TweetDeck’s Subscription Paywall Is Here: X Premium

Twitter, now known as X, introduced a new subscription plan for TweetDeck, called X Pro. Starting from Wednesday, users who want access to TweetDeck Pro will have to pay for X Premium, the new subscription service introduced by Elon Musk, the controversial leader of X. The annual subscription fee for X Premium is $84.

This move comes as part of Twitter/ X’s strategy to generate additional revenue. The decision was met with mixed reactions from marketers, journalists, and news enthusiasts who have relied on TweetDeck’s free service for years.

(Image Courtesy – Freepik)

TweetDeck Subscription: The Paywall Dilemma

X announced in a post back in July that TweetDeck would become a subscriber-only feature. A temporary glitch reverted all the interface, igniting hope for users. But the dreaded day wasn’t far away when users were met with a paywall when trying to access TweetDeck. 

X Premium, previously known as Twitter Blue, had a rocky start in November. The service was initially pulled after users created accounts impersonating popular brands and celebrities. However, X Premium relaunched in December, despite the ongoing challenges with impersonation. The platform continues to address these issues to provide a secure and reliable experience for its users.

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, acquired Twitter late last year for a staggering $44 billion. Since then, his influence on the platform has been evident. Musk wasted no time enacting significant changes, including job cuts and the introduction of new features and policies. 

In July, Musk announced a sweeping rebranding initiative for Twitter. The iconic blue and white bird logo was retired, and the platform transformed into X. This change reflects Musk’s vision for Twitter as an “everything app.” The rebranding effort aims to position X as a multifaceted platform that goes beyond its origins as a microblogging site.

TweetDeck’s Paywall and X Pro

The introduction of the TweetDeck subscription model and X Premium raises questions about the future direction of the platform. While some users are disappointed by TweetDeck’s new premium cost, others see it as an opportunity for X to invest in the development of new features and improvements. 

Subscribers to X Premium not only get access to TweetDeck Pro but also enjoy a range of additional features. One notable perk is the inclusion of a blue checkmark on their account, which adds credibility and authenticity. Subscribers also benefit from prioritized rankings in replies and searches, access to longer posts, and a reduced number of ads. These features aim to enhance the user experience and provide added value to the subscription.

The arrival of the TweetDeck subscription model marks a significant shift for the formerly free service. With X Premium, users gain access to exclusive features and benefits, but at the cost of a subscription fee. 

Whether or not the TweetDeck subscription will be embraced, it undoubtedly represents a new chapter for the popular social media platform.