Highlights

• X to limit live-streaming to premium subscribers only.
• Elon Musk hints at charging for basic features in the future.
• Users criticize the move, comparing it to free live-streaming on other platforms.
• X’s shift towards a subscription model follows earlier introduction of a $1 annual fee.

X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, has announced plans to restrict live-streaming capabilities to premium subscribers.

This change marks a significant shift, as X will become the only major social media platform to charge for this feature.

News Shared on X

⏩Starting soon, only Premium subscribers will be able to livestream (create live video streams) on X. This includes going live from an encoder with X integration. Upgrade to Premium to continue going live. https://t.co/4uy4Ju0cmU

— Live (@Live) June 21, 2024

The company shared the news on its own platform, stating, “Starting soon, only Premium subscribers will be able to livestream on X. This includes going live from an encoder with X integration.”

This move aligns with CEO Elon Musk’s previous statements about charging for basic features in the future.

However, X has not provided a specific timeline for implementing this change or explained the reasoning behind it.

Users who rely on X for video content have criticized the decision.

Many point out that other platforms with more advanced video capabilities offer live-streaming for free.

This is not X’s first step towards a paid model.

In April, the company introduced a $1 annual fee for new accounts in New Zealand and the Philippines to access posting privileges.

Musk described this as a test to combat bots and troll farms, which he claims can easily bypass current verification methods.

The shift suggests X may be moving away from its primarily ad-based model towards a mix of advertising and paid subscriptions.

If the $1 fee expands globally, it would translate to approximately Rs 100 in India.

X’s decision to charge for live-streaming and potentially other basic features represents a departure from the practices of other social media platforms.

The company has not addressed concerns about how this might affect user engagement or content creation on the platform.

X continues to implement changes and make new rules for it users.

It remains to be seen how users will respond to the evolving paid subscription model and its impact on the platform’s functionality and user base.

FAQs

What is the new live-streaming policy on X (formerly Twitter)?

X has announced that only premium subscribers will be able to live-stream on the platform, marking a significant change from its previous model where live-streaming was available to all users.

Why is X restricting live-streaming to premium subscribers?

While X has not provided a specific reason, this move aligns with CEO Elon Musk’s earlier statements about potentially charging for basic features in the future.

It appears to be part of a broader shift towards a subscription-based model.

How have users reacted to X’s decision to charge for live-streaming?

Many users have criticized the decision, noting that other social media platforms with more advanced video capabilities offer live-streaming for free.

Concerns have been raised about the impact on user engagement and content creation.

Has X implemented other paid features before this?

Yes, in April, X introduced a $1 annual fee for new accounts in New Zealand and the Philippines to access posting privileges.

This was described as a test to combat bots and troll farms.

Also Read: Elon Musk Plans to Test Neuralink Implants In Humans in 2023

Also Read: Elon Musk Confronts Major Advertisers’ Pause on X with Defiant Stance

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