Uncategories About Twitter

About Twitter

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About Twitter

Twitter is a short message communication tool that allows you to send out messages (tweets) up to 140 characters long to people who subscribe to you (followers).
Your tweets can include a link to any web content (blog post, website page, PDF document, etc.) or a photograph or video. If a picture is worth a thousand words, adding an image to a tweet greatly expands what you can share to beyond the 140-character limit for tweets.
People follow (subscribe) to your Twitter account, and you follow other people. This allows you to read, reply to and easily share their tweets with your followers (retweet).

How Twitter Is Unique

In the social media world, Twitter falls into the category of microblogging tools because of the short, disconnected messages it distributes. Other microblogging tools include Tumblr, FriendFeed and Plurk


Getting started with Twitter
What is Twitter?
Twitter is the place to find out about what’s happening in the world right now. Whether you’re interested in music, sports, politics, news, celebrities, or everyday moments—come to  Twitter  to see and join in on what’s happening now.
What do I use Twitter for?
While everyone experiences Twitter differently, here are a few areas that might interest you to help you get started.
·     News and politics: Get the latest on local and global news, watch political events as they unfold, and take a part in communities and social movements.
·     Sports: From the Olympics to the NFL draft, get real-time updates, see what the star players have to say, and connect with fans around the world.
·     Pop culture: See what your favorite celebrities are up to by following them on Twitter and joining in on the conversation.
·     Influencers: Find out what thought-leaders and experts in your industry are saying, and connect with creators, artists, and celebrities.
·     Utility: Get commuter info and updates, receive disaster updates and support, and reach customer service agents without having to call.

Getting started

Let’s walk through the basics so you can start Tweeting like a pro.

Tweet: It all begins with a Tweet. Join or start any conversation in the world with a simple Tweet. Find more tips in our Posting a Tweet article.

Retweet: See something you like? Retweet it to spread the word instantly. Find more tips in our Retweeting another Tweet  article.


Follow: Like what you see? Make it a full-time thing. Follow accounts to see all their Tweets. Find more tips in our Following people on Twitter article.

Search: Wondering what something is all about? Search and see the conversation unfold live. Find more tips in our Using Twitter search article.

Hashtag: Wondering what everyone’s talking about? Click on a hashtag and find out. Hashtags connect Tweets that talk about the same thing in one place. Find more tips in our Using hashtags on Twitter article.





Using hashtags on Twitter :


A hashtag—written with a # symbol—is used to index keywords or topics on Twitter. This function was created on Twitter, and allows people to easily follow topics they are interested in.

Using hashtags to categorize Tweets by keyword:

  • People use the hashtag symbol (#) before a relevant keyword or phrase in their Tweet to categorize those Tweets and help them show more easily in Twitter search. 
  • Clicking or tapping on a hashtagged word in any message shows you other Tweets that include that hashtag.
  • Hashtags can be included anywhere in a Tweet.
  • Hashtagged words that become very popular are often Trending Topics.
  

Tips for using hashtags:

  • You cannot add spaces or punctuation in a hashtag, or it will not work properly.
  • If you Tweet with a hashtag on a public account, anyone who does a search for that hashtag may find your Tweet.
  • We recommend using no more than 2 hashtags per Tweet as best practice, but you may use as many hashtags in a Tweet as you like.
  • Type a hashtagged keyword in the search bar to discover content and accounts based on your interests.

To post a Tweet via the web:

  1. Sign in to your Twitter account.
  2. Type your Tweet into the box at the top of your Home timeline, or click the Tweet button in the top navigation bar.
  3. Make sure your update is fewer than 140 characters. We'll count the characters for you! Remaining characters show up as a number below the box.
  4. Tip: Read about how to include photos in your Tweet here, and how to include a video in your Tweet here.
  5. Click the Tweet button to post the Tweet to your profile.
  6. You will immediately see your Tweet in the timeline on your homepage.
Read about posting Tweets via the Twitter for Android app here, and via the Twitter for iPhone or iPad app here.

