Websites using Twitter

Okay, let s break down Twitter, now known as X, covering its overview, revenue, alternatives, pricing, and customer care.

Overview of X (formerly Twitter)

• Core Function: X is a microblogging and social networking platform. It allows users to post short messages (originally called tweets, now just posts ) of text, images, videos, and links, and interact with each other by following accounts, liking, reposting, and commenting on content.
• Key Features:
  • Posts: Short-form messages, now with longer character limits.
  • Following/Followers: The core social network mechanic. Users follow accounts they re interested in, and others follow them.
  • Hashtags: Categorize and make topics searchable.
  • Lists: Organize accounts into groups for easier consumption.
  • Direct Messages: Private communication between users.
  • Trending Topics: Highlights the most discussed topics in real time.
  • Spaces: Live audio conversations.
  • Community Notes: A crowd-sourced fact-checking system (formerly Birdwatch).
  • Blue Checkmarks (X Premium): Verification of identity or subscription.
• Ownership & Transformation: Formerly owned by Twitter Inc., it was acquired by Elon Musk in October 2022 and rebranded as X. The platform has undergone numerous changes since then, including policy shifts, algorithm adjustments, and a greater emphasis on subscriptions.
• User Base: X has a large and diverse global user base, including individuals, businesses, journalists, celebrities, politicians, and organizations. It s used for a wide range of purposes, from news dissemination to casual conversation.

Revenue Streams

X generates revenue through several channels:

1. Advertising:
   • Promoted Posts: Advertisers pay to have their tweets or accounts reach a wider audience.
   • Promoted Trends: Brands can pay to have their hashtags or topics trend more prominently.
   • Tailored Ads: Ads are targeted based on users interests, demographics, and location.
2. X Premium Subscriptions:
   • X Premium (formerly Twitter Blue): Users pay a monthly or annual fee to gain access to exclusive features, such as:
     • Blue checkmark (indicating verified status)
     • Longer posts
     • Edit post button
     • Higher video upload limits
     • Priority in conversations and search
     • Ability to post longer videos and higher quality videos
     • Ad-free experience
     • Access to XPro features (formerly Tweetdeck)
3. Data Licensing:
   • X licenses its data stream to various companies and organizations for analysis and research purposes.
4. API Access:
   • X provides access to its API (Application Programming Interface) for developers, though with tiered pricing. This is how 3rd party applications were developed for Twitter.

Alternatives to X

There are many social media platforms that can be used as alternatives to X, depending on the specific features you re looking for:

• For Microblogging:
  • Mastodon: A decentralized, open-source alternative that emphasizes community control and less centralized power.
  • Bluesky: Another decentralized, invite-only microblogging platform.
  • Threads: A text-based companion app from Instagram.
• For General Social Media:
  • Facebook: Still the largest social network, with a strong focus on groups and communities.
  • Instagram: Focuses on visual content, like photos and videos.
  • TikTok: Short-form video platform, heavily driven by user-generated content.
• For Professional Networking:
  • LinkedIn: A professional networking site for connecting with colleagues, finding jobs, and sharing industry insights.
• For Discussions:
  • Reddit: A platform with a variety of user-created communities focused on discussions about different topics.
• For Open/Decentralized Content:
  • Nostr: An open source, decentralized social protocol.
  • Farcaster: A decentralized social media protocol, similar to Nostr

Pricing

• Basic Usage: X is free to use for creating an account, posting, and interacting with others.
• X Premium Subscriptions: Has a monthly/annual fee. Pricing varies based on location, device and is subject to change, it is generally between $8 - $11 USD for mobile and between $11 - $16 USD for web, on a monthly basis.
• Advertising: Costs vary depending on the campaign objectives, target audience, and duration. Advertisers can set bids and budgets.
• API Access: Has tiered levels based on the use and need.

Customer Care Details

X provides customer support through the following channels:

• Help Center: X has a comprehensive Help Center with articles covering various topics, from setting up your account to troubleshooting issues.
• Support Form: You can submit a support request through the website or mobile app.
• @Support account: Official X support account that may provide assistance and updates.
• Community Forums: There are unofficial forums where users can share experiences and try to find solutions to problems.

Things to Note About X s Customer Care:

• Response Times: Response times can vary and sometimes may be delayed depending on the complexity and volume of requests.
• Limited Human Support: X s support is often automated, and getting in touch with a live human agent might be difficult.
• Policy Changes: Be aware that X s policies and procedures are subject to change due to the ongoing transformation of the platform.

In Summary

X (formerly Twitter) is a dynamic and influential platform that has undergone significant changes. It s used for a wide range of purposes, and its revenue model has evolved to include subscriptions. While it remains a major force in social media, its alternatives offer unique features for those who are seeking different types of experiences. Customer care is provided through a variety of channels but is not always instantaneous or personal. It is crucial for all X users to be aware of the ever changing policies and features.

Do you have any other questions about X or its alternatives?