X is shaking things up once again, and this time it’s your wallet that might feel the pinch. Starting January 20, 2025, the cost of X’s ad-free Premium+ subscription will increase significantly. What was once $16 per month will now cost $22, and the annual fee is jumping from $168 to $229 a hefty 40% price hike. New users will see these updated fees immediately upon signing up, while existing subscribers will face the change in the new year.
Why the Price Hike?
According to X’s Help Center, the change isn’t random. The platform says the increase is rooted in its commitment to supporting creators and delivering an improved experience for users. Premium+ subscribers enjoy an ad-free interface, tools to write and share long-form articles, and priority rankings for replies in threads. These features alone set the subscription apart from the standard Premium tier.
But the price hike is also bringing a few new perks. Subscribers will now gain enhanced access to tools like Radar, which monitors keywords and trends, as well as improved limits for Grok AI, X’s in-house chatbot. Priority support from the @Premium team is also part of the upgraded package, offering subscribers a direct line to help with platform issues.
Perhaps most importantly, X stresses that the increased revenue will help fund the platform’s creator payout program. By incentivizing quality content through financial rewards, X aims to keep creators engaged and users scrolling.
The Bigger Picture
This price increase comes at a precarious moment for X. The platform is grappling with stiff competition from alternatives like Bluesky, which is gaining traction among users seeking a fresher social media experience. Pair that with Elon Musk’s polarizing management style and past controversies, and the timing of this move feels risky.
However, X faces the reality of maintaining revenue while enhancing its offerings. Content creators are a vital part of the ecosystem, and robust financial support is necessary to keep them onboard. But will users be willing to pay more when competition is just a few clicks away?
What’s Next?
If you’re an existing Premium+ subscriber, the updated price is set to hit your account starting January 20, 2025. New members, however, will have to pay up immediately. While the benefits of staying within the ad-free, creator-friendly ecosystem are clear, it remains to be seen how the price changes will impact user retention and whether the extra perks will be enough to justify the cost.