To post a Tweet via text message (SMS):

Another way (some say the best way!) to post updates is from your mobile phone. First, connect your phone with your Twitter account, then simply send your Tweet as a text message to your appropriate Twitter short code the same way you'd send any other text message. Remember to count your characters!

To delete a Tweet:

  • To delete a Tweet that you have posted, please read this article.
  • Note that you can only delete Tweets which you posted yourself from your account.
  • You cannot delete Tweets which were posted by other accounts. Instead, you can unfollow, block or mute users whose Tweets you do not want to receive.
  • If you are trying to delete or undo a Retweet, please read this article.



Retweeting another Tweet


What is a Retweet?

A Tweet that you share publicly with your followers is known as a Retweet. This is a great way to pass along news and interesting discoveries on Twitter. You have the option to add your own comments before Retweeting—making it a Quote Tweet. When using Twitter's Retweet icon, your Retweet or Quote Tweet will reference the Tweet you are sharing.

In addition to sharing other’s Tweets on Twitter, you can Retweet or Quote Tweet your own Tweet. This function is particularly useful when you want to re-post one of your older Tweets because it is relevant again, or Retweet your replies to other people when you want to make sure all of your followers see it.

How to Retweet

From web:
  1. Hover over a Tweet.
  2. Click the Retweet button 
  3. A pop-up will show you the Tweet you're about to Retweet.
  4. Click the Retweet button.
  5. The Tweet will then be shared with all of your followers as a Retweet.

From mobile apps:
  1. Go to the Tweet you’d like to share.
  2. Tap the Retweet icon 
  3. From the pop-up, tap Retweet.
  4. The Tweet will then be shared with all of your followers as a Retweet.

How to undo a Retweet

From web:
  1. Find the Retweet you’d like to undo.
  2. The Retweet buttonwill be highlighted.
  3. Click the Retweet button and the Tweet will be removed from your profile timeline. 
    Note: Undoing a Retweet will remove it from other timelines, however it may still appear on mobile devices displaying cached timelines or in cross-postings to Facebook.

From mobile apps:
  1. Find the Retweet you’d like to undo.
  2. The Retweet iconwill be highlighted. 
  3. Tap the Retweet icon.
  4. Tap Undo Retweet to confirm and the Tweet will be removed from your profile timeline. Note: Undoing a Retweet will remove it from other timelines, however it may still appear on mobile devices displaying cached timelines or in cross-postings to Facebook.

How to use Quote Tweet to add your own comments

From web:
  1. Hover over a Tweet. 
  2. Click the Retweet button 
  3. A pop-up will show you the Tweet and a comment box.
  4. Type your own comments in the Add a comment field. 
  5. Click the Tweet button.
  6. The Tweet will then be shared with your followers as a Quote Tweet.

From mobile apps:
  1. Go to the Tweet you’d like to share.
  2. Tap the Retweet icon 
  3. Tap Quote Tweet.
  4. Add a comment and tap Tweet.
  5. The Tweet will then be shared with your followers as a Quote Tweet.

How to delete a Quote Tweet

From the Twitter for iOS app:
  1. Go to your Me tab.
  2. Locate the Quote Tweet you want to delete.
  3. Tap the  icon located at the top of the Tweet.
  4. Tap Delete Tweet.
  5. Tap Delete to confirm.

From the Twitter for Android app:
  1. In the top menu, you will either see a navigation menu icon  or your profile icon. Tap whichever icon you have.
  2. From the menu, tap Profile. 
  3. Locate the Quote Tweet you want to delete.
  4. Tap the  icon located at the top of the Tweet.
  5. Tap Delete.
  6. Tap Yes to confirm.

Via twitter.com:
  1. Go to your profile.
  2. Locate the Quote Tweet you want to delete.
  3. Click the more icon 
  4. Click Delete Tweet.
  5. Click Delete to confirm.



