

“This change aligns with Twitter’s broader verification strategy: to elevate the quality of content on Twitter and enhance your experience as a user and advertiser. This approach also supports our ongoing efforts to reduce fraudulent accounts and bots. Subscribing to either of these services means you have been verified by Twitter as a real person and/or business.

“Amongst other features, you’ll have a more visible organic presence and a broader range of creation tools. We’re excited for you to get started and to benefit from a superior Twitter experience,”

Read also: Twitter returns Blue ticks to media outlets, celebrities

Twitter ad revenue to fall by 28% in 2023 – Analysts

Analysts have predicted that Twitter’s income from advertising will fall by 28 per cent in 2023 as the platform struggles under the ownership of Elon Musk.

Analysts at Insider Intelligence said they were slashing an earlier worldwide revenue estimate of $4.74 billion by more than a third to $2.98 billion as trust in the platform deteriorates.

“The biggest problem with Twitter’s ad business is that advertisers don’t trust Musk,” said Jasmine Enberg, principal analyst at Insider Intelligence.

“Twitter needs to unravel Musk’s personal brand from the company’s corporate image to regain advertiser trust and bring back ad dollars,” she added.

Musk’s takeover of Twitter has already seen several major advertisers suspend their activity on the platform.

Research shows that about fourteen of the top 30 advertisers on Twitter stopped advertising on the platform just as Musk took charge.

Insider Intelligence noted that Musk’s efforts to build up a subscription service “won’t make up for the lost ad revenue.

Twitter’s $1,000 “simple” verification enrages users

Twitter is leaning towards the upper crust.

All indicators point to the popular social media platform’s subscription costs favouring the upper crust. This means that, unlike Facebook and Instagram, some middle and lower-income people, particularly in developing nations, cannot use Twitter.

The once-loved platform that allows friends, family, and coworkers to interact and stay connected through the exchange of short, frequent messages may soon become less popular as many users consider cancelling their accounts.

In the most recent twist, many users have confirmed that Twitter has returned their blue tick badge without subscribing, just days after it removed the blue verification check marks from accounts that do not pay for Twitter Blue, prompting some celebrities and journalists to insist they did not sign up for Twitter owner Elon Musk’s $8-per-month subscription service and received their verification badge back.