Video Focus, AI Enhancements, and More Unveiling X's Upcoming Features in 2024
The once-familiar bluebird has spread its wings and is soaring towards a bold new vision. X, formerly known as Twitter, is no longer just a microblogging platform. It's now aiming to become the ultimate "everything app," and video takes centre stage in its 2024 roadmap.
Video Takes the Spotlight:
Forget text snippets and trending hashtags. X's future is brimming with vibrant videos. 80% of user sessions already involve video consumption, with over 100 million people immersing themselves in full-screen vertical videos daily. In December alone, users devoured a staggering "130 years' worth of videos 30 minutes or longer." These numbers paint a clear picture: X is prioritising immersive, engaging video experiences.
But is this just a flashy shift in presentation? Not entirely. X boasts over 350,000 communities buzzing with activity, generating 650,000 posts daily. Video is becoming the language of these communities, fostering deeper connections and driving engagement.
Earning Trust, One Creator at a Time:
Monetization is vital for any platform's sustainability, and X is making strides in this arena too. Over 80,000 creators have benefited from its ad revenue sharing programme, showcasing its commitment to empowering content creators. This is particularly impressive considering the 50% drop in ad revenue during the platform's transition under Elon Musk's leadership. Despite external challenges, X is doubling down on supporting its creative community.
Building an "Everything App" Brick by Brick:
Payments are the cornerstone of Musk's ambitious vision. Peer-to-peer transactions arrive in 2024, aiming to unlock "new user utility and commerce opportunities." It's a bold move, mirroring Musk's early PayPal vision of a centralised platform for managing finances and beyond.
Obtaining the necessary licences is no small feat. X has secured approvals in 14 states, but the road ahead involves navigating regulatory hurdles and overcoming past tensions with authorities. Even tech giants like Meta haven't achieved seamless global payment integration, making X's quest all the more intriguing.
Furthering the "everything app" vision, X partners with Shopify, allowing merchants to showcase their products directly within the platform. This strategic move opens the door to seamless in-app purchases and a potentially lucrative e-commerce ecosystem.
Uncertainties and Excitement:
Can X truly morph into the all-encompassing platform of Musk's dreams? The sheer size of the undertaking and previous controversies have fuelled lingering doubts. Yet, the platform's video-first approach, creator-centric focus, and strategic partnerships like the Shopify deal indicate a clear direction.
2024 will be a crucial year for X. Can it overcome regulatory hurdles, sustain creator trust, and ultimately convince users to embrace its ambitious "everything app" vision? Only time will tell, but X's 2024 roadmap paints a picture of a platform boldly reinventing itself, with video at its core and an audacious dream etched on its digital horizon.
