Twitter's New 'For You' Page Prioritises Content Driven By Algorithm
Twitter is adding new features everyday. Between the algorithm-driven timeline and the reverse chronological one, Twitter is making former the default.
Twitter is adding new features everyday. From Elon Musk's plan to let people write 4,000 word essays as Tweets to now curating a TikTok style "For You" page, Twitter is doing whatever it takes to retain its revenues, especially after Elon Musk's takeover that has polarised the platform.
Between the algorithm-driven timeline and the reverse chronological one, Twitter is making former the default.
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Twitter adds more features "For You"
The change is already visible to iOS users. The star button at the top right is gone. Now, it shows two tabs - one labelled "For You" and the other one labelled "Following." Upon opening Twitter, users will first see the For You tab.
The ¡°For you¡± and ¡°Following¡± tabs replace ¡°Home¡± and ¡°Latest¡± and will be pinned to the top of your timeline so you can easily switch between them. Swipe to switch timelines instead of tapping the ? icon.
¡ª Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) January 11, 2023
The "For You" tab is similar to the old "Home" option on Twitter that shows Tweets from people you follow in random order. The "Following" tab represents what used to be "Latest Tweets."
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Also read: Twitter Sued For Failing To Pay San Francisco Office Rent
This change, as The Verge noted, makes it easier for users to switch between tabs. Even then, making the "For You" feed the default one brings back the debate of whether users want to see more content driven by algorithms or more content that is more chronological.
Easy swipe right/left to move between recommended vs followed tweets rolls out later this week.
¡ª Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 8, 2023
First part of a much larger UI overhaul.
Bookmark button (de facto silent like) on Tweet details rolls out a week later.
Long form tweets early Feb.
The old interface is available for Android and web users for now but an update should come in very soon, if Elon Musk sticks with it, that is!
Also read: Elon Musk's Turbulent Timeline At Twitter: How One Man Ruined Internet's Favourite App
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Elon Musk also wants to extend the word limit for Tweets to 4,000 words. He claims that he wants people to post content to Twitter natively, but this move might take out the joy of what makes Twitter the social media platform it is today. Regardless, it should be fun to watch.
What do you think about the changes that are taking place at Twitter? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.
References
Clark, M. (2023, January 11). Twitter defaults to a For You page now, just like TikTok. The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/2023/1/10/23549368/twitter-for-you-page-tiktok-following-tab
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