Unraveling Social Media Subscriptions: The Fate of the Blue Tick ✅

Sabiq Sabry
3 min readJul 1, 2023

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In recent times, the concept of paid subscriptions for social media platforms has gained traction. While this approach offers potential benefits, such as reduced reliance on targeted ads and improved user privacy, it also raises questions about the future of features like the coveted blue tick verification symbol. In this blog post, we’ll explore the potential consequences of a widespread shift to subscription-based social media, and discuss whether the blue tick would lose its significance, potentially reverting to an era where verification indicated popularity among media figures.

Photo by ilgmyzin on Unsplash

The Evolution of Social Media Verification:

The blue tick verification symbol, introduced by platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, was originally designed to authenticate public figures, celebrities, and notable individuals. It served as a trust signal, indicating that an account was genuinely associated with the verified person or organization. Over time, the verification process expanded to include influencers, journalists, and creators with substantial followings, providing users with a sense of credibility and trustworthiness.

The Rise of Subscription-Based Social Media:

As social media platforms seek alternative revenue streams and explore ways to provide more value to users, the concept of subscription-based models has emerged. By offering premium subscriptions, platforms can reduce their reliance on targeted advertising and data monetization, providing users with an ad-free and enhanced experience in return for a monthly fee. While this approach has gained popularity among users seeking an improved social media experience, it brings forth questions about the future of certain features, including the blue tick verification.

Photo by Piotr Cichosz on Unsplash

The Impact on the Blue Tick:

If social media platforms transition to a predominantly subscription-based model, it is conceivable that the significance of the blue tick verification symbol could diminish. The primary reason for this is that the blue tick has historically served as a marker of authenticity and influence, distinguishing verified accounts from the vast sea of unverified profiles. However, in a subscription-based landscape where users pay for access to content and features, the need for verification to denote popularity or credibility may fade.

Return to the Norm:

In such a scenario, it is plausible that the concept of verification could revert to its original purpose of identifying well-known media figures and public figures rather than extending to influencers or creators. With everyone on the platform being a subscriber, the emphasis on distinguishing popular accounts from the general population may diminish, leading to a reevaluation of the criteria for verification. This could result in a return to the norm where verification is primarily reserved for established figures with a significant offline presence.

The Importance of Adaptability:

As social media continues to evolve, it is important to acknowledge the dynamic nature of these platforms. The introduction of subscription-based models represents an opportunity for change and innovation. While the blue tick verification symbol may undergo modifications or adapt to a new context, it is unlikely to disappear entirely. Social media platforms will likely find alternative ways to denote credibility, influence, or authenticity, ensuring that users can still identify reputable accounts amidst the vast digital landscape.

Conclusion:

As social media platforms explore subscription-based models, the future of the blue tick verification symbol may indeed undergo transformations. While its significance as an indicator of popularity and credibility among influencers and creators could diminish, it is unlikely to vanish altogether. The concept of verification will likely adapt to the changing landscape, aligning itself with the evolving needs and dynamics of social media platforms. Ultimately, the key lies in striking a balance between recognizing notable figures and maintaining user trust in an ever-evolving digital environment.

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