Twitter will charge users for the famous blue tick — the first major change since Elon Musk’s controversial acquisition.
updated its iOS app on Saturday Indicates that the feature is online In the few countries where the premium is tested Twitter Blue Service – Originally launched last year.
However, the rollout of the blue tick is now on hold until after the U.S. midterm elections on Tuesday, according to reports.
The Times said staff were concerned that it could be used by people to impersonate politicians and post false information.
Twitter Blue is now up to $7.99 a month in the US and is currently available in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand – but will soon be available elsewhere including the UK.
So what other features do you get besides the blue tick?
Embarrassing typo?Edit and undo tweets
A long-requested feature, users can edit a tweet up to five times in the first 30 minutes of tweeting: for example, to fix a spelling error or clarify a meaning.
The fact that the tweet has been edited is flagged and others can click through to see previous versions.
Twitter Blue users also have an undo-tweet feature, which provides a brief “cooling off” period before a post goes live — which can be useful if you forget to tag someone.
It provides a preview of the tweet and a countdown, during which the post can be retracted. The undo period can be customized from the default of 20 seconds.
Custom Colors and Custom Navigation
Tired of the classic Twitter light blue? Prefer a pink theme or distressed black? Subscribers can change the color of the app icon, as well as the overall color theme.
You can also customize the navigation bar to include the destinations people use most, such as notifications, lists, messages, popular articles, or explore.
Text size can also be changed.
Upload longer videos – and it’s better quality
Paid users also get first access to the new Labs feature being tested before “regular” non-subscribers.
These currently include the ability to post videos up to 10 minutes long – instead of the regular 2 minutes 20 seconds – in full 1080p HD quality.
That will increase to 42 minutes in the coming days with the launch of the “New Blue” feature, meaning people can embed longer clips in their tweets instead of linking to services like YouTube.
NFT profile photo
People who delve into the world of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) – Maybe one of Damien Hirst’s live paintings – Can also use their virtual purchases as their profile photo by connecting their crypto wallet.
Top articles and priority rankings for subscribers
Users can use this section to see which articles are getting attention and being shared by people they follow.
Other features Twitter Blue promises “coming soon” include fewer ads and prioritized rankings in search, mentions and replies to “premium content” posted by subscribers.
Still, some fear this could create a system that makes other posts harder to find.
Twitter executive Esther Crawford said that despite the iOS app update, the new Twitter Blue hasn’t fully rolled out.
“The new Blue isn’t live yet – our release sprint continues, but some may see us make an update as we’re testing and pushing changes in real time,” she posted.
As mass firings of Twitter employees continue to reverberate – something Musk says it’s crucial to stop companies from losing money – Dozens of workers are now reportedly being asked to return.
Bloomberg reported Sunday that some were wrongfully fired, while others were fired before they realized their skills were still needed.