Twitter, now known as X, is a social media platform used for real-time communication and information sharing, and WHAT.EDU.VN offers easy answers about its features. This guide explores the history, functionalities, and business applications of X, providing a thorough understanding of the platform. Dive into the world of microblogging, trending topics, and the evolving landscape of social media, all while grasping the power of sharing your thoughts and ideas. Explore the world of social networking, microblogging, and online communication.
1. Understanding Twitter/X: A Social Media Overview
Twitter, which is now named X, stands as a prominent social networking platform that allows users to broadcast short messages called tweets or posts. These posts can encompass text, videos, photos, and links, providing a versatile means of communication. To access X, users need an internet connection and can utilize either the app or the website, X.com. This platform combines elements of blogging and instant messaging, enabling registered users to post, share, like, and reply to tweets. However, non-registered users are limited to only reading tweets.
Alt: Twitter homepage showcasing trending topics and user posts.
People leverage X to stay updated on the latest news, promotions from brands, and to communicate with friends. It also serves as a platform to follow business leaders, politicians, and celebrities, keeping users current on various events. Notably, Twitter was the initial source to break the news of the US Airways Flight 549 water landing in New York City’s Hudson River.
The platform’s strength lies in its ability to share information rapidly. Tweets are delivered to followers in real-time, resembling instant messages but with a key difference: they are permanently posted on the X website, making them searchable and public. However, users have the option to protect their tweets, restricting visibility to only their followers.
2. The Evolution of Twitter: From Microblogging to X
The genesis of Twitter can be traced back to March 2006, when Jack Dorsey, Noah Glass, Biz Stone, and Evan Williams collaborated to create the platform. Their initial concept revolved around a short messaging system for a small group. By July 2006, Twitter was launched to the public.
The term “twitter” itself, referring to inconsequential information and bird chirps, aptly describes the platform’s purpose: to share quick and concise information.
Alt: Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, speaking at a tech conference.
Here are some key milestones in Twitter’s history:
- 2012: Over 100 million users post 340 million tweets daily.
- 2013: Twitter ranks among the top 10 most visited websites.
- 2013: Twitter files for its Initial Public Offering (IPO) in September.
- 2019: Twitter boasts more than 330 million active users.
- 2022: Elon Musk acquires Twitter for $44 billion in April, taking the company private. The acquisition concludes in October.
- 2023: Twitter partners with eToro in April to enable users to access and trade stocks, cryptocurrencies, and other assets. Linda Yaccarino is appointed as the new CEO of Twitter in May.
- 2025: Musk sells the platform to his artificial intelligence company, xAI, in a $33 billion all-stock deal in March.
3. How Twitter/X Functions: An In-Depth Look
Users curate their X experience by following other users, companies, and searching for specific topics. While the timeline typically reflects user preferences, it may also include retweets from followed individuals and promoted Tweets, which are paid advertisements.
3.1. Searching on Twitter/X
The search bar allows users to find people, topics, or keywords. The #Explore function helps in discovering trending topics.
Alt: The Explore page on X, showcasing trending topics and news.
X determines trending topics based on an algorithm that considers user preferences, locations, and interests. This algorithm also identifies emerging discussions and topics.
To combat fake accounts, X uses a verified account symbol, indicating the account belongs to a legitimate entity. Verification involves confirming the identity of the individual or company, enhancing user trust. To get verified, the account needs to be associated with a notable brand or person and adhere to X’s criteria, utilizing an official website, ID, or email address.
3.2. Following Users
Unlike Facebook or LinkedIn, X does not require approval for social connections. Users can follow anyone by clicking “Follow” on their profile page.
3.3. Posting a Tweet
When a user posts a tweet, it appears on their profile and in their followers’ feeds, and can be searched on X. Tweets can include jokes, news, random thoughts, and shared articles, but are limited to 280 characters, including spaces and punctuation.
To integrate tweets into conversations or connect them to general topics, users can add hashtags to keywords, expressed as #keyword, making the tweet searchable under that keyword.
X also offers TweetDeck for managing multiple accounts and scheduling tweets.
3.4. Interacting on Twitter/X
Users can retweet posts, comment on them, or reply to them. Liking a tweet indicates agreement or approval.
