Twitter no longer exists. The platform you knew as a microblogging service for quick thoughts and real-time news has been replaced by something called X. This is not just a name change. It represents a complete reimagining of what a social platform can become.
The Rebrand: When Twitter Became X
The transformation happened on July 23, 2023. Elon Musk replaced the iconic blue bird with a stylized X logo. The Twitter name disappeared from the website, the mobile apps, and the company headquarters in San Francisco.
The domain x.com now redirects to the platform. Every trace of the original branding has been systematically removed. Twitter, as a brand, is gone.
The Vision Behind the Change
Musk acquired the platform for $44 billion with a specific goal: transform it into an "everything app." The model he follows is WeChat in China, a single application that handles messaging, social networking, payments, shopping, ride-hailing, and banking.
The original Twitter name made sense for what the platform once was. Short messages. 140 characters. Quick updates that resembled birds chirping back and forth. That constraint defined the product.
X has no such constraint. Users can now post long-form content, upload hours of video, and access features that have nothing to do with microblogging. The bird logo became a relic of a narrower vision.
What X Aims to Become
The ambition extends far beyond social networking. X is designed to integrate multiple services into a single platform:
- Messaging: Direct communication between users
- Payments and banking: Financial transactions within the app
- E-commerce: Buying and selling goods and services
- Video broadcasting: Long-form and live video content
- AI-powered features: Intelligent content discovery and creation
The company's leadership describes X as a "global marketplace for ideas, goods, services, and opportunities." This positions the platform not as a social network but as a digital ecosystem.
How X Differs from the Original Twitter
The distinction is fundamental:
Twitter was a social media platform focused on short-form content and real-time conversation. It served one purpose well.
X aims to be a comprehensive platform that handles nearly every digital interaction a person might need. It serves many purposes adequately.
This shift changes the user experience, the business model, and the competitive landscape. X competes not just with other social networks but with payment apps, e-commerce platforms, and communication tools.
The User Response
Not everyone welcomed the change. Many long-time Twitter users felt attached to the original platform and its focused purpose. Some migrated to alternatives like Bluesky and Threads, seeking a return to the simpler social networking experience Twitter once provided.
The rebrand forced users and businesses to reconsider their platform strategy. Where is your audience? Where are they moving? These questions matter more now than when Twitter was simply Twitter.
What This Means for Content Creators
The platform changed. The fundamentals of content did not. Reaching an audience on X still requires consistent, valuable content delivered at optimal times.
The difference now is context. You are no longer posting to a microblogging service. You are participating in an ecosystem that may eventually include payments, shopping, and services you cannot yet predict.
Adapt accordingly. The platform will continue to evolve. Your strategy should evolve with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Twitter change its name to X?
Elon Musk rebranded Twitter to X as part of his vision to transform the platform into an "everything app." The name change reflects a shift from microblogging to a comprehensive digital ecosystem that aims to include messaging, payments, e-commerce, and more.
When did Twitter officially become X?
Twitter became X on July 23, 2023. On that date, Elon Musk replaced the blue bird logo with the X logo and began systematically removing all Twitter branding from the platform.
Is Twitter still available or has it been completely replaced?
Twitter as a brand no longer exists. The platform, its features, and your account remain, but everything now operates under the X name. The domain x.com redirects to the platform, and all official branding has been updated.
What is the difference between Twitter and X?
Twitter was a microblogging platform focused on short-form content and real-time conversation. X aims to be a comprehensive platform handling social networking, messaging, payments, e-commerce, and AI features in one app.
Can I still use my old Twitter account on X?
Yes. Your account, followers, posts, and data transferred to X automatically. No action was required from users during the rebrand.
Building your presence on X? Use Postel's AI tweet writer to create engaging content and Postel's Twitter post scheduler to maintain consistent posting.