TweetDeck considers pay-for-play Twitter start-ups

TechCrunch says that TweetDeck, a third-party desktop client for Twitter, is considering charging start-ups to be included in its service, which it has previously provided for free.

TweetDeck is the preferred client for many Twitter users because its easy-to-use interface allows Twitter users to see their followers, @replies and direct messages as well as searches in one place.

As the number of services for Twitter continues to grow, inclusion on the paid-for TweetDeck service would provide start-ups, such as link shortening or image hosting websites, access to millions of web users and a huge leg-up against an ocean of competitors.

The company is reportedly ready to capitalise on its position and is looking at charging start-ups upwards of $50,000 to be included -- and even more to be situated as the "default service".

TweetDeck rivals, such as Seesmic and iPhone client Tweetie, currently allow start-ups to feature for free on their sites, however, TechCrunch reveals that is also likely to change.

The "pay-for-play" model would allow TweetDeck to secure revenue and appease investors, who injected $300,000 into the company in January.

This article was first published on brandrepublic.com