Elon Musk’s X Hikes Premium+ Subscription Costs Globally, India Sees 35% Increase

Elon Musk-owned X, previously known as Twitter, has announced a sharp price increase for its Premium+ subscription tier worldwide. This marks one of the most significant adjustments since Musk acquired the platform in 2022.

The Premium+ plan, celebrated for offering an ad-free experience, priority ranking for posts, and extended reach for users, now comes with a steeper price tag. The adjustments have triggered mixed reactions, particularly in India, where the monthly cost has surged by 35%.

X Premium+ Price Hike Details

In the U.S., Premium+ subscribers will now pay $22 per month, up from $16, while the annual plan has risen to $229 from $168. Indian users are witnessing a notable hike as well. The monthly subscription rate for Premium+ has increased from ₹1,300 to ₹1,750, and the annual fee has jumped to ₹18,300 from the previous ₹13,600.

For those who opt for X’s other tiers in India, there’s no change in pricing. The basic plan remains at ₹243 per month, while the standard premium plan continues to cost ₹650 monthly.

Transition Timeline for Subscribers

Addressing concerns about the immediate impact of the price hike, X clarified the timeline for the new pricing.
“If your next billing cycle starts before 20 January 2025, you’ll continue to pay the current rate; after that, the new rate will apply,” the company said in a statement.

Reasons Behind the Increase

The company has justified the higher costs, citing improvements in services and features as the primary reasons.
“Premium+ subscribers will enjoy higher priority support from @Premium, access to new features such as Radar, and higher limits on our most cutting-edge Grok AI models, ensuring you’re always ahead of the curve,” X stated.

Enhancing User and Creator Experiences

X has also emphasized its commitment to reinvesting additional revenue into platform enhancements and creator rewards. With the updated revenue-sharing model, the platform is shifting its focus toward content quality rather than ad impressions.

“Increased pricing allows us to invest more into making Premium+ better and better over time,” the company explained.
Additionally, X highlighted that the Premium+ subscription fees contribute to a more equitable system, where creators are rewarded based on the overall value they bring to the platform instead of relying solely on ad view metrics.

Global Implications of the X’s Price Hike

The price hike underscores X’s strategy to generate sustainable revenue while maintaining its competitive edge in the social media landscape. By enhancing its Premium+ offerings and revenue-sharing model, the platform aims to retain its user base and attract creators with higher-quality content.

Conclusion

Elon Musk’s X is navigating the fine balance between increasing revenue and maintaining customer satisfaction. While the price hike for the Premium+ tier has sparked discussions, the platform’s commitment to service enhancements and a creator-centric ecosystem might justify the increased costs for many users. However, it remains to be seen whether these changes will resonate positively with the global audience or lead to resistance among subscribers.

X latest updates of 2024

1. Premium+ Subscription Price Hike

Elon Musk's X announced a significant global price increase for its Premium+ subscription, effective from December 21, 2024. Key details include:

• India: Monthly cost increased by 35% to ₹1,750, annual subscription at ₹18,300.

• U.S.: Monthly cost increased from $16 to $22, annual plan at $229.

• New Features: Priority support, access to Radar, and advanced Grok AI limits.

• Impact: Revenue-sharing model updated to reward creators based on content quality.

2. Introduction of AI-Powered Tools

X rolled out Grok AI, an in-platform generative AI tool designed to enhance user experience with personalized content recommendations, smarter search capabilities, and improved customer support.

3. X Video-Centric Monetization

To rival platforms like YouTube, X launched video monetization tools in 2024:

• Revenue Sharing: Ad revenue now shared with verified users who post high-performing videos.

• Exclusive Content Options: Creators can offer subscription-based exclusive video content.

4. X Enhanced Privacy Features

X introduced several privacy enhancements:

• Encrypted DMs Expansion: Wider access to encrypted messaging for Premium subscribers.

• Ad Personalization Control: Users can better manage how their data is used for ads.

5. Revamped Spaces for Audio Discussions

X Spaces received a major overhaul in 2024:

• Better Moderation: Enhanced tools for hosts to manage discussions.

• Monetization: Spaces now offer ticketing and subscription options for exclusive access.

6. Improved Verification System

To reduce misinformation, X tightened its verification processes:

• Eligibility Criteria: Enhanced identity checks for Blue Tick badges.

• Government-Backed Profiles: Official accounts of government entities now include special tags.

7. X Ads Transparency Initiative

In line with global regulations, X launched an Ads Transparency Hub to:

• Provide information about promoted posts.

• Allow users to see why specific ads are targeted to them.

8. Creator Economy Growth

X ramped up its focus on the creator ecosystem with:

• Higher Payouts: Verified users with engaging content receive better revenue-sharing deals.

• In-App Analytics: Improved insights for creators to track post performance and engagement.

9. Global Expansion of Premium Features

X extended its premium offerings to more countries, with localized pricing for features such as:

• Ad-free browsing.

• Priority post rankings.

• Customized content feeds.

10. X Policy Updates and Content Moderation

To address concerns over harmful content, X implemented new policies:

• Stronger Anti-Hate Speech Measures: Automated detection of hate speech and misinformation.

• User Moderation Features: Tools to report and block problematic accounts more effectively.

X in 2024: The Bigger Picture

Under Elon Musk’s leadership, X continues to evolve with a focus on monetization, AI integration, and user experience improvements. However, these changes come with challenges, including user backlash over pricing and privacy concerns.