Android users looking to subscribe to Twitter Blue may find something unusual.
The microblogging company recently increased the price Android users need to pay for Twitter Blue, matching the price iOS users are paying in the process.
Twitter previously increased the price of its Twitter Blue subscription service for iOS users to compensate for the 30% cut Apple takes for every in-app purchase.
Twitter Blue Android Price Increase Details
Twitter is unable to announce it is increasing the price of its Twitter Blue subscription service for Android users due to its lack of a communications team. However, a report from Tech Crunch revealed that the company not only released Twitter Blue for Android users but also increased the subscription price a day after launching an annual subscription for its subscription service.
Twitter's "About Twitter Blue" page confirms this information; Android users who wish to get their blue "verified" check mark will have to pay $11 instead of the earlier announced $8. Interestingly, Twitter Blue for the web version of Twitter maintained its $8 pricing, making it more affordable than both the iOS and Android versions.
While Twitter didn't mention why it increased its subscription price for Twitter Blue for Android users, it is plausible that the company wants to compensate for Google's share in the app's in-app purchases.
There is a good reason behind this increase. You may remember that Twitter needs a positive cash flow to make it profitable again, and it is prepared to do whatever it takes to achieve that goal.
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It even started auctioning furniture and other items just to pay rent for its office spaces worldwide. This decision follows the many layoffs Twitter CEO Elon Musk announced to reduce the company's expenses.
Nevertheless, the launching of Twitter Blue for Android and iOS users marks a turning point for the company - whether Twitter Blue and its revamped features could be the big moneymaker Twitter sorely needs right now.
You may remember that Twitter Blue's initial release only generated $6.3 million come Nov. 1, 2022, when the subscription service was priced at $4.99, per an earlier Tech Crunch report.
Aside from rent, Twitter Blue's success will also dictate if Musk can pay for the interest on the nearly $13 billion he took to purchase the company by the end of January.
What Features Does The Revamped Twitter Blue Have?
Musk's new Twitter Blue is an optional subscription service for Twitter users to enjoy. For $11 on both Android and iOS, Twitter users can get themselves "verified," signified by the blue checkmark.
Subscribers can also get early access to select features on the platform, such as editing tweets, bookmark folders, custom app icons, and even retracting a tweet after posting it. They can even post longer videos, be prioritized in conversations, and can use the "Top Articles" shortcut to view the most-shared articles in their network with only a tap.
