Social network X will test a new subscription model. He wants to collect an annual fee of one dollar (CZK 23) for the use of basic functions, such as “like”, forwarding or quoting the posts of other users.
The purpose of introducing the new subscription model, which it refers to as “Not A Bot”, is to combat bots and spammers. “This will help us fight against bots and spammers while balancing the availability of the platform with a low fee,” the social network’s blog post said.
The fee should vary from country to country depending on the exchange rate. The new method will first be available to users in New Zealand and the Philippines. The test will not affect existing users, as the company’s blog also states.
Starting today, we’re testing a new program (Not A Bot) in New Zealand and the Philippines. New, unverified accounts will be required to sign up for a $1 annual subscription to be able to post & interact with other posts. Within this test, existing users are not affected.
This…
— Support (@Support) October 17, 2023
However, new users will only be able to view and read posts, watch videos and accounts.
Robots are a hot topic for Elon Musk, who bought the company formerly known as Twitter last year. In July, X introduced a limit on the number of posts viewed to “ensure the authenticity” of the user base.
Earlier this month, Reuters reported, citing an informed source, that X CEO Linda Yaccarino had met with the company’s creditors. At that meeting, she said the company would be testing three subscription tiers.
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X’s premium plan, which currently costs $7.99 a month, would be tiered, allowing the company to charge customers different amounts based on how many ads they see, Bloomberg reported.
In addition, according to the director, the network will launch other functions that could bring in revenue – such as shopping and payments.
X has faced an unprecedented rush of advertisers since Elon Musk’s chaotic takeover. According to Reuters, sales fell by at least 55 percent year-on-year every month. X bottomed out in December 2022 – compared to the same month in 2021, sales shrank by 78 percent.
