Twitter, one of the most chaotic and beloved social networks is turning a new chapter. The app is launching a new payment feature called Super Follows, but is this what users even want?
Twitter announced its new function during Thursday's Analyst event. Super Follows will allow Twitter users to charge followers and give them access to extra content. This could mean access to bonus tweets, a community group, subscription to a newsletter, or a badge indicating your support. To show just how it works, Twitter shared a mockup screenshot where a user charges $4.99 per month to receive a series of perks.
The new feature is a way for individuals such as independent journalists and sex workers to leverage the app as an additional source of income. Direct payment tools have become increasingly popular with platforms like Onlyfans and Patreon offering a new source of revenue for content creators.
Furthermore, Super Follow is also part of Twitter's plan to double its annual revenue would mean that Twitter intends to go from $3.7 billion to at least $7.5 billion in 2023. As part of this scheme, Twitter is also working on Communities that will let users create groups around specific interests like cats, plants, social justice, and more, similar to Facebook Groups.
On Twitter, reactions to the new feature have been mixed. While the benefits for content creators are undeniable, many users bemoan the effects monetizing the app could have on the freedom Twitter has become so known for.
There’s no timeline yet for when Super Follow will launch. Keep it here for updates.
