Microblogging platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has silently removed the feature that allowed users to set NFTs (non-fungible tokens) as their profile images.
This move comes in the wake of Elon Musk’s revelations about a comprehensive plan for the platform in 2024, with a focus on expanding AI-powered capabilities.
The functionality allowing users to use NFTs as profile images was initially introduced in January 2022 under the former Twitter administration. This feature was exclusive to Twitter Blue subscribers, and NFTs created on the Ethereum blockchain (ERC-721 or ERC-1155 tokens) could be selected as profile images. These NFT profile images were represented as hexagons, and users could access additional details about the NFT by clicking on the profile image.
However, the latest update reveals that X has removed any information about the NFT profile image function from its X Premium support website. Users who had originally set an NFT as their profile image still display hexagonal avatars, but it remains uncertain whether X will eliminate these as well.
The removal of the NFT profile image feature aligns with a broader trend among social networks. Both Facebook and Instagram experimented with NFTs in 2022, allowing users to publish and display them. However, in March 2023, Meta discontinued its support for NFTs, mirroring the evolving landscape and varying approaches of platforms towards blockchain and NFT integration.