Blue Tick Blues: Celebs react to the saga of Twitter verification badge
Apurva Asrani to Sophie Choudry, celebrities react to the paid blue tick verification update on Twitter by Elon Musk.
Soon after Twitter removed its legacy blue tick from verified handles on the social media platform, it sent everyone in a tizzy. However, a day later, popular celeb handles with over 1M followers got their badges back, while others were either left with a choice to subscribe to twitter blue and buy a badge or remain without a blue tick. We spoke to some celebs who weigh in on the matter and tell us if they’re on with the idea of paying to get a blue tick or they aren’t ready to jump on board just yet. And if disappearance of a blue tick will at all affect their bond with the fans.
Nargis Fakhri - 4.1M
I was just surprised that the day I decided to use the platform, I noticed the blue tick was gone. It did not bother or concern me, just took me by surprise. I thought it was funny and definitely a smart business move for Twitter. But, it was a pleasant surprise when the blue tick was back after a day, since I definitely didn’t pay for it. It’s nice to have it back but to be honest, with or without the tick, I’m still me and that’s a verified fact. A fan would still be a fan, blue tick or not.
Sophie Choudry - 2.2M
We all knew it was coming, I just wasn’t sure when it would happen. The same had happened to Twitter accounts of Amitabh Bachchan, Virat Kohli, Salman Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, and many more. So, I felt like I was in good company and it didn’t really bother me. But, its nice to see the blue again. Glad Twitter decided I can have my blue tick back. I think that the real fans who want to follow us there and be part of our interaction will always be there, whether we have a blue tick or not.
Renuka Shahane - 108k
We all were warned about a month back and I kept getting a message saying that my blue tick will no longer be applicable after a particular date. And if I needed it, I should subscribe to Twitter blue. So my blue tick didn’t disappear, as I had already paid for it. Though the blue tick has never really been an important factor to validate me, it’s definitely a way of telling [people] that this is an authentic account. Now that verification badge can be bought, anybody can impersonate anybody, and that’s scary to think. I’m just going to wait and watch and see what happens with this subscription. I don’t take it very seriously. Nothing on social media is a validation of me as a human being. I have my blue tick and it never went away because I subscribe to it and I don’t judge those who don’t wish to pay for it.
Pulkit Samrat - 480k
The disappearance of the blue tick surely was concerning. Misinformation spreads like fire and fake accounts are the fuel we don’t need. For now, I’m not subscribing to Twitter Blue. I’ll wait and watch how this goes. It might create some confusion but connection with the fans is deeper than a blue tick, we’ll get through it. Just can’t wait to see my fellow Pulkit Samrats with a blue tick!
Karanvir Bohra - 199k
I didn’t realise that the blue tick is gone and I’m surprised. However, I’ll never pay to for it. I don’t care much as I’m not a major Twitter user, and not so political. I’m more of an entertainer and content creator, so I can express myself on other platforms. People who’re following me will still follow me for my views. Just because I don’t have a blue tick doesn’t stop me from doing what I do or putting it out there and I don’t think it’s gonna affect my presence on the platform. Let Elon Musk enjoy his cheap thrills; he’s trying to be Thanos by taking away people’s blue ticks.
Apurva Asrani - 30k
We were all prepared for the blue tick disappearance; I was just surprised it happened so late. As of this moment, I don’t see the need for buying subscription. I’m enjoying this marketisation that I’m seeing on Twitter for the first time. Based on your legacy or your celebrity status, you don’t get a VIP corner. So I’m kind of enjoying this till it lasts. If I do buy it, it might be for the edit feature, but I’m not up for it. Also, I don’t think that it’ll affect my reach to the fans virtually because at the end of the day, I’m not there to turn down what I’ve done in the past as much as what I stand for today. My words and my thoughts connect with people, that’s what really matters. I always feel I’ve connected with people and I’d continue to do so.
Ridhi Dogra - 125k
The blue tick vanishing doesn’t concern me personally, because these are all by products of what we do. The reason why the verification happened in the first place is so that people don’t have imposter profiles. It was just convenient with a blue tick and the fact that it’s gone now, so people buy it, is so silly. Though it’s not a big deal to buy subscription, I’m very secure in my space. I believe in my work speaking, regardless of everything. I’m not desperate. If I’m going to face any trouble, I might as well quit the platform, but I’m not paying for it. I’m quite idealistic that way as I’ve never even boosted a post till date.