Elon Musk’s Twitter is increasingly becoming unusable for users who aren’t paying for the company’s $8 per month Twitter Blue subscription. In a new development, Twitter is reportedly set to impose restrictions on the number of direct messages (DMs) that non-Blue users can send each day.
In a tweet by world famous android developer, Alessandro Paluzzi, it was revealed that Twitter is working on a feature that will limit the number of DMs that could be sent by any individual user. This is expected to prompt users to sign up for Twitter Blue, the platform’s subscription service.
According to the screenshot, when non-blue users reach the designated limit, they will receive a message titled “Get verified to send more messages.” The message informs users that they have reached the maximum daily limit for DMs and encourages them to subscribe to Twitter Blue in order to continue messaging.
Although the current limit is set at 500 DMs per day, Paluzzi speculates that this limit may be further reduced once the feature is officially launched. The goal behind this move is to incentivize users to become blue-tick subscribers in order to maintain their DM privileges beyond the specified limit.
Read more: Twitter value reportedly drops to $15 billion, only a third of Elon Musk’s purchase price
In a related update, Elon Musk, recently announced that the platform is planning to introduce a feature exclusively for blue users. This feature will restrict the ability to send DMs to individuals who do not follow the sender, offering a higher level of control and privacy for subscribers of the premium service.
Furthermore, Musk revealed that the platform has intentions to compensate content creators on the platform for the advertisements displayed within their replies. This step signifies recognition of the value and contribution of these creators, providing them with a potential avenue for monetization.
How will this affect social interactions on Twitter?
The implementation of the new restrictions on direct messages (DMs) for non-blue users on Twitter is likely to have significant implications for social interactions on the platform. By limiting the number of DMs that non-subscribers can send, the platform is essentially creating a divide between those who have subscribed to Twitter Blue and those who have not.
Moreover, the limited number of DMs for non-subscribers might hinder their ability to engage in direct conversations and outreach. For users who heavily rely on DMs for networking, collaboration, or even personal communication, this restriction could be frustrating. It may impede organic interactions and hinder the discovery of new connections and conversations.
The introduction of the feature that restricts DMs to individuals who do not follow the sender, exclusively for Twitter Blue users, can also impact social interactions. While it may provide a higher level of control and privacy for subscribers, it could limit the outreach potential for non-subscribers. Users who are not followed by the sender will no longer receive their DMs, potentially reducing the chances of engaging with new people or expanding their network.
The decision to compensate content creators for advertisements within their replies is a positive step towards acknowledging their contributions and providing them with a source of income. This could motivate creators to actively engage with the platform, produce high-quality content, and foster a thriving community. However, it remains to be seen how Twitter will implement and distribute this compensation, and whether it will be fair and beneficial to a wide range of creators.
Read more: Elon Musk names Linda Yaccarino Twitter’s 1st female CEO
Twitter urgently needs to ramp up revenue
Twitter, under Elon Musk’s leadership, is actively pursuing various avenues to generate revenue. From the introduction of a subscription model to the exploration of advertising opportunities and compensating content creators, Twitter is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to monetize the platform.
However, the pursuit of monetization can sometimes raise concerns among users and industry observers. There is a delicate balance between generating revenue and maintaining a positive user experience. When a company is perceived to prioritize profits above all else, it can lead to skepticism and distrust from users.
In the case of Twitter, there may be apprehension about the potential impact on social interactions and the platform’s community dynamics. The introduction of restrictions on DMs for non-Blue users, for example, may be viewed as a way to push users towards subscribing rather than focusing on the needs and preferences of the broader user base. This approach could create a divide between those who can afford the subscription and those who cannot, potentially leading to a sense of exclusion.
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