X (formerly Twitter) is set to place its live streaming feature behind a paywall, making it the only major social platform to charge for this capability. The change, announced recently, will limit live streaming to X Premium subscribers, including those using X’s game streaming integration. While X hasn’t provided a specific reason for this decision, it aligns with the company’s strategy of using additional features to incentivize paid subscriptions.
X Premium, available in various tiers starting at $3 per month, offers benefits such as post editing, long-form writing, and ad-free feeds. However, this move marks a departure from the norm, as X hasn’t typically restricted existing, widely used features to paying subscribers.
Furthermore, X has hinted at plans to monetize other basic features. The company recently introduced a $1 annual fee for new accounts in New Zealand and the Philippines to gain posting privileges. Although currently a test, Elon Musk has expressed interest in expanding this fee to all new users, signaling a potential shift in X’s monetization strategy.