In addition to tweets, users can exchange links and messages via direct messaging, which is private. Settings allow users to receive direct messages from anyone, regardless of whether they follow each other.
4. Business Applications of Twitter/X
Businesses use X for brand awareness and public relations as part of their social media marketing strategy. X enables businesses to:
- Interact with customers.
- Provide timely customer service.
- Monitor competitors.
- Announce new products, sales, and events.
Alt: A sample Twitter business account promoting products and engaging with customers.
Businesses can also purchase promoted tweets (ads) to reach a broader audience and engage with followers. These tweets appear similar to regular posts but are labeled “promoted.”
5. Twitter/X Risks and Challenges
The rapid dissemination of information on X poses certain risks, including:
- Misinformation: False or misleading information can spread quickly.
- Cyberbullying: The platform can be a venue for harassment and bullying.
- Privacy Concerns: Public tweets are searchable and can be archived.
6. Changes to Twitter/X Since Musk’s Acquisition
Since Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in October 2022, significant changes have been implemented:
- Official Name Change: The company’s legal name was changed to X Corp.
- X Premium: A paid subscription offering additional features in Basic, Premium, and Premium+ tiers.
- Basic: Includes editing posts, longer posts, longer video uploads, and custom app icons ($32/year).
- Premium: Includes all Basic features plus a checkmark, reduced ads, ID verification, and access to Grok, Twitter’s conversational AI ($84/year).
- Premium+: Includes all Premium features plus no ads in the For You and Following timelines and Articles ($168/year).
- Company Layoffs: Staff reductions of approximately 80%, from 8,000 employees to around 1,500.
- Twitter Feed Views: Users can select between tweets recommended by Twitter or the latest tweets from followed accounts.
- Reinstatement of Controversial Accounts: Accounts previously banned for controversial content were reinstated.
- Account Identification and Verification: Blue checkmarks are now used for Twitter Blue members, while gold and silver checkmarks are for brands and government figures.
- Encrypted Direct Messages: Verified users can send encrypted messages to other verified users.
- Video and Voice Calling Features: Planned future additions to allow direct calls from the platform.
Alt: The Twitter Blue verification badge on a user profile.
Controversies followed the takeover, with organizations like NPR and PBS ceasing Twitter use after being labeled “government-funded media.” The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) of New York also halted using Twitter due to service charges, later reversed by Twitter.
7. Twitter Changes to X: A Rebranding Effort
In July 2023, Elon Musk announced the rebranding of Twitter to X, replacing the iconic blue bird logo with an “X” and redirecting X.com to Twitter.
Musk’s vision is to transform X into a super app, integrating payment services, messaging, and social media, similar to China’s WeChat app. However, the name change may face legal challenges due to existing intellectual property rights held by companies like Meta and Microsoft.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Twitter/X
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the character limit for a tweet on X? | The character limit for a tweet on X is 280 characters, including spaces and punctuation. |
| How do I search for trending topics on X? | You can search for trending topics using the #Explore function, which identifies popular discussions and topics based on your preferences, location, and interests. |
| What is X Premium, and what are its benefits? | X Premium is a paid subscription service that offers enhanced features such as editing posts, longer video uploads, reduced ads, ID verification, and access to Grok. |
| How can businesses use X for marketing? | Businesses use X for brand awareness, customer service, competitor monitoring, and announcing new products, sales, and events through tweets and promoted ads. |
| What are the risks associated with using X? | Risks include the spread of misinformation, cyberbullying, and privacy concerns due to the public nature of tweets. |
| How can I verify my account on X? | To verify your account, you must associate it with a popular brand or person and meet X’s criteria using an official website, ID, or email address. |
| What is the purpose of hashtags on X? | Hashtags are used to categorize tweets and make them searchable under specific keywords, facilitating conversations and topic tracking. |
| What is the difference between a tweet and a retweet? | A tweet is an original post made by a user, while a retweet is the sharing of someone else’s tweet on your own timeline. |
| How do direct messages work on X? | Direct messages are private messages between users, and settings allow you to receive messages from anyone, regardless of whether you follow them. |
| What is the significance of the X logo? | The X logo represents Elon Musk’s vision for X to become a super app integrating payment services, messaging, and social media, similar to WeChat. |
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