Twitter's Evolution: From Public Scrutiny to Empowering Creators

Kazuki

Hatched by Kazuki

Sep 09, 2023

4 min read

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Twitter's Evolution: From Public Scrutiny to Empowering Creators

Twitter has been undergoing a transformative journey, reinventing itself to address the concerns of its users and create a healthier and more engaging platform. The company's product strategy is centered around three key areas: health, conversations, and interests. By focusing on these aspects, Twitter aims to protect the public conversation, incentivize participation, and connect users with their interests.

One significant change in Twitter's approach is the introduction of following specific topics rather than just individuals. This feature allows users to stay updated on subjects they are interested in without having to search for specific accounts. The number of people following topics has been steadily increasing, indicating its popularity among users.

Instead of copying capabilities from other platforms, Twitter takes a unique approach by considering customer understanding and the "jobs to be done" framework. This shift in product development process ensures that Twitter's solutions cater to the needs and concerns of its users, making the platform more inclusive and engaging.

One prevalent issue that Twitter has identified is the fear of public scrutiny, which prevents many users from actively tweeting. To address this, Twitter introduced ephemeral content that removes public replies and engagements, providing a safer space for users to express themselves. This approach aligns with Twitter's initial goal of creating a platform that allows users to see the world through someone else's eyes.

Twitter's product strategy has faced challenges due to frequent changes in leadership. This resulted in a lack of commitment to long-term speculative bets, as teams were unsure if those strategies would be carried through. However, the constant feedback from users helps Twitter improve its services and make impactful decisions.

Effective prioritization is crucial for Twitter's success. By deciding which bets offer high return on investment, Twitter can focus on initiatives that have a significant impact on user experience and engagement. Growing daily active usage is the ultimate measure of success for Twitter, and the company is constantly striving to improve its metrics.

In recent times, Twitter has introduced Super Follows, a feature that allows users' biggest fans to subscribe and gain access to exclusive content. The goal is to help creators monetize their work and ensure sustainability. Twitter's aim is not to maximize revenue but to support creators and their craft.

Twitter Spaces, the platform's audio-only chat rooms, have gained popularity among users. These intimate conversations allow people to connect and discuss their interests in smaller groups. Additionally, the ability to share sound bites and clips from these conversations can be a powerful tool, although consent issues must be carefully considered.

Twitter continues to attract new users, with millions joining or returning daily. The company's commitment to community-driven moderation is evident through Birdwatch, a decentralized tool that enables users to annotate tweets and address misleading information. The challenge lies in building the right mechanics and incentives to ensure the quality of annotations.

Recognizing the importance of its developer ecosystem, Twitter is reviving its support for developers. The company acknowledges that many of the innovative features that made Twitter what it is today were created by developers. By fostering collaboration and providing resources, Twitter aims to reignite creativity within its developer community.

In conclusion, Twitter's evolution is driven by a desire to create a healthier and more engaging platform for its users. By addressing concerns such as public scrutiny, empowering creators, and fostering community-driven moderation, Twitter is taking significant steps towards achieving its goals. As the platform continues to evolve, users can expect more exciting features and improvements that enhance their Twitter experience.

Actionable Advice:

  • 1. Engage with topics of interest: Take advantage of Twitter's feature that allows you to follow specific topics. This will ensure you receive the most relevant content without having to search for individual accounts.
  • 2. Support your favorite creators: Explore Super Follows and other ways to support creators on Twitter. By contributing to their sustainability, you can help them continue producing the content you appreciate.
  • 3. Embrace community-driven moderation: Participate in initiatives like Birdwatch to help combat misleading information and contribute to a healthier online environment. Your annotations can make a difference in shaping the quality of discussions on Twitter.

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