X (Formerly Twitter): 10 Things You Should Know and 10 Interesting Facts You Probably Didn’t Know
Since its rebranding from Twitter to X under Elon Musk’s ownership, the platform has evolved into an “everything app,” aiming to blend social networking, payment systems, and more. Despite its controversies, X remains a powerful tool for creators, brands, and individuals. Here’s a comprehensive look at the platform and some surprising trivia.
10 Things You Should Know About X (Twitter)
1. It Was Launched in 2006:
Twitter was created by Jack Dorsey, Biz Stone, Evan Williams, and Noah Glass in March 2006, with the first-ever tweet sent by Dorsey on March 21, 2006.
2. It Rebranded to X in 2023:
Under Elon Musk’s ownership, Twitter was rebranded as X in July 2023 to reflect its transformation into a multifunctional platform beyond microblogging.
3. It’s Known for Real-Time Updates:
X remains the go-to platform for breaking news, live events, and trending conversations, with its Hashtag feature defining social media culture.
4. Global Reach and Active Users:
X has over 450 million monthly active users, with a strong presence in countries like the U.S., Japan, and India.
5. Character Limits Evolved:
Originally limited to 140 characters, X now allows posts up to 10,000 characters for verified users, enabling long-form content.
6. It’s Introducing Payments:
X is transitioning into an “everything app” inspired by China’s WeChat, incorporating payments and financial transactions into its ecosystem.
7. Advertising is Key to Revenue:
X generates the majority of its income from advertising, but Elon Musk has introduced a subscription model, X Premium (formerly Twitter Blue), to diversify revenue streams.
8. Spaces Enable Live Audio Conversations:
X Spaces competes with platforms like Clubhouse, allowing users to host or join live audio discussions.
9. Verified Users Get Enhanced Features:
The X Premium subscription offers perks like verified status, ad revenue sharing, editing posts, and longer video uploads.
10. It’s a Hub for Creators and Brands:
With tools like monetized posts, ad sharing, and analytics, X empowers creators and brands to engage with audiences and earn revenue.
10 Interesting Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About X (Twitter)
1. The First Tweet Was Simple:
Jack Dorsey’s first tweet, “just setting up my twttr,” remains one of the most iconic posts on the platform.
2. The Blue Bird Had a Name:
The Twitter bird logo was called Larry, named after NBA legend Larry Bird. The rebrand to X retired the iconic mascot.
3. It Started as a Side Project:
Twitter was a spin-off project from a failing podcasting platform called Odeo.
4. It’s a Leader in Politics:
X has been instrumental in political discourse, with hashtags like #ArabSpring and #BlackLivesMatter driving global activism.
5. The Most-Liked Post Is a Tribute:
Chadwick Boseman’s family’s tweet announcing his passing is the most-liked post ever, with over 7 million likes.
6. Tweets Are Public Records:
In the U.S., tweets by government officials, including presidents, are considered part of the public record and are archived by the Library of Congress.
7. It Played a Role in the Arab Spring:
Twitter (now X) was a critical tool for communication and organizing protests during the Arab Spring uprisings in the early 2010s.
8. Twitter’s Original Name Was TWTTR:
The platform was initially styled as TWTTR, inspired by the trend of removing vowels from startup names.
9. X Hosts Over 500 Million Tweets Per Day:
Despite competition, X continues to facilitate over 500 million tweets daily, reflecting its cultural relevance.
10. Its Algorithm Prioritizes Engagement:
Posts from verified users and content that sparks conversation are prioritized in the For You feed.
Why This Matters for SMACC Members
X is a powerful platform for real-time communication, engagement, and monetization. Here’s why SMACC members should care:
• Networking Potential: X is unmatched in connecting creators, brands, and industry leaders.
• Monetization Tools: With ad revenue sharing and subscriptions, creators can earn directly from the platform.
• Global Visibility: The fast-paced nature of X allows posts to go viral quickly, expanding reach.
• Live Interactions: Tools like Spaces and live tweeting help creators engage audiences in real time.
• Breaking News and Trends: X is often the first platform where news breaks, giving creators an edge in creating timely content.
Final Thoughts
X’s transformation under Elon Musk signals a bold new direction for the platform, blending its legacy of real-time conversations with new features aimed at creators and businesses. For SMACC members, understanding X’s tools and trends is critical to leveraging it effectively. Whether you’re aiming for virality, monetization, or meaningful engagement, X continues to be a cornerstone of the social media landscape.
