NEW DELHI: Social media platform 𝕏, formerly known as Twitter, has ascended to the top of Qatar’s App Store as the leading news app in both the ‘free’ and ‘grossing’ categories. This remarkable milestone highlights 𝕏’s evolving role as a dominant news source in the region, attracting a diverse user base for its real-time updates and commentary on both local and global events.
BREAKING: 𝕏 is now the #1 news app in Qatar, leading both the ‘free’ and ‘grossing’ categories on the AppStore 🥇 pic.twitter.com/X1ejIziiS8
— DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) November 9, 2024
With an increase in demand for instant news and direct communication channels, 𝕏’s surge in popularity reflects its integration into the daily information consumption of Qatar’s residents. Its standing as the number-one grossing app also underscores a successful pivot to monetization, following the app’s transformation under new leadership. After billionaire Elon Musk acquired the platform in 2022, Twitter was rebranded to 𝕏, signaling a shift toward a more multi-functional platform blending social media with direct news and content creation. Over recent months, the app has rolled out various subscription models, promoted “verified” memberships, and introduced features like expanded posts, multimedia options, and subscriber-only content, encouraging both creators and users to engage more actively with premium services.
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This development comes amid increasing competition in digital news consumption, with many Qatar residents favouring platforms that combine immediacy with a variety of perspectives. 𝕏 has effectively catered to this need, providing breaking news updates and live event commentary as well as insights from influencers, journalists, and public figures. Additionally, the platform’s appeal lies in its open format, where users can follow topics of interest, join trending discussions, and engage directly with newsmakers.
Experts believe that 𝕏’s rise in Qatar reflects a broader trend in the Gulf region, where digital news platforms are becoming primary sources of information. According to digital marketing consultant Rashid Al-Sayed, “𝕏’s success in Qatar can be attributed to its blend of live updates, open dialogue, and the ability to interact directly with content creators. People want unfiltered news and prefer platforms that allow them to engage with it instantly.”
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With its prominent ranking in Qatar, 𝕏 is expected to continue expanding its user base across the Middle East, driven by its flexibility and appeal as both a news source and social media outlet. As the platform continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how 𝕏 will shape the future of news consumption in the region and worldwide.