Since Elon Musk attempted to acquire Twitter for $44 billion back in April 2022, the firm has been the subject of a flurry of news stories.
It appears like Musk is eager to put his previously suggested ideas into practice now that his deal has officially been completed and he is in charge.
Twitter updated its iOS app to include new capabilities for the Twitter Blue membership, putting into practice the first of those fresh concepts.
Notably, users will now spend $7.99 to get a blue Verification Badge.
Subscribers to Twitter Blue will get Verification Badges.
Twitter upgraded its iOS app on November 5, 2022, adding some "amazing new features to Twitter Blue" and promising "more on the way shortly."
With the change, Twitter Blue's monthly subscription went from $4.99 to $7.99.
A Verification Badge will also be given to everyone who signs up for Twitter Blue, "exactly like the celebrities, businesses, and politicians you already follow."
Since a while ago, Musk has promised to alter the verification procedure, and earlier rumors suggested that he would charge verified accounts $19.99 to preserve their badge.
The new Twitter Blue subscription service isn't yet online, though, and Musk has delayed the official launch date until the end of the month, even though the iOS upgrade has gone live for iPhone users.
Musk announced on November 15 that the site will formally relaunch Twitter Blue on November 29 in order to fix any remaining issues.
Musk went on to say that any alterations to an account's verified name will result in the loss of the checkmark "unless the name is certified by Twitter to fulfill Terms of Service."
On November 5, Twitter's product manager Esther Crawford gave an update on Twitter Blue, saying that "some folks may notice us making improvements because we are testing and releasing changes in real-time" and reiterating that the new service was "coming soon."
Before Twitter itself formally endorsed this new service, platform users expressed their disapproval of the move to grant anyone a Verification Badge.
On November 3, 2022, the hashtag RatVerified became popular on Twitter as individuals opposed the change by placing a rat emoji next to their names rather than a Verification Badge.
Numerous influencers have also voiced some reservations about Twitter's new verification system, pointing out problems with non-mutuals showing up in their verified tab and what it means to purchase verification after earning it prior to the Twitter Blue membership system.
Only time will tell how this new service will affect Twitter Blue's future now that the move has officially been implemented and anyone can show a Verification Badge.