Social media has changed how creators connect with their audiences. A few years ago, most people used Twitter primarily to share short updates, follow breaking news, join public conversations, and interact with people who shared their interests. But as creators began building loyal communities on the platform, a new question emerged: could they earn money directly from the people who enjoyed their content?
Twitter’s answer was Super Follows, a subscription feature that allowed eligible creators to charge followers a monthly fee for access to exclusive content and additional interactions.
The idea was straightforward. Instead of relying entirely on advertising, sponsorships, or external membership websites, creators could offer something extra to their most dedicated followers directly through Twitter. Subscribers could receive bonus posts, behind-the-scenes content, and special access to conversations.
However, Twitter has since become X, and the original Super Follows feature has evolved. In April 2023, the platform relaunched its creator subscription program under the name Subscriptions.
In this guide, we’ll explain what Twitter Super Follows was, how it worked, what subscribers received, how creators earned money, and how the current X Subscriptions program differs from the original feature.
What Were Twitter Super Follows?
Twitter Super Follows was a paid subscription feature introduced in 2021. It allowed eligible creators to charge a recurring monthly fee in exchange for exclusive content and additional access to their communities.
Twitter officially introduced the feature on September 1, 2021, positioning it as a way for creators to earn recurring income from their most engaged followers.
The idea was to give creators another way to monetize their work without requiring them to move their entire audience to a separate platform.
For example, imagine a technology creator who regularly posts about artificial intelligence, smartphones, and emerging internet trends. Their ordinary tweets might remain publicly available, while paying subscribers could receive additional analysis, exclusive updates, or more personal discussions.
The same concept could work for journalists, writers, musicians, gamers, fitness enthusiasts, comedians, and other creators with a loyal audience.
Super Follows introduced a distinction between ordinary followers and paying supporters.
- Regular followers: Could continue seeing the creator’s public posts.
- Super Followers: Paid a monthly subscription to access eligible exclusive content and additional benefits.
Importantly, Super Follows did not mean that every tweet became private. Creators could continue sharing public content while reserving selected posts and interactions for subscribers.
Twitter’s original announcement, Introducing Super Follows, explains the thinking behind the feature and its initial subscription options.
How Did Twitter Super Follows Work?
The original system was built around a simple relationship between creators and their audiences: creators offered additional value, and interested followers paid a monthly fee to receive it.
Here’s how the process worked.
1. A creator applied for Super Follows
Super Follows was not initially available to every Twitter account. Creators had to meet the program’s eligibility requirements and be accepted into the feature.
Twitter first tested Super Follows with a limited group of creators before expanding availability.
2. The creator selected a subscription price
The original program offered three monthly price points:
| Original monthly price | Subscription |
|---|---|
| Entry-level option | $2.99 |
| Middle option | $4.99 |
| Higher option | $9.99 |
These were the original Super Follows prices announced in 2021. They should not be treated as a complete list of current X Subscriptions prices, which use the price points available in the current program.
3. The creator published exclusive content
After enabling Super Follows, the creator could publish additional content for paying subscribers.
Depending on the creator’s approach, this could include bonus tweets, behind-the-scenes updates, early previews, special conversations, or other material that wasn’t available to ordinary followers.
4. Followers subscribed to access the benefits
Interested followers could subscribe to an eligible creator and pay the monthly fee. Subscriber-only content would then become available through the platform’s supported experience.
Subscribers also received a special badge that identified them when they replied to the creator’s tweets.
5. The creator earned subscription revenue
The creator received a share of the subscription revenue, subject to applicable fees and program terms.
This provided an alternative to relying exclusively on sponsored posts, advertising, or affiliate marketing.
The central idea was that a creator’s most engaged audience could support their work directly.
What Content Could Creators Offer Through Super Follows?
The success of a subscription program depends on what subscribers receive in return for paying. Simply asking followers for money is rarely enough; creators need to offer something their audience genuinely values.
Twitter Super Follows supported the idea of an additional layer of content and interaction.
Here are examples of how different creators could use it.
