What is Happening With the Twitter Brand

A small startup is making headlines by attempting to relaunch the Twitter brand name now that X Corporation, which owns the former Twitter platform, apparently has moved away from the trademark. After Elon Musk’s redesign and rebranding of Twitter into X, critics have pointed out that the old Twitter identity holds cultural and historical value. Enthusiasts behind the new effort are arguing that X no longer uses the Twitter name meaningfully, making the trademark available for revival.

If this startup succeeds, it could mean a return of the classic Twitter brand to digital life, though what form that would take remains unclear. The plans are still early and face legal complexities around intellectual property and trademark law.

Reddit Is Rolling Out Verification Checkmarks

In parallel, Reddit has begun testing a new verification system meant to make it easier to tell real users from impersonators. Instead of paid verification schemes like Twitter/X’s, Reddit’s approach introduces a grey checkmark next to selected usernames. These checkmarks appear across the profile, community posts, feeds, and search results for verified users.

This system is optional and currently limited to a small group of public figures and trusted partners, not the general user base. Reddit insists the checkmark does not grant extra privileges; it simply helps with identity clarity and reducing misinformation and impersonation problems.

Why These Moves Matter

The startup pushing for the Twitter name revival and Reddit’s verification tests point to broader tensions in social media. Platforms are redefining what identity, trust, and brand legacy mean online. Elon Musk’s decision to drop the Twitter name and replace familiar verification badges with subscription services deeply upset many users. In contrast, Reddit’s model is voluntary and focused on community trust.

There is a cultural pushback against commercialized verification and confusing identity signals. Revival of the Twitter brand may appeal to longtime users nostalgic for a simpler era of social networking. Meanwhile, Reddit’s approach reflects a cautious move toward transparency without monetizing user verification.

Future Implications

If the trademark efforts succeed, we might see a new platform separate from X that evokes the social energy of early Twitter. That could attract users dissatisfied with current social media offerings and fuel competition across the sector. At the same time, Reddit’s verification experiment could inform how other platforms tackle impersonation and trust in the age of AI.