Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, recently unveiled a new feature that grants verification badges, colloquially known as “blue checks,” to users considered influential within the online community. This move aims to recognize and reward individuals who actively contribute to the platform’s ecosystem.

For the majority of users, access to X Premium, which includes the blue check verification feature, requires a paid subscription. The subscription service has three tiers – Basic, Premium, and Premium+. Subscribers gain exclusive privileges, such as displaying a blue checkmark on their profile. Pricing for the Basic tier starts at $32 annually in the U.S., with Premium+ priced at $168 per year.

Elon Musk, in a recent X post, announced that accounts with over 2,500 verified subscriber followers would receive Premium features for free, while those exceeding 5,000 followers would be upgraded to Premium+. Many users, including journalists, were pleasantly surprised to find complimentary subscriptions in recognition of their influence within the X community. However, the platform retains the authority to revoke these subscriptions at its discretion.

The introduction of subscriptions on X serves as a strategic move to diversify the platform’s revenue streams amid a decline in advertising revenue. Following Musk’s controversial presence on Twitter, many advertisers have scaled back or completely ceased advertising on the platform. Companies like Disney and Apple paused online campaigns on X after Musk endorsed a contentious conspiracy theory in late 2022.

It remains uncertain how long users will retain access to the free premium features or if there will be an option to opt-out of the service. X has not provided clarity on these aspects, responding to inquiries with automated messages only.

For those concerned about privacy and subscription management, staying informed on X’s evolving features and guidelines will be crucial. As the platform navigates challenges and adapts to user needs, the inclusion of blue check verification highlights X’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and influential online community.