Is Twitter over? Can the community fix the problems?

Summary

The video script discusses the challenges and potential solutions for Twitter's verification system, suggesting a return to document-based verification for brands and a tiered system for personal accounts. It also explores monetization strategies for Twitter, such as an ad pool for creators based on engagement metrics and enhancing tweet discoverability. The conversation emphasizes the importance of barriers to spam and bots while encouraging community input for the platform's evolution.

Takeaways

• 😀 The discussion revolves around improving Twitter's verification system and monetization strategies post-Elon Musk's acquisition.
• 💡 A suggestion to revert to a stricter verification process using tax documents or organizational papers to ensure authenticity for brands.
• 🛡️ Proposing a system where verified brands can authorize a 'blue check' for individuals, adding a layer of accountability and reducing the risk of impersonation.
• 💰 The idea that a fee for verification could act as a deterrent for spammers but also devalues the verification mark if it's too easily attainable.
• 📉 Mention of the negative real-world impact of impersonation, exemplified by the Eli Lilly incident affecting stock prices due to misinformation.
• 🔒 A recommendation to limit the number of times a user can change their Twitter handle to prevent impersonation and confusion.
• 🤔 Acknowledgment of the challenge in making tweets more 'discoverable' and 'evergreen' compared to other platforms like YouTube.
• 🎯 A call for Twitter to create an 'ad pool' where revenue is shared with creators based on engagement metrics to incentivize quality content.
• 📈 The potential for Twitter to monetize better by offering corporate accounts benefits like free ads in exchange for a monthly fee.
• 👥 Recognition of the need for different strategies for personal accounts versus brands and the importance of balancing verification with user experience.
• 🌐 A suggestion to improve Twitter's algorithm for content curation to better personalize user feeds and increase engagement with ads.

Q & A

What is the main concern discussed about Twitter's verification system?

The main concern is that Twitter's verification system, particularly the blue check mark, has been compromised by charging for it, which potentially diminishes its value and authenticity, as anyone can now pay for it.

What is the proposed solution to the verification issue for brands?

The proposed solution is to require brands to submit tax documents or organization documents for verification, ensuring that the Twitter account is indeed the official account of the brand, and not an impersonator.

How does the idea of third-party authorization work for Twitter verification?

Once a brand is verified, it could authorize other accounts, such as personal accounts of its members, with a blue check mark. This would mean that the brand is responsible for the authenticity of the accounts it authorizes.

What is the suggested mechanism to prevent 'blue check farms'?

The mechanism involves making the brand responsible for the speech of the accounts it authorizes. If multiple accounts under one brand get banned, it reflects negatively on the brand, creating a disincentive for creating 'blue check farms'.

What are the criteria for personal accounts seeking verification under the new proposal?

Personal accounts should verify their identity with a government-issued ID, and there should be a minimum number of followers, preventing newly created accounts from getting verified immediately.

Why is it suggested to charge for the blue check mark for personal accounts?

Charging for the blue check mark acts as a barrier to spammers and bots, as they are less likely to pay for verification and jump through the necessary hoops.

How can Twitter monetize better according to the transcript?

Twitter could monetize by creating an ad pool where a portion of ad revenue is shared with creators based on engagement metrics, offering free ads to corporate accounts, and making the verification process a paid feature.

What is the issue with impersonation on Twitter after paying for a blue check mark?

The issue is that someone could pay for a blue check mark, change their account name to impersonate a brand or individual, causing confusion and potentially damaging consequences.

How can Twitter prevent name changes that impersonate verified accounts?

Twitter could limit the number of allowed name changes and check new names against existing verified accounts to prevent confusion or impersonation.

What are the challenges with making tweets more discoverable and evergreen?

Challenges include the ephemeral nature of tweets, the lack of an algorithmically curated content feed similar to YouTube or TikTok, and the difficulty in attaching ads to individual tweets for monetization.

What is the suggestion for Twitter to improve content discoverability?

Suggestions include creating a separate section for short-form videos, making tweets more discoverable through categorization and algorithmic curation, and introducing long-form video content.