Twitter Blue launched in Canada and Australia on Thursday and while a further rollout is likely, there are as yet no details on which countries the service may be extended to and when.
“We’ve heard from the people that use Twitter a lot, and we mean a lot, that we don’t always build power features that meet their needs,” the company said in a statement.
“We took this feedback to heart, and are developing and iterating upon a solution that will give the people who use Twitter the most what they are looking for: access to exclusive features and perks that will take their experience on Twitter to the next level.”
Here’s a breakdown of Twitter’s new service.
What is Twitter Blue?
Twitter Blue is a monthly paid-for service that includes exclusive features. In its announcement, the company said it isn’t designed to phase out the free app, but to provide “enhanced and complementary” features “for those who want it.”
For the time being, Twitter Blue is only available in Canada and Australia.
How much does Twitter Blue cost?
Twitter said the service will cost C$3.49 ($2.88) a month in Canada, while in Australia the price has been set at A$4.49 ($3.44) per month.
What features does Twitter Blue include?
Twitter Blue gives subscribers the ability to use an Undo Tweet feature, which allows them to modify a tweet if they deem that it needs to be fixed. The caveat is that users will get a maximum of 30 seconds to make up their minds on whether they want to take back the tweet, before it goes live—a customizable timer can be set up for those who prefer not having to wait 30 seconds.
While not quite the edit button that’s long been a common request from users, the Undo Tweet feature should go a long way in allowing users to fix grammatical mistakes or tone down controversial opinions. Failing that, there’s always the good, old fashioned option of deleting a tweet.
Other features include access to several color themes for the Twitter app and the option to customize the app icon on their phones, as well as a Reader Mode that makes it easier to read long threads and a Bookmark Folder feature that allows users to organize the tweets they save.
Twitter Blue users will also have access to dedicated customer support.
The social media giant hinted that more perks could be added in the future.
“We will be listening to feedback and building out even more features and perks for our subscribers over time,” it said.