Following people on Twitter


How to follow from a Tweet

From the Twitter for iOS or Twitter for Android app:
  1. Navigate to a Tweet from the account you’d like to follow.
  2. Tap the  icon located at the top of the Tweet.
  3. Tap Follow from the selection menu.

From twitter.com:
  1. Find a Tweet from the account you’d like to follow. 
  2. Hover your mouse over their name.
  3. Click the Follow button 

How to follow from an account’s profile page

From the Twitter for iOS or Twitter for Android app:
  1. Go to the profile page of the account you'd like to follow.
  2. Tap the follow button 

From twitter.com:
  1. Go to the profile page of the account you'd like to follow.
  2. Click the Following button on their profile page to follow the account.
Note: Accounts with protected Tweets will have to approve your follow request before you'll be able to see their Tweets.

How to follow via SMS/text message

  1. Send a text with the words Follow [username] in an SMS (text message) to Twitter to start following someone from your mobile phone. For example, text Follow jymminie to your Twitter short or long code.
  2. You will receive a confirmation text letting you know you are now following that account.
  3. Unsure of your short or long code? This article provides more information.

How to follow via a QR code

From the Twitter for iOS app:
  1. From the Me tab, tap the gear icon 
  2. Tap QR code.
  3. Tap QR scanner.

From the Twitter for Android app:
  1. In the top menu, you will either see a navigation menu icon  or your profile icon. Tap whichever icon you have.
  2. Tap QR code.
  3. Tap QR scanner.

Once you have successfully scanned the QR code tap the follow icon  from the account’s profile pop-up.


Using Twitter search


Search for specific Tweets, accounts, or ongoing conversations

There are many ways to use search on Twitter. You can find Tweets from yourself, friends, local businesses, and everyone from well-known entertainers to global political leaders. By searching for topic keywords or hashtags, you can follow ongoing conversations about breaking news or personal interests.  
We give you control over what you see in your search results through safe search mode. These filters exclude potentially sensitive content, along with accounts you have muted or blocked, from your search results. You have the option to turn it off, or back on, at any time (instructions outlined below).
When you’re signed in to your account on the web, using search is slightly different than using it via the Twitter for iOS or Android apps. You can find instructions for both below.

Search from the web

  1. Enter your search query into the search box at the top of the page.
  2. Your results will show a combination of Tweets, photos, accounts, and more.
  3. Filter your results by clicking Top, Latest, Accounts, Photos, or Videos (located at the top of your search results).
  4. Click the More options drop-down to see the above filters as well as News. You can also choose to see results From everyone or From people you follow, and From everywhere or Near you.
  5. Click the overflow icon  on the right hand side of the search results page for more options:
    1. Click Search settings to disable (or re-enable) safe search to filter your search results:
      1. Safe search settings include Hide sensitive content and Remove blocked and muted accounts. Uncheck the box to disable either setting, you may re-enable at any time. Note: This setting may take several minutes to go into effect.
    2. Click Save this search to save your search term.
    3. Click Embed this search to create a search widget for a website. Find more information in the developer documentation here.

Search from Twitter for iOS

  1. Tap the Explore tab 
  2. At the top of the page, enter your search into the search box and tap Search.
  3. Your results will show a combination of Tweets, photos, accounts, and more.
  4. Filter your results by tapping Top, Latest, People, Photos, Videos, or News (located at the top of your search results).
  5. Tap the filter icon  in the search bar to refine your results according to All people or People you follow, and Everywhere or Near you.

Search from Twitter for Android

  1. Tap the search icon 
  2. Enter your search into the search box and tap Search.
  3. Your results will show a combination of Tweets, photos, accounts, and more.
  4. Filter your results by tapping Top, Latest, People, Photos, Videos, or News (located at the top of your search results).
  5. Tap the filter icon  in the search bar to refine your results according to All people or People you follow, and Everywhere or Near you.
  6. Tap the overflow icon to access Search settings. Safe search allows you to filter your search results with two options:
    1. Excluding potentially sensitive content from results: To disable this setting, uncheck the box next to Hide sensitive content to turn off.
    2. Excluding accounts you have muted or blocked: To disable this setting, uncheck the box next to Remove blocked and muted accounts to turn off.
Note: To learn more about tailoring your search options and results, read our Using advanced search article.

