X introduces feature that allows creators receive DMs from only paid users

X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, has introduced a new feature that allows content creators to receive direct messages (DMs) from only subscribers of the blue tick mark.

The microblogging firm announced this on its official X page on Friday.

According to the firm, creators are now at liberty to choose who sends them messages.

“Creators now have the option to always (or only) allow DMs from subscribers,” the post reads.

https://x.com/X/status/1707744192187728379?s=20

Many X users believe that the feature is meant to filter unwanted messages. 

Also, the new feature is seen as another way of increasing the number of subscribers for creators, thereby resulting in more revenue.

Commenting on the feature, Linda Yaccarino, chief executive officer (CEO) of X, said the firm has paid nearly $20 million to creators so far.

“Create. Connect. Collect all on X. We’re enabling the economic success of new segments like creators,” she said on her X handle.

“And so far we’ve paid out almost $20 million to our creator community.”

RAFT OF CHANGES AT X

The development is coming at a time when users have the option to pay $8 monthly to get the verified blue tick mark.

In July, the platform began paying creators a share of the revenue it earned from ads.

To be eligible, users must subscribe to X Premium and pay $8 monthly to get the verified mark.

More than 500 followers have earned more than 5 million tweet impressions in the last three months.

Earlier this month, Elon Musk, owner of X,  said users may soon be charged a “small monthly” subscription fee to access the platform.

According to Musk, the aim is to deal with the problem of bots on the platform.

Prior to this statement, Musk had earlier this year announced that users would be able to monetise their content, including long-form text and hours-long videos.

Yaccarino said on Thursday that the company will be profitable by 2024.

She added that in the last 12 weeks, 90 percent of 100 advertisers have returned to the platform.