New Paid Layer to Twitter

Twitter has been slow to turn a profit

Twitter has become an influential force.  The micro blogging phenomenon allows users to voice their opinions in a way that has begun to affect the media at large.  Jan Moir received a drubbing after her controvertial article on the untimely death of Stephen Gately; just one example of how  Twitter can make waves in the outside world.

The service has always been free, but this means that it has been slow to turn a profit, having no concrete revenue streams.

Twitter’s CEO, Biz Stone, has announced that there are plans afoot to introduce an extra paid layer of service to Twitter.

Many businesses have looked to capitalise on the popularity of social networking sites to enhance their public images and attract more custom.

From early 2010 these companies will be able to subscribe to Twitter’s new services, giving them access to a range of statistics and analytial data.

Stone spoke to the BBC, saying:

“You will be able to pay for an additional layer of access to learn more about your Twitter account – get some feedback, some analytics, become a better ‘Twitterer’.”

Twitter will remain free for anyone who wishes to use the site’s current basic features, with the option to subscribe to an enhanced version.

He also spoke about his hope for further deals with internet giants such as Google and Bing.  This is good news for ordinary Twitterers, and will hopefully ensure that the site can continue in its role as a vehicle for public opinion.