Elon Musk's X offers free blue checks to high-follower accounts

The social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, has once again changed its policy regarding its blue check that is given to accounts as a sign of verification. 

X has announced that users with large followings will now receive a free subscription and this coveted blue check mark.

This verification symbol was once exclusive to celebrities, institutions, and journalists. Later, Elon Musk restricted it to paying subscribers, leading to many losing their blue checks.

However, this Wednesday, users were taken aback to see their blue ticks restored. X explained that these users were considered "influential members" and hence, were awarded free subscriptions. The platform, however, retains the right to revoke these complimentary subscriptions.

Musk recently stated that X accounts with over 2,500 verified followers will receive Premium features for free, and those with over 5,000 will get Premium+ for free. These perks include fewer ads, higher feed placement, and access to Grok, X's AI chatbot.

Elon Musk wants to make the platform more popular again. Some users think giving the blue check to popular accounts for free might make X more interesting and attract new users.

Actor Jeffrey Wright, who received an unsolicited check, humorously commented on X, "Pay ? Kidding. Help me. But don't say anything too free speechy about me or my Garbage Tower of Babel."

Since Musk's acquisition of Twitter in 2022, the platform has faced challenges, including a decline in advertising revenue and user engagement. Despite appointing Kylie McRoberts as the new head of safety, X remains reliant on advertising income.

While user metrics suggest a decline since Musk's takeover, the company maintains that overall activity on the platform has increased.