Social Media Networks are constantly changing and updating their platforms, and now it’s Twitter’s turn. Going through their second platform re-design (just last year they rolled out the #newtwitter design), Twitter is creating a faster, simpler atmosphere for casual users - the #newnewtwitter, also nicknamed #Let’sfly.
Previously, Twitter accounts varied based on the device in which it was accessed. Now, with more than half of Twitters’ 100 million active members reaching their Twitter pages through mobile, the new design will be similar across all devices. On December 8th the re-design launched across mobile devices, allowing iphone and android users immediate access to the new web interface by updating/downloading the mobile application.
Twitter’s re-design has taken the “simpler” approach when it comes to previous Twitter jargon, such as #hashtags and @handles, which may have been bewildering to some before. These key Twitter symbols are here to stay, but are falling under different headings. The following are the four main tab changes which simplify your Twitter quest:
This tab displays tweets of the people you follow. The main difference you’ll now see between “Home” and “Timeline” is the ability to embed shared videos and pictures within tweets. Also, the new “Open” button – included in all tweets – drops down to view @replies, retweets, and provides an additional option to view videos and photos for a particular tweet.
The “Connect” tab provides users with two options – “Interactions” and “Mentions.” The Interactions tab is used for displaying all of your mentions, new followers, and retweeted tweets, while the Mentions tab displays only mentions. One completely new feature under this tab enables users to search for fellow “tweeps” who mention them; this can be done through the “@name” search field at the top of the page.
The “Discover” tab has been amped up to show more than current trends and hashtags; search functions will pull and display additional stories and trends based on the criteria in its five sub categories. These sub categories include, “Stories;”applies to your content, connections, location, and language, “Activity;” your connections favorite tweets, retweets, and followers, “Who to follow;”suggestions, “Find friends;” search by names and contact information, and “Browse categories;” find art/entertainment/etc.
The profile page (also known as “Me” on your mobile application) allows users to add and share information – making it easier for others to quickly learn about you. Direct messages can also be managed through this section, providing the ability to send personal messages to your followers and receive personal messages to from those who follow you. Additionally, you may also conveniently switch to another Twitter account through the “Me” tab within the twitter smartphone app.
A few other key switches you may notice within the re-design are profile names displaying first and the “Twitter handle” afterwards, tweets appearing on the right hand side of the pages opposed to the left, and the convenience of being able to tweet no matter what tab you’re in. The Tweet box is also set up more conveniently allowing you to instantly add in a recent or previous photo/video, add your location, and as before any mentions.
Brand pages are another exiting new feature – initially launching to 21 strategic partners and advertisers. Brand pages come with two distinct features; large customizable header images – allowing for a more prominent display of a brand’s logo and tagline, and the ability to keep particular tweet at the top of their time line.
As you can see, many of these changes mirror those of the #newtwitter design, providing improved navigation without redefining the old terminology. We’ll see how users feel about the Twitter redesign once it’s rolled out across all devices, which will take place over the next few weeks.
What feature are you most looking forward to with the #newnewtwitter?