X Premium+ Subscribers Face Price Hike as Elon Musk Refines Platform Strategy
Subscribers of X’s Premium+ tier are seeing a significant increase in their subscription costs, reflecting Elon Musk’s latest efforts to reshape the platform’s revenue model. The Premium+ plan, now priced at $22 per month in the U.S., has jumped from its previous $16 rate, while annual subscriptions have risen from $168 to $229. These changes took effect on December 21 for new users, with existing subscribers transitioning to the new pricing structure after January 20.
International users are also experiencing similar adjustments. In Canada, the monthly Premium+ cost has increased from $20 to $26, while in Australia, prices now stand at $35, up from $26. In some regions, such as Nigeria, subscribers face an even steeper rise, with rates leaping from under $5 to $22. For those purchasing subscriptions via mobile devices, additional fees may apply due to app store charges.
Understanding X Premium+ Features
X Premium+ represents the platform’s top-tier subscription offering, designed to deliver an enhanced user experience. It eliminates ads (with rare exceptions for promoted content) and provides access to exclusive tools like the Radar trends feature, priority customer support, and expanded functionality for the AI assistant, Grok.
While the basic X Premium plan, priced at $8 per month, offers benefits like a verified checkmark and reduced ads, Premium+ aims to cater to dedicated users seeking additional tools and a completely ad-free environment.
The Shift in Revenue Focus
The price hike is part of a broader strategy to enhance X’s financial ecosystem. Musk’s platform has transitioned to a new creator monetization model, moving away from ad-based payouts to compensating creators based on content views. This shift aligns with X’s long-term goal of supporting creators while maintaining platform growth.
The adjustment comes amid declining advertising revenue, a challenge X has faced since Musk’s acquisition in 2022. By increasing subscription fees, X seeks to diversify its income streams and invest in new features that align with its “user-first” philosophy.
Looking Ahead
While the pricing changes have sparked debates among users, Musk’s team emphasizes that these adjustments are vital to improving Premium+ and supporting a growing creator community. As X continues to innovate, subscribers can expect more enhancements aimed at refining the overall experience.