Exclusive posts and deeper analysis
A creator who normally publishes short updates could offer longer explanations, detailed opinions, research, or additional context to subscribers.
For example, a search engine optimization specialist could publish public tips while reserving detailed case studies and technical analysis for paying supporters.
The exclusive material should offer genuine value rather than merely repeating public posts.
Behind-the-scenes content
Creators could share material that gave their most dedicated followers a closer look at their work.
A musician might share information about an upcoming project, while a writer could discuss the research behind a new article.
The objective is to give subscribers a reason to support the creator beyond what they already receive for free.
Early previews and bonus updates
A creator could provide subscribers with previews of upcoming work or additional updates about a subject they regularly cover.
For example, a technology writer might share early impressions of a product or offer additional commentary about an industry development.
Any promises about early access should be realistic and consistent.
Subscriber-only conversations
The original Super Follows announcement also described plans for more exclusive interactions, including subscriber-only conversations.
Over time, X’s current Subscriptions program developed benefits such as subscribers-only Spaces, where eligible subscribers can join a creator’s live audio conversation as listeners and request permission to speak.
The precise features available depend on the current program and the creator’s settings.
How Much Money Could Creators Earn From Super Follows?
One of the most attractive aspects of Super Follows was the opportunity to generate recurring revenue from a loyal audience.
Unlike a one-time donation, a monthly subscription could provide income for as long as subscribers continued paying.
Let’s look at a simplified example.
Imagine a creator offering a subscription for $4.99 per month.
| Paying subscribers | Gross monthly revenue |
|---|---|
| 100 | $499 |
| 500 | $2,495 |
| 1,000 | $4,990 |
| 5,000 | $24,950 |
These figures represent gross subscription revenue before any applicable fees, refunds, taxes, or other deductions. They are examples, not earnings guarantees.
A creator with 1,000 paying subscribers at $4.99 would generate $4,990 in gross monthly subscription revenue if every subscription remained active and payments were collected.
However, attracting and retaining 1,000 paying subscribers can be difficult. A large follower count does not automatically translate into a large number of paying customers.
A creator might have tens of thousands of followers but only a small percentage willing to pay for additional content. Another creator with a smaller audience may build a more committed subscriber community by offering specialized knowledge or highly valued material.
The important factors include audience trust, content quality, the usefulness of the subscription benefits, pricing, and how consistently the creator delivers on their promises.
Does X take a percentage of subscription revenue?
The current X Subscriptions Help Center states that eligible creators can earn up to approximately 97% of gross subscription revenue, while X does not take a revenue share under its published model. Third-party payment processing, app-store fees, refunds, cancellations, and other applicable deductions can affect the amount a creator ultimately receives.
This current policy should not be confused with every detail of the original Super Follows program, which operated under its own terms.
For the latest information, consult X’s official creator subscriptions guide.
Who Could Benefit From Twitter Super Follows?
Super Follows was designed for creators who had developed an engaged audience and could offer additional content worth paying for.
It wasn’t limited to celebrities or large entertainment accounts. Twitter’s original announcement identified a variety of potential creator categories.
Journalists and independent writers
Journalists and writers could provide additional analysis, commentary, or behind-the-scenes explanations to readers who wanted more than their regular public posts.
However, creators still needed to consider their professional responsibilities, editorial independence, and any restrictions imposed by their employers.
Technology and SEO experts
Technology specialists could offer detailed tutorials, research, industry analysis, or practical advice.
For instance, a creator who regularly discussed Google Search could publish public updates while providing subscribers with deeper explanations of technical SEO changes.
The value would come from expertise and useful information rather than simply withholding basic answers.
Fitness and lifestyle creators
Fitness enthusiasts, skincare experts, and lifestyle creators could share additional educational material, routines, or experiences.
Creators should ensure that their content is accurate and appropriate, especially when discussing health-related topics.
Musicians, artists, and entertainers
Artists could offer previews, commentary about their creative process, additional updates, or special interactions with their audience.
A subscription can work particularly well when followers want to feel more connected to the person creating the work.
Gaming and sports communities
Gaming creators and sports commentators could offer additional commentary, strategy discussions, community conversations, or other exclusive material.
