Twitter's Transformation: A Deep Dive into 'X'

Digital Marketing | Nicole Keiner | Wednesday, August 30, 2023

In the fascinating world of social media, Twitter's transformation has been nothing short of revolutionary. A deep dive into this captivating journey reveals a brand shift that has left many in awe. Goodbye, Larry the bird, and hello to a symbol that represents so much more—the 24th letter of the alphabet. This total 180 in brand identity brings to mind the iconic moment when Prince changed his stage name to The Artist (Formerly Known as Prince). (Please note: I was just a young teenager when this happened, so I am not dating myself too much, right?) Like Prince's bold reinvention, Twitter's decision to embrace a new symbol signifies a profound evolution, sparking curiosity and speculation among users and enthusiasts alike.

twitter is now x

Most people in the tech industry knew that change was coming after Elon Musk purchased Twitter. Like him or not, the serial entrepreneur and inventor of electric cars and Paypal has taken on a new business venture - acquiring a social media platform.

Elon Musk, known for his bold and transformative decisions, didn't hesitate to stamp his authority on Twitter immediately after his acquisition. The change from the recognizable blue bird logo (Larry) to a stark black 'X' was not a decision made in the spur of the moment. Instead, it was a calculated move that echoed Musk's penchant for innovation and disruption. Musk saw the rebranding as an opportunity to redefine Twitter, breaking away from the familiar while paving the way for a new era of social media interaction. The 'X' symbolizes the exponential potential he envisions for the platform, underlining his commitment to pushing boundaries in the tech world.

 

Demographics

Ranking as the 15th most popular social network (behind Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram ), Twitter’s demographic profile before Musk's acquisition mainly comprised individuals between 18 and 29, predominantly located in urban areas. The platform was widely popular among highly educated individuals and those with a higher income bracket. However, with the rebranding to 'X,' the demographics have seen a significant shift.

Since the transformation, 'X' has seen an influx of a more diverse age group, with an increase in users aged 30 to 49. It has also seen an uptick in engagement from users in developing regions, illustrating the platform's expanding global influence. This shift can be attributed to the fresh perspective and changes brought about by Musk, symbolized by the 'X', which has appealed to a broader audience, amplifying 'X's reach and impact.

 

Top Reasons Why People Use Twitter

According to an article recently written by thesocialshepard.com, nearly half of all users turn to Twitter for news and entertainment. 34% use it to keep in contact with family and friends, 14% to strengthen their professional network, and 12% for other reasons.

In regard to how often it is used? Pew Research indicated that most users tweet about once a month and that 10% of Twitter users are responsible for 92% of all tweets in the United States.

 

New Expected Features

As 'X' continues to evolve under Musk's vision, users can look forward to various innovative features designed to enhance the platform's functionality and user engagement. One such feature is a more robust content moderation system, utilizing advanced AI algorithms to mitigate the spread of misinformation.

Customizable Feeds
To promote more meaningful interactions, 'X' is set to introduce a new feature that allows users to customize their feeds based on their interests, creating a more personalized and relevant User Experience .

Job Hosting Feature
In line with the series of innovations and transformations, 'X' is also expected to introduce a new job hosting feature. This feature aims to transform the platform into a bustling job market where companies can post job vacancies, and users can apply directly through 'X.' Integrating a professional aspect into the platform aligns with Musk's vision of making 'X' a comprehensive space for communication, collaboration, and employment. Still in its development stage, the job hosting feature is anticipated to enhance further 'X's appeal, drawing in a larger pool of professional users and businesses. This is another step towards transforming 'X' into a more versatile and all-encompassing platform.

Re-evaluation of Character Limit
Under the new management of Elon Musk, 'X' has also re-evaluated the character limit for tweets. While Twitter was once known for its 140-character limit, it had previously expanded this to 280 characters. However, Musk, recognizing the need for more expansive discourse on the platform, has once again increased the character limit. Now, users can express their thoughts in up to 560 characters per tweet, providing more space for nuanced conversations, detailed explanations, and substantive dialogue.

Direct Messaging Changes
In addition to the numerous changes, 'X' has also introduced new settings for Direct Messages (DMs) to enhance privacy and user interaction. Users now have more control over who can message them directly, with options to permit messages from everyone, only followers or nobody. This feature allows users to curate their own 'X' experience, enhancing privacy and reducing unwanted DMs. There is also an additional setting to filter and automatically delete DMs that 'X's AI system identifies as potentially offensive, ensuring a safer and more respectful communication environment. This overhaul of the DM settings further highlights Musk's commitment to creating a user-centric platform that is responsive to the needs and preferences of its diverse user base.

While these are only a few new features that are up and coming, we are sure Elon Musk will make more. What do you think will be the next change?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nicole Keiner is a Senior Marketing Strategist for Intrada Technologies. Her responsibilities include developing and executing marketing and digital media marketing strategies for clients. Nicole has nearly two decades of experience in public relations, content development, digital media marketing, and event management for businesses of all shapes, sizes, and types.

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