Twitter Phases Out NFT Profile Pictures
After two years of allowing users to use NFTs as their profile pictures, Twitter is reportedly phasing out this feature. Previously, users could link an NFT they owned to transform their circular profile picture into a hexagon. However, the display shape has now been changed back to the standard circle. TechCrunch reported that Twitter has removed all mentions of NFT profile pictures from its support page. Initially, The Block found that the NFT support was still functioning, but it later ceased to work.
NFTs as Status Symbols
Using NFTs as profile pictures on Twitter allowed users to showcase their interest in digital assets and became a way to flaunt social and economic status. Some high-value non-fungible tokens like CryptoPunks and Bored Apes have sold for millions of dollars. Only users who owned an NFT could transform their profile picture into a hexagon, making it a symbol of ownership and exclusivity.
Unclear Impact on the Platform
If Twitter is indeed phasing out the ability to use NFTs as profile pictures, it remains unclear what impact this will have on the platform. Many prominent crypto and NFT advocates are active on Twitter, and the integration of NFTs served as a legitimization of digital assets and digital ownership. Elon Musk, who acquired Twitter and renamed it X in 2023, initially criticized the integration when it was first rolled out in 2022.
Hot Take: Twitter Moves Away from NFT Profiles
Twitter’s decision to phase out the option to use NFTs as profile pictures marks a significant shift in its approach to digital assets. While this feature allowed users to express their interest in NFTs and served as a status symbol, it seems that Twitter is now moving in a different direction. The impact of this decision on the platform and its crypto community remains to be seen. Will Twitter introduce new features or pivot towards other forms of digital ownership? Only time will tell.