Los Angeles, CA – Users on Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, were pleasantly surprised this week to find themselves gifted with a coveted blue check mark upon logging in. This unexpected gesture came as part of a policy change announced by Musk last month, which finally took effect for many eligible accounts recently.
Previously, some users who had been verified under Twitter’s previous system found themselves stripped of their blue check marks after Musk implemented new rules last year. The reinstatement of these blue checks has left many recipients feeling a mixture of emotions, including anger, confusion, and satisfaction from some high-profile figures.
The criteria for receiving a blue check mark on X includes having over 2,500 verified subscriber followers, entitling users to “Premium features” for free. Accounts with even larger followings, exceeding 5,000 verified followers, gain access to X’s Premium Plus features, which includes ad-free usage.
While the exact method for determining verified subscriber followers remains unclear, the presence of blue checks now seems to emphasize status rather than authenticity. Some users who received the blue check mark have opted to hide it to distance themselves from the implications of endorsing Musk’s decisions.
The move to verify a large number of popular accounts is seen as a strategic maneuver to enhance the perceived value of verification on X. By offering Premium features to select accounts, X may be aiming to entice more users to subscribe to its paid services as a status symbol.
However, some speculate that this new policy shift may also be a response to tactics like “blue blocking,” where users employ browser extensions to automatically block verified accounts. The influx of blue checks on X could potentially disrupt this practice and encourage users to engage with a broader range of content on the platform.
Overall, the reinstatement of blue check marks on X has sparked a mix of reactions within the community, highlighting the evolving nature of online verification systems and the complex dynamics between users, social media platforms, and digital identity.