As with other categories, success would depend on whether subscribers considered the extra benefits worth the recurring fee.
What Was the Difference Between a Regular Follower and a Super Follower?
The difference was primarily about access.
A regular follower could continue interacting with the creator’s publicly available content. A Super Follower paid for an additional layer of content and benefits.
Consider this hypothetical example:
A creator publishes three public posts about a new smartphone. Those posts remain available to ordinary followers.
The creator then publishes a subscriber-only post with additional testing results, detailed observations, or behind-the-scenes material. Paying subscribers can access that exclusive post, while non-subscribers may see a preview or an indication that additional content is available.
This arrangement allowed creators to keep building a public audience while offering paid benefits to their most dedicated supporters.
It also created a potential challenge: creators had to balance free content that attracted new followers with exclusive content that gave people a reason to subscribe.
If too much useful material was reserved for subscribers, it could become harder for new followers to understand the creator’s value. If the paid material offered too little additional value, subscribers might decide not to renew.
A sustainable subscription strategy requires a clear distinction between what remains public and what paying supporters receive.
Why Did Twitter Introduce Super Follows?
Twitter introduced Super Follows during a broader effort to help creators earn money directly from their audiences.
Traditional social media monetization often depended on advertising, sponsorships, or external businesses. Those models can be useful, but they may not work equally well for every creator.
A subscription model offered another option.
Supporting creators directly
The feature gave followers a way to financially support people whose work they valued.
Instead of depending entirely on advertising revenue, creators could develop a direct relationship with paying supporters.
Encouraging more specialized content
A creator didn’t necessarily need to appeal to everyone on Twitter. A smaller group of followers with a strong interest in a particular subject could potentially support specialized content.
This could benefit experts whose work is valuable to a focused audience, even if their posts weren’t intended for the general public.
Creating recurring revenue
Monthly subscriptions offered the possibility of more predictable revenue than one-off payments.
However, recurring income still depended on subscriber retention. Creators needed to keep providing value if they wanted people to continue paying.
Competing in the creator economy
Paid subscriptions were already a familiar model across the internet. Twitter’s initiative reflected a wider trend in which social platforms tried to help creators monetize audiences without forcing them to rely entirely on external services.
What Happened to Twitter Super Follows?
This is an important distinction for anyone researching the feature today.
Twitter’s original Super Follows program was introduced in 2021. After Twitter became X, the platform relaunched its creator subscription program in April 2023 under the name Subscriptions.
X’s own 2023 product roadmap lists the relaunch of the Creator Subscription Program, previously named Super Follows, and the subsequent global launch of creator subscriptions.
The original name is now primarily useful when discussing the feature’s history.
The underlying idea remains familiar: eligible creators can charge a recurring fee for exclusive content and additional benefits.
Current X Subscriptions can include:
- Subscriber-only posts.
- Exclusive previews and bonus content.
- Subscribers-only Spaces.
- Subscriber badges on replies.
- Optional notifications for exclusive posts.
- Subscriber-only replies on eligible public posts.
- Direct messages from creators who choose to enable that option.
The exact benefits vary by creator, and not every creator necessarily offers every feature.
You can find the current details in About Subscriptions — X Help Center.
How Do X Subscriptions Work Today?
If you’re interested in the modern version of Super Follows, the current process is relatively straightforward for subscribers.
For people who want to subscribe
Step 1: Visit a creator’s profile.
Open the profile of the person whose exclusive content interests you.
Step 2: Look for the Subscribe button.
If the creator has an active subscription offering, X displays a Subscribe option on their profile.
Step 3: Review the benefits and price.
Check the subscription price and the type of exclusive content or access the creator offers.
Step 4: Complete the purchase.
Follow the on-screen instructions to accept the terms and complete your subscription.
Step 5: Access the exclusive content.
Once subscribed, you can access eligible subscriber-only posts and other benefits provided by that creator.
Each creator’s subscription is separate, so subscribing to one person does not automatically unlock content from other creators.
For creators who want to offer subscriptions
Creators must apply and meet X’s current eligibility requirements.
