Find out why Twitter is now called X, where the name comes from, and Elon Musk's vision for this new X app. Spoiler: it's very different from the original Twitter we all knew.
What is Twitter called now?
Twitter is now called X. Twitter's transformation into "X" marked a significant shift in the social media platform's identity and vision. This change, spearheaded by Elon Musk following his $44 billion acquisition in 2022, aims to evolve Twitter into an "everything app” called X.
When did Twitter become X?
On July 23, 2022, the iconic blue bird logo of Twitter was replaced with a stylized new "X," signaling a complete rebranding of the platform. The Twitter name was removed from websites, apps, and even the company's headquarters. Now, X.com redirects to twitter.com, further cementing this transition.
At the time, Musk himself shared an image of the new X logo illuminated on Twitter's San Francisco headquarters, symbolizing the dawn of this new era for the platform.
Elon’s goal with the acquisition is to turn Twitter into an “everything app” called X, which will follow a similar path to apps like WeChat in China. These platforms offer everything one needs to do with an app, from social networking, messaging, broadcasting, banking, shopping, ordering a ride, booking a hotel, etc.
Why is Twitter now X?
Elon Musk's vision for Twitter extends far beyond its original purpose as a microblogging platform. The rebranding of Twitter to X reflects his ambition to transform the social network into a comprehensive everything app.
Musk acquired Twitter with X Corp with the explicit goal of using it as a catalyst for this broader vision. The evolution from Twitter to X signifies a shift from its roots in short-form messaging to a multifaceted platform. With this shift, competitors like Bluesky and Threads jumped at the opportunity to attract some of the unhappy users who did not like the changes introduced.
As Musk explained, "Twitter's name made sense when it was just 140-character, messages going back and forth - like birds tweeting - but now you can post almost anything, including several hours of video."
The rebranding aligns with plans to integrate diverse functionalities such as banking, e-commerce, extended video capabilities, and enhanced messaging features. This expansion renders the Twitter name and its iconic bird logo obsolete in the context of X and the platform's new direction.
How is X different from Twitter?
X is different from Twitter because while Twitter has mostly been a free social media site for short-form content and real-time news updates, X will expand into functionalities like banking, shopping, video broadcasting, and more.
Twitter - social media networking platform
X - the comprehensive everything app
In the words of Twitter’s (now X) CEO Linda Yaccarino: “X will be the platform that can deliver everything.”
The ambitious plan for X includes integrating a wide array of services such as messaging, banking, e-commerce, and more. Yaccarino describes X as an AI-driven platform that will combine "audio, video, messaging, payments/banking," creating a "global marketplace for ideas, goods, services, and opportunities."
This transformation marks a significant departure from Twitter's original focus, positioning X as a multifaceted digital ecosystem rather than just a social media platform.
How are users and competitors reacting to the changes
Some of the hardcore early Twitter users disliked the change of name and vision and have been exploring new alternatives that have popped up in the meantime. Some have explored moving to Bluesky, while others, already with Instagram accounts, have started publishing more often on Threads.
With old Twitter now dead and X taking over as the "everything app", it's important to reflect on which platforms you and your business should be on, according to your target audience and where they are/are moving to.
Use Typefully to write and schedule your tweets in advance.
Twitter may be called X now but that doesn’t mean content stopped being king.
To maximize your reach there, check the best times to post on X (Twitter).
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