Tips

  • To search for Tweets mentioning an account, enter the username, preceded by the @ symbol, into the search box at the top of the page.
  • If you are looking for people or accounts to follow, click here for more information.
  • If you see a hashtag in someone's Tweet, clicking or tapping it will perform a search for Tweets containing that exact hashtag. Read more about hashtags in Using hashtags on Twitter.
  •  Click here to learn how to save your search.
  

   

About trends on Twitter

Where can I find trends?

Trends are available on the Twitter for iOS app, the Twitter for Android app, and twitter.com.
On Twitter's mobile apps, you can find trends by simply tapping on the search icon   (Twitter for Android) or the Explore tab  under the Trending Now section (Twitter for iOS). When signed in to twitter.com on a desktop or laptop computer, trends are listed in many places, including the Home timeline, Notifications, search results, and profile pages.

How are trends determined?

Trends are determined by an algorithm and, by default, are tailored for you based on who you follow, your interests, and your location. This algorithm identifies topics that are popular now, rather than topics that have been popular for a while or on a daily basis, to help you discover the hottest emerging topics of discussion on Twitter.
Note: The number of Tweets that are related to the trends is just one of the factors the algorithm looks at when ranking and determining trends. Algorithmically, trends and hashtags are grouped together if they are related to the same topic. For instance, #MondayMotivation and #MotivationMonday may both be represented by #MondayMotivation.
You can choose to see trends that are not tailored for you by selecting a specific trends location on twitter.com. Location trends identify popular topics among people in a specific geographic location.

What does the # sign mean?

You may notice that some trends have # sign before the word or phrase. This is called a hashtag and is included specifically in Tweets to mark them as relating to a topic, so that people can follow the conversation in search. Click here for more information about hashtags.

Will I see world and local events in my trends?

Absolutely. When signed into your account on the web, trends will be tailored for you based on your location and who you follow. There will be many world and local news events and conversations that will appear in your trends regardless of your personalization.

Can I see trends for a specific location?

Yes, but only on twitter.com. To view trends for a specific location, click Change in your trends box. You can choose to Keep tailored trends based on your location and who you follow, or you can select Change to choose a nearby location or search locations. If you don't find your preferred country or city, it means we're not receiving enough Tweets from that geographical area to create a list. You can look up local Tweets on any topic by using advanced Twitter Search operators.

What happens when I click or tap on a trend?

Clicking or tapping any of the trends takes you to the Twitter search results for that trend. You'll see all Tweets including that phrase or hashtag. To see what people are saying about a previous trend, perform a search for that keyword.

How can I participate in a trend?

Simply post a Tweet including the exact word or phrase as it appears in the trends list (with the hashtag, if you see one). Due to the large number of people Tweeting about these specific trends, you may not always be able to find your particular Tweet in search, but your followers will always see your Tweets.
Note: Twitter also filters searches for quality. To understand what types of behavior could cause your Tweets to be filtered out, click here.

Are there rules for trends?

Yes, and we outline them in the Twitter Rules because it is possible to abuse trends. The following behavior could cause your account to be filtered from search or even suspended:
  • Adding one or more topics or hashtags to an unrelated Tweet in an attempt to gain attention in search.
  • Repeatedly Tweeting the same topic or hashtag without adding value to the conversation in an attempt to get the topic trending or trending higher.
  • Tweeting about each trend in order to drive traffic to your profile or website, especially when mixed with advertising.
  • Listing trends in combination with a request to be followed.
  • Tweeting about a trend and posting a misleading link to something unrelated.

Trends descriptions

Below some trends, you may see the approximate number of Tweets associated with the trend, or personalized context such as who in your network is Tweeting about it.
Additionally, when a Moment is found to be relevant to a trend, we may use the title of the Moment as the trend’s description.


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