Social network Twitter recently moved to replace legacy verification with a paid option called Twitter Blue, priced at eight dollars per month in the United States and seven point twenty nine euros elsewhere. This shift marks a clear change in how verification is handled and prompted immediate discussion about policy and identity on the platform.
The Twitter Verified account posted this week that the old verification marks would be removed, signaling a transition that would affect many users who rely on the blue badge for credibility and visibility.
Twitter Blue brings several features for subscribers. Users can edit their tweets, publish longer posts up to ten thousand characters, and influence how the platform’s algorithm ranks their content. These capabilities, the company argues, offer more control and flexibility for engaged users while aligning verification with a paid model.
Despite the launch of Twitter Blue, only a small fraction of the platform’s user base has subscribed. Estimates from market research indicate around 116,000 confirmed subscriptions across regions in March, with a notable month over month increase. The revenue model, however, remains a topic of debate as the company seeks to offset ad revenue declines that have followed shifts in advertiser sentiment.
In the wake of leadership changes and strategic pivots, some advertisers have reduced or paused spending on the service. Industry reporting notes that advertising revenue has contracted in the wake of tenure changes and policy revisions, contributing to ongoing financial pressure on the platform.
A number of prominent users and media organizations have been cautious about joining the paid verification scheme. Reports show that several high profile accounts, including major outlets and public figures, have opted not to pursue or display the paid verification marks at this stage. The announcement of the fee and the potential impact on branding and accountability has sparked vigorous discussion across the digital landscape.
The timing of the rollout generated some controversy. Proponents of the change pointed to greater transparency and consistency of the verification process, while critics argued that a paid badge could distort trust signals. The discussion around the move also touched on broader questions about how online platforms balance free speech, monetization, and user experience.
Historical context remains part of the conversation. Past public remarks from the platform’s leadership have been revisited as part of the broader debate over monetization strategies and the role of verification in signaling authority. The community reflects on how these moves affect perceptions of credibility and influence, both for individuals and organizations on the platform.