The trendy social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, is continuing its total transformation. Elon Musk has finally brought free audio and video calling to all users. In the past, the feature was only available to paid subscribers. However, this is no longer the case, as every user can now use the new tools of the app, also known as the digital town square.

Enhanced control and privacy

The social media platform owned by billionaire Elon Musk offers easy control over who can make and receive calls. 

By default, users are only able to receive calls from accounts they follow or already belong in the recipient’s address book, which is shared with X. Managing both audio and video calls appears to be pretty straightforward. With a process very similar to what is already offered by competitive apps such as Meta’s Messenger.

X also provides enhanced call privacy. The feature allows users to hide their IP address and use the new services safely without unnecessarily revealing sensitive information to the person at the other end of the call. The calling features are available to both iOS and Android users.

Customizable call settings

The new voice and video calling features can be easily switched off if users prefer not to use the app for calls. X users can go to Settings and Support, hit Privacy and Safety, and open Direct Messages. There, users can manage who can message directly and adjust who can do audio and video calls.

The calls can be received by everyone or can be adjusted in different layers, such as contacts in the address book, followers, verified users, etc. 

Competition and reception

The app’s new features mean that X now competes directly with other voice apps. For example Viber, Skype, Telegram, and Meta’s WhatsApp and Messenger. Many welcomed the free internet calls, making the social media giant even more appealing to users than before. 

However, this is not the only thing that makes X uniquely positioned. The revitalized app continues to hold the number one spot in the news app section of Apple’s App Store.

Elon Musk’s vision for X

The real-life Tony Stark hopes that X will revolutionize social media, become the most trusted news source thanks to citizen journalism, and be used as a mobile payment app, essentially transforming people’s financial lives. 

While the social media platform has seen some advancements since Elon Musk purchased it, X is not yet the app that the eccentric billionaire wants it to be. However, implementing call features certainly is an essential milestone in Elon’s quest to turn X into the desired ‘everything app.’  

Privacy concerns and solutions

And if social media enthusiasts are still concerned about privacy. They must ensure that antivirus software is installed on all connected devices. Often, those cyber protection solutions come with tools, that can hide IP addresses and keep things private. 

Read also: How to secure your Twitter account with 2FA