Twitter recently announced a new rule that will restrict the number of direct messages (DMs) unverified accounts can send per day. This move is part of Twitter’s ongoing efforts to combat the increase in spam messages that users have been experiencing on the platform.
On July 14th, Twitter introduced a new message setting that separates DMs from accounts users follow into their primary inbox and DMs from verified users they don’t follow into their message request inbox. This change resulted in a significant reduction of 70 percent in spam messages just a week after its implementation. Prior to this update, Twitter limited the ability to send DMs to non-followers exclusively to Blue subscribers.
While Twitter states that the motive behind this upcoming change is to combat DM spam, it appears to subtly incentivize unverified subscribers to opt for the Blue membership. In fact, Twitter’s announcement explicitly encourages users to “subscribe today to send more messages,” with a direct link provided to the subscription page. This move echoes Twitter’s previous restriction on the number of tweets unverified accounts can see in a day, which was capped at 600 posts.
Twitter’s decision to implement stricter rules on DMs and limit access to certain features seems to be driven, at least in part, by the platform’s negative cash flow. Elon Musk even commented on this issue, stating that Twitter’s advertising revenue has dropped by 50 percent. While subscriptions alone may not be able to compensate for this decrease, any additional revenue generated through subscription fees would still benefit the company.
By enforcing these new limitations, Twitter hopes to tackle the growing problem of spam messages and further incentivize users to opt for its paid subscription service. However, this move raises concerns about access and the differentiation of services based on subscription status. As Twitter continues to roll out changes aimed at reducing spam, it is essential for the company to strike a balance that ensures a positive user experience while respecting the choices of those who opt-out of paid services.
Ultimately, Twitter’s decision to limit DMs for unverified accounts reflects the ongoing battle the platform faces in maintaining a valuable user experience while addressing spam concerns. As Twitter pursues alternative revenue streams, it is crucial for the company to assess the impact of these changes on its user base and take steps to address any potential repercussions.
