2020: The end of Twitter Influencers

Before now, Twitter used to be a place of class, pomp, and status. Twitter used to be a place of the high vs the lows. The lows were the ordinary folks like you and me that joined Twitter because we have an android and intelligent people on the platform.

The blue ticks used to be reserved for majorly artistes and entertainers until power changed hands and a few people bios read thus: DM me for promotions, reservations, bookings or the dandiest of things.

Until today, LinkedIn trended. If you are a sharp user of the app, you must be wondering what in Heaven's name is responsible for the sudden change. Most especially on January 1st of all days.

A little sneak peek through Ogbeni Dipo's timeline and here is a record of his brag

I have spent at least 2 hours reading the new twitter rules.

I beseech and encourage you brethren to build an audience on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube or go back to Facebook and chat with your family, secondary school mates and real friends????

I have spent at least 2 hours reading the new twitter rules.

I beseech and encourage you brethren to build an audience on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube or go back to Facebook and chat with your family, secondary school mates and real friends????
— Dr. Dípò Awójídé (@OgbeniDipo) January 1, 2020

There is too much grammar in the link he shared but the long and short of it is that twitter is looking to end the rise of influencers. It has promised to put an end to platform manipulation which involves "attempts to artificially influence conversations through the use of multiple accounts, fake accounts, automation and/or scripting."

As part of the app's process of santizing the space, it also clamped down against misleading profile information, as well as accounts that use stock or stolen photos.

Endorsement, selling/purchasing Tweet or account metric inflation are part of the things Twitter are looking to clamp down upon.

As it appears, several people are jittery and have begun to develop cold feet as the future is now scary and unknown for influencers.

Going through the twitter rules, I noticed some handles which were recently suspended might not be due to witch-hunt but breaking of twitter rules. The picture????below shows a common mistake (diversion) made by people on twitter particularly when a tweet generates engagement. pic.twitter.com/2hpIy3XjcJ
— Chibuzor Akobi (@Akobi4real) January 1, 2020

Absolutely. Your offline content and relationships matter. Your circle of influence and interactions can flourish outside of a social media app. Real connections are important to add value to you. Remember, Twitter is just an app. They can do anyhow at anytime.
— ?10 ???? DaddyMO???? 10? (@therealdaddymo1) January 1, 2020

Some screenshots of importance. Twitter fe gba ounje lenu everybody.
Ha! Mehn.... I'm going back to Instagram. pic.twitter.com/J6yL7rPWp9
— Mabel THE REALTOR (@MabelAdewunmi) January 1, 2020

Could the fall of influencers be near?

In all honesty, the average Nigerian influencers earns at least N100,000 to N3,000 000 per post according to a Nairaland post. Digital Marketing Skill says ?85,000 per post.

Based on this little consultations, influencers could be making a killing by the day. However their lives are now threatened by a new policy already effective. The punishment for violation of these terms are tweet deletion and temporary account locks. The ultimate one is permanent account suspension.

While Parody accounts and fan accounts have been exempted from this harsh policy, a lot of Twitter influencers have reportedly announced their decision to exit Nigerian Twitter. Laughable comments have flooded the space with all sort of empty threats.

Every platform requires rules to stay sane. I can tell you that most influencers on this street are clout chasers. I once asked a trending influencer to get a website and he said to me that he is confused what content to place on it. I am in support of these policies!
— Ademeso Damilare (@dresongafrika) January 1, 2020

Could influencers overturn this policy?

There is no straight answer to this question. It would be lovely to suggest that all influencers have parody accounts but Twitter will see through the bullshit and cut the crap. Most influencers trend on sex and nudes- this is a good move for sanitizing the timeline. However, there is no going back from this.

Surprisingly, Ogbeni Dipo is on top of this trend as he used Twitter to stylishly chase clout and increase his followers. Asking more people to add him up more.