Twitter launches group messaging and video editor to boost dwell times
Twitter has launched new group messaging and video capturing tools on its mobile app in the hope of increasing dwell time on the platform.
The social network has acknowledged the importance of private discussion on the site by expanding its direct message feature into group chats. Secondly, users can now capture, edit and share video content up to 30 seconds in length.
A Twitter spokesperson said: “Many of you use direct messages to reach the people and brands you’re only connected to on Twitter. Whatever the case may be, the ability to converse privately with groups gives you more options for how and with whom you communicate on Twitter."
On the new video sharing feature, he added: “Tweets have been more than 140 characters for some time. The Twitter you experience today is rich and immersive, full of images, Gifs, Vines, audio files and videos from some of the world’s most recognizable figures and brands. And starting today, everyone will soon be able to seamlessly capture, edit and share videos right from the Twitter app, too.”
New! Use Direct Messages to speak privately with a group of up to 20 people. Share Tweets, show emoji & be yourself. https://t.co/8giGhC6OO0
— Twitter (@twitter) January 27, 2015
You can now shoot, edit and share video on Twitter. Capture life's most moving moments from your perspective. pic.twitter.com/31JoMS50ha
— Twitter (@twitter) January 27, 2015
Actor and TV personality Neil Patrick Harris was one of the first uploaders of Twitter video content.
Check out my Twitter video #Oscar exclusive! I gots me a scoop! pic.twitter.com/SGQ3oJHDqZ
— Neil Patrick Harris (@ActuallyNPH) January 27, 2015
This comes after Twitter earlier this week made efforts to persuade its verified users to stop posting Instagram images on the site – asserting that tweeters will only be able to immediately view images uploaded directly to Twitter.
The launch follows Snapchat's deals with media deals with companies such as the Daily Mail, Vice, CNN and more to directly share content through the app on a daily basis.