Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X, has sparked speculation about a potential revival of the short-form video app Vine, which was previously owned by Twitter. Musk took to Twitter to ask X users whether the company should bring back Vine, garnering over 450,000 responses in less than an hour. This move comes after months of rumors about a Vine comeback, following Twitter’s decision to shelve the platform years ago.
Reports suggest that Musk had considered reviving Vine shortly after acquiring Twitter for $44 billion in October 2022. Sources revealed that Twitter was in talks to potentially bring back the app, and Musk’s latest poll could indicate his interest in pursuing this idea. While Musk is not obligated to follow the poll results, his track record of taking actions based on user feedback suggests that he may seriously consider bringing back Vine based on the poll responses from X users.
Musk’s tenure as X’s principal owner has been marked by controversies and policy changes, but he has shown a tendency to align his decisions with poll outcomes. In the past, Musk has conducted polls on Twitter regarding his position as CEO of the company, as well as reinstating suspended accounts of journalists and controversial figures like Alex Jones, based on user feedback. These instances highlight Musk’s willingness to listen to the preferences of X users and act accordingly.
Twitter acquired Vine in 2012, just months before its official launch in 2013. The app gained popularity quickly, allowing users to share short videos lasting six seconds or less. However, less than four years after its debut, Twitter announced the shutdown of Vine without providing a specific reason. The move came amidst layoffs at Twitter and struggles by then-CEO Jack Dorsey to find a buyer for the company. The rise of competing platforms like TikTok also contributed to Vine’s demise.
With a net worth estimated at $185.5 billion, Elon Musk ranks as the world’s third-richest person, trailing behind Bernard Arnault and Jeff Bezos. Musk’s wealth has fluctuated in comparison to Bezos in recent weeks, but he remains a prominent figure in the business world. The potential revival of Vine under Musk’s ownership could bring new possibilities for the short-form video app and offer X users an opportunity to engage with the platform once again.
As the poll on bringing back Vine continues to gather responses, the outcome could determine whether Musk decides to revive the popular app that once captivated social media users. With Musk’s history of considering user feedback in his decisions, the future of Vine under X’s ownership remains uncertain but intriguing. Stay tuned for updates on Musk’s next steps and the potential resurgence of Vine in the digital landscape.
