Twitter Faces Backlash after rolling out calling features for Twitter Blue subscribers without providing easy-to-understand instructions on using them.
Many users have expressed frustration that Twitter Blue’s new calling options, which allow subscribers to make audio or video calls with other users, are not intuitive or simple to figure out. This has led to confusion and complaints from users who don’t know how to initiate or receive calls on the platform.
“It’s ridiculous that Twitter seemed to just add these calling features without explaining how they work,” said social media expert Lisa Thompson. “Most users have no idea that calling is even an option now unless they dig through the settings. Twitter should have introduced call features more transparently.”
According to Twitter, subscribers to its $7.99 per month Twitter Blue service can now make audio or video calls with other Twitter Blue subscribers. However, the platform did not add a calling tab or provide step-by-step instructions on how to access the feature.
The calling options are buried in the settings and require users to exchange a link or scan a QR code to connect a call, rather than just dialing a username or phone number. This has made the process of initiating calls confusing for many subscribers.
“I honestly had no clue Twitter even offered to call now,” said Twitter user Michael Davis. “There’s no obvious way to start a call from someone’s profile. Twitter should have explained how this worked when they announced the feature.”
Some users have complained that call notifications are easy to miss, as they appear as standard Twitter notifications rather than a phone call or FaceTime ring. Recipients may not realize they are receiving a call without an audible ringtone.
“I missed a few calls before realizing what the notification was for,” explained Twitter Blue subscriber Sandra Liu. “Twitter needs to make call notifications more obvious with sounds and visuals if they want people to see and accept calls.”
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Other users have criticized the inability to call non-Blue subscribers, limiting the utility of the feature. The requirement that both parties have Twitter Blue to connect a call has drastically reduced the number of people subscribers can call.
“What’s the point of calling if the people I most want to talk to can’t receive my call?” asked Mike Green, a subscriber since Blue launched. “Twitter needs to allow calls with all users, not just subscribers if they want people to use this.”
In response to the backlash, a Twitter spokesperson stated:
“We are continuing to iterate on the calling experience. Right now we’re focused on learning and observing how people use audio and video calling, and we’ll build upon the experience over time.”
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However, the spokesperson did not address whether Twitter would provide more transparent instructions or change how calling functions. This has left many users skeptical that meaningful improvements are coming.
“Unless Twitter makes it crystal clear how to use calling and lets you call anyone on the platform, I don’t see these features getting much traction,” said industry analyst Sheena Howard. “They need to address the core problems instead of vague promises of improvements down the line.”
For now, Twitter Blue subscribers remain confused about how to take advantage of calling, while non-subscribers are left completely unable to experience the feature at all. Unless Twitter can provide an intuitive calling interface and expand availability, its ambitions to compete with apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime may fall flat due to poorly executed product design.
