Twitter has introduced a controversial change that will limit the number of direct messages unverified users can send on the platform. The company implemented this change recently, stating that unverified accounts will have daily restrictions on their DMs to reduce spam. However, the absence of specific information about the daily limit has led some to speculate that this move may be aimed at encouraging users to subscribe to Twitter Blue, a paid service offering premium features, including the coveted verified blue checkmark.
This change has received mixed reactions from users. Some are critical of Twitter for imposing restrictions on direct messages, especially considering that verified users subscribing to Twitter Blue seem to be exempt from these limitations, potentially leading to a disparity in DM capabilities. On the other hand, some users welcome the change, as they often receive numerous unwanted messages on Twitter.
Notably, this restriction might pose challenges for Twitter’s CEO, Elon Musk’s vision of transforming the platform into a comprehensive super app, capable of competing with messaging and video call services like WhatsApp and Zoom. To add to this, Twitter Blue members now have a “quality filter” for their DMs, categorizing messages from people they follow and verified users they don’t follow into separate inboxes.
It’s worth mentioning that Twitter’s decision to curb direct messages for unverified users comes amidst a financial struggle due to a significant drop in advertising revenue, highlighting the company’s ongoing efforts to find new revenue streams.