Paid subscription on X

Consider the benefits of a paid subscription on X. Explore enhanced reach, longer posts, and the blue tick debate.

Paid subscription on X
My view on the benefits and necessity for a paid subscription on X.

Social media platforms have evolved significantly over the years, and X (formerly known as Twitter) is no exception. As someone deeply immersed in the world of web strategy, online marketing, and chat technology, my journey on X has been a unique one.

In this article, I want to reflect on the benefits of making the leap from a free user to a paid subscriber on X.

Defining the Purpose of X

X, for me, is more than just a platform for socialising. It's a versatile tool that plays a role in my professional life. I use it to socialise, share my written content, and showcase my iPhone 12 mini photography. More importantly, X is an integral part of my online marketing strategy. Let me explain how.

Benefits of a Paid Subscription

Lets's dive into the reasons behind upgrading from a free user to a paid subscriber on X.

Enhanced Reach

One of the primary reasons I decided to become a paid subscriber on X is to break free from the limitations that the platform imposes on the reach of messages. It may feel like "tricking the system" or creating inequalities, but it's a strategic move to ensure that my content doesn't get lost in the noise.

X is a platform where attention is currency, and a paid subscription is my way of ensuring my voice is heard. It's an investment in my personal brand and services as a web strategist.

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I also checked the statistics, and they don't directly support my point. But I still argue for that a premium account leads to enhanced reach, but the increase has to be offset by the sharp decline in traffic on X recently. Reports mention a 15% decline.

Longer Messages and Blog-Like Posts

Another useful feature with a paid subscription on X is the ability to write longer messages. No longer do I need to resort to cumbersome thread-based posts; I can now craft messages that resemble blog articles. This feature has made content creation more efficient and has expanded the scope of what I can share with my audience. It's a tool I wholeheartedly embrace.

The Blue Tick debate

The coveted blue tick, once a symbol of expertise and professionalism, has evolved into something of a mixed bag. It's no longer a guarantee of status or expertise; it's simply a sign of being a paid subscriber. While it may be a somewhat doubtful trophy, I chose to display it as a testament to my commitment to X as a medium. It's a way of saying, "I'm here, and I take this platform seriously."

X account with Blue Tick
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Costs of subscriptions
As a side note: Looking beyond X, we can observe a broader trend of users transitioning from free users to paying subscribers on various social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. The reasons vary, from privacy concerns to the need to stay connected with an audience. Of course this leads to new considerations.

Platform at risk

For a content creator X is a precarious medium, traffic on it is spiralling down and there have been signals of pulling out of Europe. If you are not in the circumstances to make moral judgments on the path and contents of X it makes sense to use it to the full and consider to get out and land your content and valuable audience somewhere else.

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On the moral side of X and social media in general, I refer to an article by David Rushkoff. It is a critical piece, and I found it useful to form an opinion.

Not worth the money for most

My subscription to X is not just a personal choice; it's a strategic move in my professional journey as a web strategist and content creator and partially a necessity. It's a way to ensure my content reaches the right audience and continues to add value.

As social media platforms evolve, it's essential to adapt and leverage the available tools to stay ahead. The benefits of a paid subscription on X are clear for someone like me, who relies on it for professional growth and personal brand building.

Whether it's the enhanced reach, longer messages, or the blue tick, these features serve as valuable tools in the ever-changing landscape of social media.

So, the question remains: Is it time for you to make the transition from a user to a subscriber on X? The answer lies in your own social media usage patterns and professional objectives. But to be honest, for most users and use cases, for people who want to socialise and keep up to date, I don't believe Premium is worth the money.