Elon Musk has taken over Twitter and calls it X.
Written by Merle Andringa
Digital Marketing & Design
From Twitter to “X” thanks to Elon Musk: what is the impact on businesses?
Twitter, one of the biggest social media platforms, is currently undergoing major changes under its new owner Elon Musk. Since his purchase he has begun shaping the platform to his vision, and this vision includes a new identity: “X”.
Elon Musk's affinity for the letter ‘X’ is nothing new to us; from X.com, which later became PayPal, to SpaceX and Tesla's Model X. This connection suggests that the rebranding is not just a superficial change, but possibly symbolises a bigger plan.
While Twitter's interface remains largely unchanged, the official company account has already made the transition to ‘X’, which may be a sign of the changes still to come.
Change in brand identity
For years the blue bird logo symbolised Twitter's direct and fast communication. But now it is making way for a black ‘X’ logo, which is already visible on the platform.
For businesses that use Twitter, the transition may mean that the branding of their social content needs to be adapted accordingly. The old logo was recognisable and trustworthy, and the transition may affect how customers view the platform.
It is now more important than ever for entrepreneurs to be proactive in their communication and branding to minimise confusion among their target audience.
According to Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X.Corp, “X” is meant to be more than just a social media platform; it is meant to function as a global platform for brand engagement. A hub for unlimited interactivity that includes audio, video, messaging and banking.
This ambitious aim suggests that businesses can expect a wide range of new possibilities on the platform, from extensive e-commerce functionality to advanced AI-driven toolsets.
The focus on a “global marketplace for ideas, goods, services and opportunities powered by AI” may mean that businesses need to rethink their marketing and sales strategies to make the most of these new features.
"X" as a global community: what does this mean for SMEs?
Paying for premium features: new possibilities within Twitter
Besides the name change, Musk is also making other significant changes to the X platform. A paid model is being pursued in which users have to pay for premium features, such as longer tweets and the blue verification tick.
This can have a twofold impact on businesses. On the one hand, it may mean that their messages are less visible to non-paying users, which increases the need for more effective and concise communication. On the other hand, paying for premium features may help them stand out and increase their credibility on the platform.
With the decline in advertising revenue and competition from platforms such as Instagram Threads, it is clear that “X” is looking for alternative sources of income, which may mean new opportunities and challenges for advertisers.
Long-term impact of "X"
While we are only at the start of this transformation, it is evident that “X” is more than just a rebranding; it is the embodiment of Musk's vision for an integrated, interactive and global digital platform.
Businesses must be prepared for rapid and potentially disruptive changes in the way they use the platform. This may mean they have to learn new skills, integrate new tools or even develop entirely new digital strategies.
The changes at X also offer opportunities. For those who are willing to adapt and innovate, “X” can open up a world of new possibilities.
We help companies to BE Digital
In the ever-changing digital world, it is important to stay ahead and be alert to the latest trends and developments. The evolution from Twitter to “X” is just one example of the speed at which the digital world adapts.
For businesses that want to navigate this new landscape, BE Digital is here to guide and support. Whether it is about adapting to the latest changes or pioneering new digital strategies, we are here to help.
Keep an eye on our blog for more insights and updates on the digital future, and contact BE Digital for all your digital questions. Together we build a successful digital future!