X (formerly Twitter) announced that live streaming will soon be available exclusively to Premium subscribers, with the change expected in the coming weeks.
The move to put live streaming behind a paywall was officially announced in June 2024. Exact timing for when this change will take effect remains unclear.
One of the key appeals of X's live streaming feature has been the ability for users to quickly broadcast live events as they happen. Restricting this capability to paying subscribers could reduce the amount of real-time, on-the-ground footage available on the platform, potentially affecting its value as a news source.
X is now the only major social media platform to charge for live streaming, a feature that remains free on competitors like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok.
Facebook Live allows users to broadcast live videos to their followers and interact in real-time.
Integrated into the Instagram app, Instagram Live enables users to stream live to their followers.
YouTube Live provides robust live streaming capabilities and is widely used for various types of broadcasts.
Primarily used for gaming, Twitch also supports a wide range of live content.
TikTok Live offers live streaming features, enabling users to broadcast live videos to their followers and gain new fans.
A variety of lesser-known platforms also support free live-streaming. G2 lists 55 alternative platforms.
X's decision to restrict live streaming to Premium subscribers is primarily driven by two factors, the company said.
First, the platform has been grappling with users streaming illegal content. By moving live streaming behind a paywall, X aims to mitigate this issue. The hope is that requiring a paid subscription will deter users from using the platform for piracy.
Secondly, a concerted effort to diversify and increase revenue streams for X has been developing since Elon Musk purchased the company in 2022. The platform's advertising revenue has been under pressure, and Premium subscriptions have not gained the traction needed to compensate for this loss. By adding more features to the Premium tier, X aims to attract more paying users.
X Premium subscriptions start at $3 per month for the basic tier, with higher tiers costing $8 and $16 per month.
This raises questions about user retention and whether this move might push users to other platforms that offer similar services for free.
While X's decision is notable, it's not the first platform to monetize live streaming. YouNow offers a subscription model called "Bars" that gives users access to premium content and the ability to support their favorite streamers.
Periscope used to offer a Super Hearts feature where users could purchase virtual goods to support broadcasters, a model that generated revenue for the platform. Periscope has since been folded into Twitter / X.
