Twitter users might need to pay for advanced features or to use TweetDeck in the future. The suggestion that Twitter is working on implementing subscriptions is nothing new, but the latest report looks to provide some additional context on how the micro-blogging platform is currently considering approaching the change.
Twitter might not be as widely used as some other social media services, but for those that do use it, it is a highly useful service. Whether it’s for keeping up to date on the news, a specific topic, or just in touch with friends and family, Twitter is the go-to platform for many. The service already makes money through advertising, but there has been reports coming through that a subscription tier will be introduced in due course. In fact, the company confirmed as much mid-way through last year.
Building on those previous reports, Twitter is apparently considering making its premium tier more appealing by locking various advanced features behind the paywall. TweetDeck was mentioned by name as one of those being considered. This is Twitter’s management dashboard that makes it easier for users to control multiple feeds at the same time. According to Bloomberg, other advanced functionality that’s being discussed includes the ability to personalize profiles or features like an ‘undo send’ button.
Would You Tip For Exclusive Content?
Besides the use of subscriptions, the report also states Twitter is discussing the option to tip other users. This is actually not the first time this suggestion has been put forward, with a report from early in 2020 also arguing that Twitter is working on a tipping feature. However, at the time it was unclear if the tipping feature was simply a way for users to support their favored accounts or something more. According to the new report, tipping may actually be a way to lock exclusive or unique content behind the payment model, similar to how existing influencers and creators might lock additional content behind a Patreon paywall. This would also help Twitter, as it will be able to take a cut of the proceeds.
In reality, it remains to be seen how welcomed (or useful) a Twitter subscription model would be. If Twitter goes the route of locking popular features behind a regular fee, then it could run the risk of alienating existing users who were getting more before and for free. Then again, if it locks more business-oriented features behind a subscription, it could work with those power users more likely to be willing to pay for access to useful tools. Although, it then remains to be seen if there would be enough of those power users to really make such a fundamental change to this service worthwhile. Either way, choosing exactly how subscriptions work, and what features are included, is going to be an important decision for Twitter to get right, which is likely why reports like this continue to come through.
Source: Bloomberg