X, previously called Twitter, has eliminated the feature that enabled premium subscribers to use non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as their display pictures. The move comes as a surprise for most since it was previously available for NFTs minted on the Ethereum blockchain.
NFT Feature Removal
The NFT feature was initially launched in January 2022, before Elon Musk acquired the social media company. It gained popularity among cryptocurrency enthusiasts and collectors, who saw it as a way to highlight their valuable digital assets on a popular social media platform.
The use of non-fungible tokens as display pictures on X was readily recognizable because of its distinct hexagon-shaped border, contrary to the normal circular border. The feature was a popular option among premium subscribers who wanted to display their ownership of rare and valuable digital assets using their avatars.
Based on X’s support page, premium users who had set NFTs as their avatars before the change will retain the hexagonal border. Nonetheless, new changes are no longer possible for anyone else who wants to use NFTs as their display pictures. This has caused disappointment among some premium subscribers who were planning to switch up their avatars with various NFTs.
Shift In Focus
The abrupt removal of the NFT feature seems to coincide with X’s shift in focus towards becoming a ‘video-first’ platform. Based on reports, there has been a 30% increase in video views on this social media platform between 2022 and 2023. This change is seen as a strategic move by X to attract more users and compete with other video-focused platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
Apart from the removal of the NFT feature, X has also said that it plans to expand its use of artificial intelligence and launch peer-to-peer payments within the year. This development shows the platform is constantly evolving and adapting to meet the changing needs and preferences of its users.
A Trend Among Social Media Platforms
In that context, Meta (formerly called Facebook) also removed NFT-related features from its Instagram and Facebook platforms in March 2023. This move might suggest that there is a trend forming among social media platforms as they shift their focus toward other capabilities and features.
Despite the NFT feature being removed for now, it is not clear whether it will make a comeback in the future. With the rise of non-fungible tokens, and the intensifying interest in crypto, X might reintroduce the feature or come up with other means for users to display their digital assets on the platform.
The Takeaway
The removal of the NFT feature from X’s premium subscription service has resulted in disappointments among some users. Nonetheless, it also highlights the platform’s commitment to continuous advancement and adaptation to meet the changing preferences of the users.
As X focuses on becoming a “video-first” platform, it will be interesting to see how its focus on peer-to-peer payments and artificial intelligence will impact user experience.
Meanwhile, we can speculate what other changes and developments are in store for X and its users. With the quick-paced nature of social media, one thing is true – there will always be something exciting and new to look forward to on X.
