The TweetDeck social media application has recently transitioned to a paid subscription model. Users of platform X, previously known as Twitter, now encounter a paywall when attempting to access TweetDeck. This change was announced in July by X, stating that access to TweetDeck would be limited to “verified” account holders starting from August.
On Tuesday, users trying to use the service, now rebranded as X Pro, were prompted to subscribe to X’s blue checkmark verification for an annual fee of $84. The company, which was purchased by billionaire Elon Musk last year, has been exploring various avenues to generate profits, including staff reductions and an increased focus on paid subscriptions. CEO Linda Yaccarino mentioned recently that the company is nearing a point of financial stability and will be expanding its workforce, which had previously been reduced by Musk.
Most of X’s verified users are those who have obtained the blue checkmark through payment, although Musk has also granted this verification symbol to certain individuals. TweetDeck, which was introduced over a decade ago, displays messages in columns and operates its search and posting features differently from the main website or app. Twitter acquired TweetDeck, based in London, in 2011, reportedly at a price of $40 million during that time.