X Debuts Articles: A Platform for Long-Form Content
Building on its roots, X embraces long-form writing
X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter, is taking a big step towards becoming more than just a platform for short snippets of information. With the introduction of X Articles, X is essentially integrating a blogging platform directly into its existing system. This move signifies a clear ambition to expand beyond the 280-character limit and cater to users who want to share in-depth content.
X Articles: A Feature Rich in Functionality
X Articles offers a familiar and functional experience for those already accustomed to blogging tools. Users can create posts with titles, header images, and various formatting options like bold, italics, numbered lists, and hyperlinks. Additionally, the ability to embed images and videos directly within Articles provides a richer multimedia experience compared to standard X posts, which have also seen recent improvements in content formatting.
Dedicated Space for Long-Form Content
Articles will have a designated space within the X ecosystem, appearing on a user's profile in a dedicated "Articles" tab and also flowing into the timelines of followers, similar to regular X posts. X emphasises that Articles will be visually distinct, featuring a unique icon and layout to ensure long-form content stands out in the feed.
"Everything App" Vision and Musk's Focus on Long-Form Content
The introduction of X Articles aligns with X owner Elon Musk's vision for the platform to become an "everything app." This vision encompasses a wide range of functionalities and processes happening directly within the X interface. Long-form content specifically has been a key area of focus for Musk, who champions "citizen journalism" and encourages users to share their perspectives on X. This approach is seen as a way to challenge the dominance of mainstream media.
Freedom of Speech and a New Information Ecosystem (with Caveats)
Musk believes traditional media outlets are biassed, often against him personally. By offering users more ways to share their thoughts on the platform, X aspires to create a new information ecosystem free from external influence. However, critics point out that Musk himself has penalised or suspended publications and journalists who hold views he disagrees with. This raises questions about the true nature of this "unbiased" information landscape, where control ultimately rests with a single individual.
Limited Accessibility and Potential User Base
A significant limitation of X Articles is its current accessibility. Only Premium+ subscribers and verified organisations can utilise the feature. This means a paywall of at least $16 per month restricts access for the broader X user base. The initial appeal might be strongest among Elon Musk's most loyal supporters, who could use it to express their enthusiasm for his ventures or even write fan fiction. However, it's uncertain how many established publications or journalists will find the paywall model appealing.
Future Options and User Behaviour Considerations
Media organisations already paying for verification might experiment with X Articles, and future monetization options within the platform could attract more interest. But a crucial question remains: will users actively seek out and consume long-form content within the X app? This requires a significant shift in user behavior. While Musk reported 3 billion daily views for longer posts in September 2023, the specifics of this data are unclear. Are these genuine views or simply users clicking the "More" button? Does X track actual reading time spent on long-form content?
