After Elon Musk took over Twitter, he made significant changes across the platform. This includes Twitter Blue, which has new features and a higher cost.But is Twitter Blue worth the money?

What Is Twitter Blue?

twitter icon on smartphone

Twitter Blue offers users two things: the option to call attention to their account by adding a blue or gold (for businesses) checkmark, and access to exclusive features and perks. In return users have to pay a monthly fee of $11 for iOS users and $8 for web users (Blue is not on Android through Google Play yet).

Twitter Blue is currently only available in the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.

Is Twitter Blue Worth the Money?

man holding dollar bills

You need to consider three parameters as you make your decision. First, are you a casual or highly-engaged Twitter user? Second, what do you use Twitter for? And third, what are the alternatives?

Let's take a look at what Twitter Blue has to offer before we come up with a verdict.

1. Blue and Gold Checkmarks

If you want to call attention to your tweets, well, Twitter promises that tweets from verified users will be prioritized, making your tweets "Rocket to the top of replies, mentions, and search".

If this is true, there may be tremendous value in standing out within the Twitter-scape by getting a blue or gold (for businesses) checkmark. This is especially important for public figures and businesses who have a need to promote their views or products.

2. Edit Tweets

The Edit feature is quite popular and has been long requested. Users who post many tweets or long threads will appreciate being able to edit their tweets as many times as they want within the first 30 minutes of posting, thereby removing a long-standing frustration.

3. Undo Tweets

Ironically, the Undo Tweet option actually slows down your Twitter experience by putting a delay on your Tweet before it goes live, and some users prefer to turn it off.

4. Bookmark Folders

This could be crucial in archiving important tweets in an organized fashion so that you can easily find them for future reference.

5. Top Articles

If you use Twitter for content consumption, or keeping up with the news, then exclusive access to the top articles being discussed or shared by your network may be a valuable feature for you.

6. NFT Profile Pictures

If you are into crypto, you have the option to signal this by customizing your Twitter profile using an NFT.

7. Customization

Twitter Blue enables you to re-arrange the icons on your interface and change its color as well. That's convenient for super-users as it enhances their experience by bringing the most used buttons to the fore and giving them a choice of aesthetic.

8. Longer Video Upload

You can upload up to sixty-minute videos in 1080p (Full HD) on Twitter Blue. This is tremendously helpful for content creators, businesses, and public figures who use Twitter as their primary communication platform.

Problems With Twitter Blue

There are a few issues associated with Twitter Blue that may detracts from its value.

1. Checkmark Loss

When subscribers change their handle, display name or profile photo, they temporarily lose the checkmark until their account is reviewed again. This could happen at the wrong time (for example when running a promotional campaign). In addition, those whose accounts got verified before Musk arrived on the scene will eventually lose their checkmark permanently, and will have to pay to get it back.

2. Phone Number Requirement

Your account must be linked to your phone number before it is verified. The company says this is to fight impersonation, but considering Twitter has been hacked in the past, we view this as a personal security nightmare.

3. Adverts

Twitter Blue doesn't eliminate ads and political ads are returning to Twitter, which may frustrate some users. The subscription merely promises that users will see 50% fewer ads. If you are paying for a service, should ads be part of the service? We think not.

So Is Twitter Blue Worth It?

If you are a casual Twitter user, there's no need to pay $8 or $11 a month (US users) unless Twitter Blue offers a completely ad-free experience or some improvement to the algorithm that changes your Twitter experience in some radical new way.

If you tweet for a business, or you are a super-user who uses Twitter all day, however, then the cost is insignificant, and Twitter Blue is worth it.