Twitter Rebrands TweetDeck as ‘X-Pro’, Puts It Behind A Paywall

Highlights

Twitter’s TweetDeck, widely used by power users, is renamed “X-Pro” and placed behind a paywall, costing Rs 650 per month or Rs 6,800 per year.
The rebranded X-Pro offers new features such as full composer functionality, Spaces, video docking, and polls.
Users subscribing to X-Pro will also enjoy additional X Premium membership benefits, including prioritised rankings and revenue sharing.

In a significant move that will change the social media landscape for power users, journalists, and activists, Twitter (now called X) has rebranded TweetDeck as “X-Pro” and placed it behind a paywall.

The announcement confirms earlier speculation that the popular app, which offers customisable views for multiple Twitter feeds, would be moving towards a subscription model.

Renaming and Paywall Introduction

TweetDeck, initially launched in 2008 and acquired by Twitter in 2011, became “X-Pro” on August 15.
Users must now purchase a subscription to Blue, Twitter’s paid version, for access to the tool that many rely on for streamlined social media management.

Response to the Change

Some users found the new version worse than the original, and others declared that they would use Twitter less rather than pay.
High-profile users like writer Lacy Baugher Milas expressed disappointment, with some suggesting that the new TweetDeck deserved to be shelved.

The New Features of X-Pro

The newly rebranded X-Pro will allow users to import their saved searches, lists, and columns to an updated experience. Features such as full composer functionality, Spaces, video docking, and polls will be supported.

X Premium Membership Benefits

The shift to a paid model for X-Pro represents a significant alteration to the way many users interact with X.
Previously offering power features at no cost, such as the ability to manage multiple timelines on a single screen, track and organize content, and engage with communities, X-Pro has now placed these services behind a paywall.

The subscription is priced at Rs 650 per month or Rs 6,800 per year if subscribed via the web, with higher costs for those subscribing through iOS or Android applications.

Alongside access to X-Pro, X Premium members will enjoy prioritised rankings in conversations and searches, the ability to post longer 1080p videos, edit tweets, and format text.
A revenue-sharing feature will also enable verified users to earn based on tweet impressions.

Twitter’s Rebranding Efforts

The decision to rebrand TweetDeck to “X-Pro” comes after Twitter itself was officially renamed to “X” on July 24.
Despite the change, most users still refer to the platform by its original name, a testament to the brand’s strength and recognition over the past 17 years.

The transformation of TweetDeck into “X-Pro” is more than just a renaming; it signifies a strategic shift in Twitter’s business model towards subscription services.

While the move has disappointed some, it underscores Twitter’s focus on maximising revenue and enhancing its premium offerings.

Only time will tell how users will adapt to the changes and whether “X-Pro” will retain its position as one of the most useful social media tools ever created.

FAQs

What is “X-Pro,” and how is it related to TweetDeck?

“X-Pro” is the new name for TweetDeck, the Twitter tool that allows users to view multiple feeds in a customizable format. It has now become a paid subscription service.

How much does the subscription for X-Pro cost?

The subscription costs Rs 650 per month or Rs 6,800 per year if subscribed via the web, with different rates for iOS and Android applications.

What are the new features available in X-Pro?

X-Pro includes features like full composer functionality, Spaces, video docking, and polls. X Premium members also gain prioritized rankings in conversations and searches, among other benefits.