Twitter Blue, soon to be rebranded as X Blue by owner Elon Musk, has introduced a new feature that allows subscribers to hide their notorious blue checkmark. This option aims to offer more privacy to users who prefer not to display their subscription status and avoid potential memes about paying for Twitter. While the move comes as a welcome addition for some, there are still certain limitations and considerations to keep in mind when choosing to hide the blue checkmark.
The “Hide Your Blue Checkmark” Option
Twitter Blue subscribers have recently noticed the appearance of the “hide your blue checkmark” option on both web and mobile apps. When selected, this feature conceals the blue checkmark from a user’s profile and posts.
However, it’s worth noting that the checkmark may still appear in certain areas, and some features could inadvertently reveal the user’s active subscription status.
“The checkmark will be hidden on your profile and posts,” notes a Twitter support article. “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.”
Additionally, certain functionalities might be restricted while the checkmark remains hidden.
The Evolution of Twitter’s Blue Checkmark System
Previously, Twitter used the blue checkmark verification system as a means of recognizing or validating an account’s credibility. However, chaos ensued when Elon Musk allowed anyone to be “verified” through a Blue subscription, leading to numerous fake accounts with blue checkmarks. Twitter subsequently removed blue checkmarks from legacy verified accounts and revised the display of verified checkmarks multiple times. Presently, blue checkmarks are awarded to users with one million or more followers.
Also Read: X in, bird out: Twitter is being rebranded as X
By subscribing to Twitter Blue, users can choose to have an optional blue checkmark on their profile, along with a “verified since” date. Legacy verified accounts will display the original verification date before the implementation of the Blue subscription system. This provides users with a clear distinction between the new subscription-based verification and the traditional verification process.
Elon Musk’s Rebranding Efforts: X Blue
Twitter owner Elon Musk is currently undertaking a rebranding effort to transform the service into an “everything app.” The proposed X Blue app may potentially include a payments system in the future, expanding its functionalities beyond the microblogging platform. As part of the rebranding, the iconic little blue bird has been replaced by an “interim” X logo. The X Blue subscription page still references Twitter Blue multiple times, indicating that the transition is ongoing.
