Twitter is considering going back to its roots with more instant messaging features like chat bubbles and status update features.
At CES, Keith Coleman, VP of Product for Twitter, made some interesting announcements. Facing slow growth and a lack of user engagement, the platform is considering going back to its roots and re-introduced instant messaging features like chat bubbles, indications that other users are online, read-receipts and other status update-like tweets.
“What is Twitter went back to its roots as an SMS service and actually worked more like chat?” That is the surprising question Coleman asked.
Twitter is not winning as a “micro-blogging” platform and Coleman strongly believes that bringing back instant messaging features will help the company continue to clean up the conversation on the the platform and drastically lower the abuse that has long been an issue for Twitter.
Coleman talked about a new layout for Twitter conversations that would look more like chat bubbles with read receipt, indication that users are online and/or typing a reply. All these features clearly remind us of what Facebook has been deploying on Messenger and Whats App, but also common features for iOS-native messaging app, iMessage.
But Twitter may be ready to take this even further, with new status-update-like features where users can simply share their activity, location and availability to chat. Again, a well-known feature for Facebook-owned WhatsApp.
At this stage, it is unclear whether these features would get released or if they would remain prototypes. However, Coleman’s message was clear: Twitter needs to re-invent itself (again) if it is to grow and retain its users.
You might also like
More from Twitter
Twitter Blue Subscribers Now Get Up To One Hour To Edit Their Tweets
Not only do Twitter Blue subscribers get to edit their tweets, but now they will have up to 60 minutes …
Twitter Now Publicly Shows Who You Are Paying To Subscribe To
Twitter added a "Subscriptions" button to the user profile that lets anyone see who you are paying to subscribe to. Ever …
Twitter Blue Verified Subscribers Can Now Upload 2-Hour Videos
It probably still won't convince you to sign up, but Twitter Blue subscribers can now upload videos up to 2 …
Twitter Launches Encrypted DMs, But Only For Paid Subscribers
To send an encrypted DM on Twitter, you will need to be a Twitter Blue verified user, a verified organization, …
Twitter Is Purging Old Inactive Accounts
The purge of old and inactive Twitter accounts could free up many long-coveted usernames. Musk says Twitter will be removing accounts …
Is Twitter Working On A Cheaper Verification Plan For Organizations?
Twitter is reportedly working on a cheaper alternative for organizations to get verified on its platform. Currently, the only available …
Twitter Will Offer Free API Access For Public Announcement Accounts
Twitter announced it will revert to making its API free to use for accounts posting public announcements such as weather alerts, …
Twitter Will Require All Advertisers To Be Verified
It seems Twitter has found yet one more way to force users into paying for verification: Advertising on the platform …
The Twitter Blue Check Apocalypse Has Begun
Twitter has begun removing blue checkmarks from legacy verified accounts, leaving paid verification as the only way to own a …
