5 Insights On Twitter's Character Count From Our #WeRSMChat

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It’s happening people! As I’m writing this, Twitter has just announced that photos, videos, GIFs, polls and Quote Tweets no longer count towards the 140-character limit.

The change was announced last week so we decided that the next #WeRSMChat would discuss the ramifications that the update could have for Twitter, its users, and us marketers. Read on for the crunchiest bits of last Sunday’s session!

#WeRSMChat – meet us every Sunday at 8pm GMT+1 for the hottest #SMM debates

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1. The update will allow users to express more…

…without killing the “core” of its product. The move is a clever one, because it’s one that many were craving. Some, however, appreciated the fact that a shorter character-count forced marketers to be more creative, in order to get their message across.

To increases the capability of the platform without actually changing the unique nature of its short messaging… #WeRSMChat
— Al Flynn. (@AlFlynn91) September 18, 2016

maybe but I like the way it makes you think about what you write. Creativity wins #WeRSMChat
— Ruth Davison (@struthdavison) September 18, 2016

A1) Twitter saw the #140character limit was being restrictive in ways they didn't intend, so they've tweaked #wersmchat
— Jeanette (@jeanettepham) September 18, 2016

2. Marketers rejoice! The new update will give greater context to your message.

Users should expect more visual content going forward – photos, GIFs, and videos – as brands and individuals alike seek to express more. They will also use imagery to deepen the emotional connection with people they interact with.

will allow for greater context & commentary for all rich content. Better for ad purposes (not neccesarily best for ux) #WeRSMChat
— Izzy Crouch (@IZCMarketing) September 18, 2016

more visual content supporting tweets rather than instead of. Also more tweets aimed directly at other accounts. (Maybe) #WeRSMChat
— Ruth Davison (@struthdavison) September 18, 2016

Q2) Easier to share rich media AND build a message / dialogue with th masses. Perfect for standing out. Text ain't enough! #WeRSMChat
— William Conboy (@WilliamConboy) September 18, 2016

3. From Twitter’s point of view, unleashing the full potential of the 140 characters will certainly pay off.

However, many have expressed their doubts with regards to users who gave Twitter a try, but left. These folks are hanging out elsewhere, and a small update will not be enough to bring them back.

Not enough of a difference to bring its active userbase up again I fear #wersmchat
— Hannah Dempsey (@hajane) September 18, 2016

A3 w/ users unrestricted by a url, picture, video, or user name, i think people will feel more at ease just expressing. #WeRSMChat
— Chioke McRae | Strategist (@ChiokeMcRae) September 19, 2016

A3) Ah, it broadens the capability of core product. In the era of product diversification, twitter was scratching its chin #WeRSMChat
— William Conboy (@WilliamConboy) September 18, 2016

4. Speculations run high as to what Twitter should do to grow but a deeper interactivity with TV is advocated.

Nobody denies Twitter‘s potential, yet its user base has been stalling for quite some time, and Twitter seems to be at a crossroads – where does Jack want to steer his ship?

the link up with tv is gonna be good I think #WeRSMChat
— POLLYANNA WARD (@Pollage) September 18, 2016

that's the million dollar question for Jack! Decide what it wants to be. Live TV streamer? News source? Meme-central? #WeRSMChat
— Adam Churcher (@adamcjchurcher) September 18, 2016

5. Twitter fails to innovate as fast as other social networks. Possibilities are endless though.

Hope you’re looking, Twitter! We did the hard work for you, and came up with truly great updates for you to implement. Get cracking!

Also… We love a good #meme too (see article a 👇). Can we have a #meme library pls, Uncle @twitter? #WeRSMChat https://t.co/BWtE0g2hRu
— Lucie Kerley (@luciekerley) September 18, 2016

A5) I think Twitter should improve their Geo-targeting option in paid and include the pin to map feature #WeRSMChat
— Tajah Brown (@Tajah_Brown) September 18, 2016

would be nice to have some form of Instant Articles and AMP! Really enjoying the speed #WeRSMChat
— Adam Churcher (@adamcjchurcher) September 18, 2016

A5) Expand on the info that can be included in profiles. A small change Many would like… @WeRSM #WeRSMChat
— Jeanette (@jeanettepham) September 18, 2016

editing. OH GOD!! PLEASE! #WeRSMChat
— Ruth Davison (@struthdavison) September 18, 2016

Twitter chat mode. Replies auto-populate with handle and hashtag with back-end functionality for monitoring #WeRSMchat
— Hannah Dempsey (@hajane) September 19, 2016

https://twitter.com/thatsmgirl/status/777595049051824129

Join us!

Tag along this Sunday at 8pm GMT+1 for another edition of #WeRSMChat! If there’s a topic you would like to talk about, let us know in the comments below!

Also Read: 4 Ways To Stand Out In A Tweetchat

#character limit #Twitter #wersmchat