X (Twitter) Blue Subscribers Can Now Hide Paid Checkmarks If They’re Embarrassed
Previously, sporting a blue checkmark next to an X (then Twitter) username would’ve been a badge of honor—a sign that the individual tweeting was, at least on the platform, more famous, relevant, or notable than everyone else.
However, that all changed when owner Elon Musk decided to make the blue ticks a paid-only privilege. Since then, the symbol has become one of ridicule instead of pride, with X Blue subscribers the target of mockery from other users on the application.
Now, those who fork out US$8 a month for the “premium subscription service,” which entitles them the ability to edit posts, share longer video clips, receive prioritized rankings, and gain the once-coveted icons, have the option of hiding this status by removing the checkmark altogether.
Blue subscribers can now hide their blue checkmark pic.twitter.com/p6ZNkkL5ip
— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) August 2, 2023
“As a subscriber, you can choose to hide your checkmark on your account. The checkmark will be hidden on your profile and posts,” X Blue recently revealed in its help center. Though, it’s important to note that shielding the blue tick from prying eyes may have consequences.
“The checkmark may still appear in some places and some features could still reveal you have an active subscription. Some features may not be available while your checkmark is hidden,” the site cautioned.
Will most X Blue subscribers decide to make their paid checkmarks covert or public? And will the symbol ever regain its status of the past? Perhaps time will tell.
[via ZDNet and Insider, cover image via Rokas Tenys | Dreamstime.com]
