Twitter Blue subscribers can now upload videos up to two hours long
X has introduced a new feature for its Twitter Blue subscribers, allowing them to upload videos of up to two hours in length. Users can now share longer videos at a resolution of 1080p, as long as the file size does not exceed 8GB. However, this extended video option is currently limited to web and iOS users, while Android users are restricted to uploading videos with a maximum duration of 10 minutes.
The longer video upload capability has already sparked some interesting user behavior on the platform. Some Twitter users have attempted to share full-length movies such as Shrek the Third and The Super Mario Bros Movie. This highlights the potential drawback when it comes to copyrighted material, a problem that was common on YouTube many years ago as well.
This new feature is of course part of the Twitter efforts to enhance its Premium subscription, so non-subscribers are still limited to posting videos with a maximum duration of 140 seconds. Elon Musk announced in February that the platform is working on a method to share advertising revenue with its Blue subscribers, and this move could further incentivize users to subscribe to the service and foster a more mutually beneficial relationship between content creators and the platform. The Twitter Blue subscription includes access to a blue verified checkmark, which has become a meme-worthy symbol on the platform. Subscribers also have access to encrypted messages, although there have been some identified flaws in the system. Moreover, Twitter has increased the character limit for Blue subscribers from 4,000 to a substantial 10,000 characters, provinding a ridiculous amount of flexibility for expressing thoughts and ideas in longer tweets. Additionally, subscribers can now enjoy text formatting and tweet editing capabilities, enhancing their overall tweeting experience.
While the extended video feature may initially seem intriguing, Twitter's positioning in the market differs from platforms like YouTube, leading users to question the platform's direction and whether it's worth transforming into something different. Moreover, the lack of a clear monetization system for these videos further adds uncertainty about the platform's future. As Twitter evolves, striking a balance between user demands and its core strengths will be crucial in shaping its identity and maintaining user engagement.