According to X’s published Subscriptions policy, the requirements include being at least 18 years old, having a complete profile, verifying an email address, enabling two-factor authentication, maintaining an eligible X subscription plan, and completing identity verification.
The policy also currently specifies an account age of at least three months, recent posting activity, at least 2,000 active followers with qualifying Premium subscriptions, and at least 5 million organic impressions during the preceding three months.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance, and eligibility rules may change.
Creators can review the current rules in the X Subscriptions policy and the creator subscriptions guide.
Is Twitter Super Follows Still Available?
Super Follows is the former name of the program. The current creator-subscription offering is called X Subscriptions.
If you’re searching for Super Follows because you remember the original Twitter feature, X Subscriptions is the relevant program to explore today.
However, access depends on the current eligibility rules and whether the creator has an active subscription offering. Not every X account can automatically enable subscriptions.
The distinction is important for older articles, tutorials, and screenshots that still use the Super Follows name. They may explain the original program correctly but contain outdated prices, eligibility requirements, or interface instructions.
For current information, use X’s official Help Center rather than relying exclusively on historical guides.
Frequently Asked Questions About Twitter Super Follows
What was Twitter Super Follows?
Twitter Super Follows was a paid monthly subscription feature introduced in 2021. It allowed eligible creators to charge followers for access to exclusive posts, bonus content, and additional interactions.
When did Twitter introduce Super Follows?
Twitter officially introduced Super Follows on September 1, 2021. The feature was designed to help creators earn recurring income from their most engaged followers.
What were the original Super Follows prices?
The original monthly subscription options were $2.99, $4.99, and $9.99. These historical prices should not be assumed to represent all current X Subscriptions price options.
Is Super Follows the same as X Subscriptions?
They are closely related. Super Follows was the original name for Twitter’s creator-subscription feature. In April 2023, X relaunched its creator subscription program under the name Subscriptions.
Can creators still make money through subscriptions on X?
Yes. Eligible creators can apply for X Subscriptions and earn recurring revenue from paying subscribers. They must meet the platform’s current requirements and comply with its monetization policies.
Do regular followers have to pay to see a creator’s posts?
No. Subscriptions are optional. Regular followers can continue viewing the creator’s public posts without paying, although subscriber-only content requires an active subscription.
How much can creators earn from X Subscriptions?
Earnings depend on the subscription price, the number of paying subscribers, payment collection, and applicable deductions. X states that eligible creators can earn up to approximately 97% of gross subscription revenue, subject to applicable fees and adjustments.
Does having many followers guarantee subscription income?
No. A large following can help with visibility, but it does not guarantee paying subscribers. Creators need to offer benefits that people consider worth paying for and maintain the value of their subscriptions over time.
Conclusion
Twitter Super Follows was an early step in the platform’s effort to help creators earn money directly from their audiences. Introduced in 2021, it allowed eligible users to charge monthly fees for bonus posts, exclusive content, and additional interactions.
The concept was simple but important: creators could continue sharing public content while offering extra value to followers who wanted a closer connection or more specialized material.
After Twitter became X, the creator-subscription program was relaunched under the name X Subscriptions in 2023. The original Super Follows name is therefore mainly relevant when discussing the platform’s history.
For creators, the enduring lesson is that subscriptions work best when they offer a clear benefit, not merely a paywall. For followers, the choice is equally straightforward: continue enjoying public posts for free, or subscribe when the exclusive content and access are worth the price.
If you’re exploring this feature today, start with X’s official Subscriptions documentation to review current eligibility, benefits, and payment terms.
Helpful Sources
- Introducing Super Follows — Twitter, September 2021: The original announcement explaining the feature, its purpose, and its initial prices.
- Building the Future of X: X’s product roadmap, including the 2023 relaunch of creator subscriptions.
- About Subscriptions — X Help Center: Current information about subscriber benefits, prices, and how subscriptions work.
- About Creator Subscriptions — X Help Center: Current creator information covering enrollment, earnings, and payouts.
- Subscriptions Policy — X Help Center: Eligibility requirements and rules for creators participating in the program.