Twitter’s new Super Follow feature
Twitter is currently testing out multiple monetisation features on the platform. These include the tip jar feature currently available to some accounts, ticketed spaces and super follows. Today we’re going to be focusing on the super follow feature, what is it, how it works and what it means for you.
Be sure to check out our other monetisation blog articles to explore more.
What is a super follow?
The super follow feature allows Twitter users to pay a monthly subscription in exchange for bonus content and interactions. Many are currently comparing this feature to the platform Patreon or YouTube channel memberships because it appears to operate in a similar way. If a user chooses to super follow an account, they will get access to more tweets exclusively for those who are paying towards the channel. These tweets are essentially behind a pay wall. However, if a user doesn’t super follow a Twitter account, they will still get access to tweets that are public and shared with everyone.
Unlike the tip jar feature, if you super follow a Twitter account, you will be paying a recurring monthly subscription in exchange for additional content, badges and potentially more. It’s a way to regularly financially support accounts that bring you the most value.
How much could you earn with super follows?
At the moment, Twitter states that you can choose from one of three price points to charge super follow subscribers: $2.99, $4.99 or $9.99. You can earn up to 97% of the revenue until you reach $50,000, after which you can earn up to 80%.
What will super follows look like?
Here are some mock ups of the super follow feature:
The super follow button looks like it will be a purple circle icon with a plus symbol in the centre.
There will be options to connect with only the people who super follow the account such as an exclusive audio space.
How to set up super follows
This monetisation feature is still being tested and is yet to be fully rolled out. At the moment, to provide the super follow option to your followers on Twitter you have to apply. People in the U.S. who meet the eligibility requirements can apply to participate in the initial Super Follows test group.
To be in the initial test group you have to:
- be 18 years or older
- have at least 10k followers
- have tweeted at least 25 times in the past 30 days
See the whole policy here: https://help.twitter.com/en/rules-and-policies/super-follows-policy
To apply for the super follow feature:
- Open the Twitter app on your phone and select your profile icon in the top left-hand corner.
- Select ‘Monetisation’ from the list.
- Under ‘Monetisation options’ select ‘Super Follows’ which will only show if the test group option is available in your area.
Why is Twitter adding super follows?
Just like their other monetisation initiatives, putting a subscription-based strategy directly on Twitter is an attempt to deter traffic from being directed off Twitter and onto other websites like Patreon. Having similar systems in place aims to make Twitter your one-stop-shop for building, connecting with and monetising an audience. Being the social media giant it is, Twitter is attempting to eliminate the need for you to leave their app/website and monopolise the monetisation space.
How can you capitalise on super follows?
While super follows are still being tested, now is a good time to draft a strategy for a super follow roll out.
Ask yourself:
- How can I continue to grow and engage my following, ready to launch more monetisation strategies?
- How can I add more value to my Twitter following?
- What content can I offer that my followers will want to pay for?
- How can I advertise monetised content to my audience?
- What kinds of content will keep people subscribed to the super chat feature?
By foreseeing how super follows could affect your future on Twitter and increase your earnings, being prepared will stand you in good stead. In the event that the super follow feature doesn’t roll out in your area, you will have still answered some valuable strategic questions. You could even transfer your strategy onto other platforms such as Patreon if you’d like.
Knowing the audience you are catering for, and the kinds of content your audience on social media engages with the most, are the keys to making super follows work for you. Learn more about your audience, get access to crucial and in-depth key performance indicators, and get ready for monetisation on Twitter with Minter.io
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