Elon Musk has long had the ambition to transform X.com into a super app, and now it seems closer to becoming a reality. The online bank first launched in 1999 with the goal of being a one-stop platform for all financial needs, but it was eventually merged into PayPal. Now, Musk plans to bring back X.com in 2023 as a replacement for Twitter, with an even grander vision in mind.
According to Musk, X.com will be a comprehensive platform that combines communications and financial services. The goal is to create a global marketplace for ideas, goods, services, and opportunities, powered by artificial intelligence (AI). This ambitious vision was echoed by newly appointed CEO Linda Yaccarino, who described X as the future state of unlimited interactivity, centered on audio, video, messaging, and payments. The aim is to connect users in ways that are just beginning to be imagined.
While this may sound like jargon, there are existing examples of super apps like the one Musk envisions. WeChat, for example, offers a wide range of services beyond social media, and Musk has expressed his admiration for the app. Twitter’s recent product moves under Musk’s ownership have been steps towards this direction, and there are hints that more developments are underway.
The concept of a super app is not limited to X.com; other tech leaders are also exploring this potential. Instagram has introduced shopping features, Meta Pay enables money transfers over Messenger, TikTok is reportedly launching an e-commerce business, and Snapchat has experimented with offering apps within its platform. The idea behind a super app is to have a single platform where users can access various services, from reading news to banking to booking reservations.
However, there are challenges that X.com may face in becoming a super app. Regulators are closely monitoring technology companies, which may prevent any single app from dominating users’ internet experience. Additionally, getting users to switch to X.com for services like banking or grocery shopping may be difficult due to established incumbents in those industries.
While the super app concept may still be evolving, Musk is already focused on transforming Twitter into a supersized social app. The core functionalities of X.com will resemble a social media platform, allowing users to scroll through posts, engage in conversations, view photos and videos, and send direct messages to other users. Twitter’s subscription service, Twitter Blue, will offer exclusive features and benefits to subscribers, such as verification checkmarks, longer tweets, and a share of ad revenue.
Under Musk’s ownership, Twitter has also expanded its character limit for Blue subscribers, allowing them to post up to 25,000 characters. Additionally, Musk has confirmed that the platform is working on a feature that will allow users to share long, complex articles, even suggesting that users could publish a book on the platform. Furthermore, Blue subscribers now have the ability to upload videos up to two hours long, opening up the possibility of watching movies on Twitter.
In conclusion, Musk’s ambition to turn X.com into a super app is taking shape, with plans to transform Twitter into a comprehensive platform. While the concept of a super app poses challenges, Musk’s vision aligns with the evolving trends in technology and user preferences. Whether X.com will become the ultimate “everything app” remains to be seen, but it is clear that Musk is determined to push the boundaries of what is possible in the digital world.
