Blue Tick: Elon Musk-Led Twitter To Remove ‘Legacy Verified Checkmarks’ From April 1
Starting April 1, Elon Musk’s Twitter will remove the traditional blue checkmarks from user accounts as it gradually phases out its long-standing verification program, Twitter Blue.
What Happened: Musk-owned microblogging site has expanded its subscription program Twitter Blue to worldwide users. Twitter will also begin “winding down” its legacy verified program and “legacy verified checkmarks.”
Twitter Blue is now available globally! Sign up today to get your blue checkmark, prioritized ranking in conversations, half ads, long Tweets, Bookmark Folders, custom navigation, Edit Tweet, Undo Tweet, and more. Sign up here: https://t.co/SBRLJccMxD
— Twitter Blue (@TwitterBlue) March 23, 2023
To keep the blue checkmarks, users must sign up for Twitter’s paid subscription model by paying $8 monthly through the web and $11 monthly through Apple Inc.
On April 1st, we will begin winding down our legacy verified program and removing legacy verified checkmarks. To keep your blue checkmark on Twitter, individuals can sign up for Twitter Blue here: https://t.co/gzpCcwOpLp
Organizations can sign up for https://t.co/RlN5BbuGA3…
— Twitter Verified (@verified) March 23, 2023
Soon after Twitter announced the winding down deadline, several users took to the platform to share their reactions:
Bad news legacy verified accounts… Elon wants your money or your blue tick https://t.co/DF0IwDH68v
— Matt Navarra (@MattNavarra) March 23, 2023
Left blue check cadres in tears. https://t.co/FWq6vrIQxY
— Tom Fitton (@TomFitton) March 24, 2023
So to keep my blue check, I have to pay a sad billionaire $11 a month?
Welp, it's been a good run, blue check. It's not me. It's you. Don't let the door hitcha. https://t.co/nMEJr2iPKe
— Mueller, She Wrote (@MuellerSheWrote) March 23, 2023
Why It’s Important: Being verified on Twitter traditionally came with prestige as it enabled other users and followers to know that the account is legitimate.
On Nov. 1, last year, Musk first announced that Twitter Blue would be available to all, but with a price tag.
At the time, he tweeted, “Twitter’s current lords & peasants system for who has or doesn’t have a blue checkmark is bullshit. Power to the people! Blue for $8/month.”
However, the service was soon paused after the platform was flooded with verified trolls who didn’t spare Twitter CEO himself. The platform relaunched the service in December.
