Talk is Chirp: What Twitter Users & Advertisers Really Think of Elon’s Takeover

Brand Twitter. Also known as the wild west of social media. A place where brands are known to get a little (or very) rowdy, firing off Tweets that would make any legal department blush.

Here are just a few examples to illustrate what I mean: 

While this risky strategy might raise some eyebrows, Twitter users love it. In fact, some people go to brands like Wendy’s, Netflix, RadioShack, and Taco Bell specifically for this type of content.

So it came as quite a surprise when some brands began pulling their ad budgets from Twitter only days after Elon Musk’s takeover of the platform. And while no one can deny Elon’s controversial nature, the uproar over his new ownership stake in Twitter rapidly grew deafening before any changes were even announced.

This left us wondering, with all of the noise surrounding Twitter’s content moderation policies and advertiser’s apprehension: what do people really think about Elon’s Twitter takeover? How would advertisers actually respond to content moderation changes? And is all of this talk just that- talk?

What Advertisers Have to Say

First, let’s take a look at our sample. Who were the advertisers we surveyed?

Most (83%) managed Twitter accounts for  brands in-house.
Their budgets varied greatly, but the majority (87%) reported spending between $1k and $7k per month.
And nearly half have been managing Twitter advertising accounts for the last 1-3 years

Now, let’s dig into the data.

When it comes to the new Twitter CEO himself, you might be surprised to know that most (72%) of our advertisers are actually quite optimistic about Elon’s takeover of the platform.

In fact, when presented with his recent statement on plans to make Twitter “the most respectable advertising platform” 60% believe he will succeed, and 32% think he will at least try to live up to that statement.

But there are two sides to every coin. Despite their optimism, advertisers are still worried.

Over half are concerned about their brand safety. Specifically when considering potential reductions in content moderation.

While the majority would prefer Twitter keep its current level of content moderation, it's worth noting that a large contingent (35%) wouldn’t mind seeing it reduced.

For those that wanted content moderation to stay the same or increase, nearly 70% said that lowering the amount of content moderation on the platform would cause them great concern for their campaigns. And 40% said that type of change would likely mean they would have to more closely monitor their campaign targeting and associated hashtags.

What Twitter Users Have to Say

First, a little background on the Twitter users we surveyed:

Most (nearly 70%) are very active on the platform, checking their feeds multiple times a day.
The average user we sampled tweeted a few times a week.
And they use the platform for two main reasons: to keep up with or update those close to them and as a news source.

When it comes to platform positioning, 60% agree that Twitter is a good platform for sharing thoughts and discussing ideas. However, over half believe it is divisive and actively deepening ideological rifts in our society.

And when it comes to hate speech, 54% believe Twitter has given bigotry, racism, and anti-Semitism a place to fester.

So, what about Elon Musk's vision for Twitter's future?

Much like their advertising counterparts, the majority are optimistic about Elon's takeover of the platform.

When it comes to freedom of speech (one of Elon’s key concerns), we found that people are quite split. Just over half believe that Twitter has actively limited free speech.

But interestingly enough, when asked whose speech is being limited...no one can really say. In fact, 60% think the platform is fair to both conservative and liberal viewpoints.

When it comes to the content allowed on the platform, nearly half would like the level of moderation to stay the same. While the remaining users were split between wanting more relaxed moderation (26%) and stricter moderation (24%).

Clearly, the issues surrounding Twitter are complex and often cause a bit of doublethink. 

It seems, at its best, Twitter can be a force for good and a tool for healthy debate. But, at its worst, is harboring hate speech and driving further cultural and political divides.

No matter where your opinions may lie, it's clear that the platform's tumultuous history and uncertain future have advertisers and users alike on their toes.