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Twitter Launches the Next Stage of its Custom Timeline Experiment, Fueled by Alternative Feed Algorithms

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Twitter’s taking another step forward in its experiments with new ways to customize your tweet experience, by utilizing different algorithms to highlight content more suited to your interests.

As you can see in this screenshot, Twitter has launched a new custom timeline for TV show ‘The Bachelorette’, which will enable selected fans to follow along with topic-specific tweets, via an alternate news feed in the app.

The Bachelorette timeline, created in partnership with ABC, will be available to a small group of people in the US and Canada for 10 weeks, the duration of the show’s season. Some users who already follow topics and handles related to The Bachelorette will be prompted to add the new timeline, which will provide an easier way to stay on top of related conversation in the app.

Twitter’s still developing its custom timeline approach, which will eventually see third-party providers able to create their own tweet feeds, which they can then curate – manually or automatically – to help maximize engagement around certain topics.

As outlined by Twitter:

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“Custom Timelines are curated feeds. These feeds may be created by third-parties who select and provide content around interests and events, or by Twitter based on general insights. For example, the Popular Videos Timeline created by Twitter, uses similar information to how we select topics to populate and order video content.”

The streamlined topic navigation, with alternate feeds accessible via a left swipe, will make it easier to stay up with topics of interest, as opposed to having to look up hashtag feeds yourself. Hashtag feeds also won’t be as customized as these lists, as those feeds are just a bulk load of all the tweets that include your chosen term.

Custom Timelines are built with their own algorithmic parameters, which will make them an entirely unique experience in each display.

Interestingly, former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey endorsed pretty much this exact approach to timeline management last August, when he outlined how he uses third-party tool ‘Vicariously’ to curate a stream of the latest tweets.

Which, at the time, seemed odd. If this is a significant enough UI problem in the app that you’re in charge of, why not fix it internally, and provide a better user experience?

In fairness, Twitter has provided various options to pin alternative feeds already, including a ‘Latest tweets’ timeline, making it easier to switch between different feed displays.

Twitter latest option

But this new process expands the potential of this process, by enabling companies and individuals outside of Twitter to create and curate entirely new feeds.

It’s early days yet, and there are still various factors that Twitter will need to build in to facilitate full algorithmic functionality within these swipeable streams. But it is one of the projects that Twitter is looking to develop, and one which potentially incoming chief Elon Musk is also keen on, based on his tweets.



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Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

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Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

In a recent announcement, Snapchat revealed a groundbreaking update that challenges its traditional design ethos. The platform is experimenting with an option that allows users to defy the 24-hour auto-delete rule, a feature synonymous with Snapchat’s ephemeral messaging model.

The proposed change aims to introduce a “Never delete” option in messaging retention settings, aligning Snapchat more closely with conventional messaging apps. While this move may blur Snapchat’s distinctive selling point, Snap appears convinced of its necessity.

According to Snap, the decision stems from user feedback and a commitment to innovation based on user needs. The company aims to provide greater flexibility and control over conversations, catering to the preferences of its community.

Currently undergoing trials in select markets, the new feature empowers users to adjust retention settings on a conversation-by-conversation basis. Flexibility remains paramount, with participants able to modify settings within chats and receive in-chat notifications to ensure transparency.

Snapchat underscores that the default auto-delete feature will persist, reinforcing its design philosophy centered on ephemerality. However, with the app gaining traction as a primary messaging platform, the option offers users a means to preserve longer chat histories.

The update marks a pivotal moment for Snapchat, renowned for its disappearing message premise, especially popular among younger demographics. Retaining this focus has been pivotal to Snapchat’s identity, but the shift suggests a broader strategy aimed at diversifying its user base.

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This strategy may appeal particularly to older demographics, potentially extending Snapchat’s relevance as users age. By emulating features of conventional messaging platforms, Snapchat seeks to enhance its appeal and broaden its reach.

Yet, the introduction of message retention poses questions about Snapchat’s uniqueness. While addressing user demands, the risk of diluting Snapchat’s distinctiveness looms large.

As Snapchat ventures into uncharted territory, the outcome of this experiment remains uncertain. Will message retention propel Snapchat to new heights, or will it compromise the platform’s uniqueness?

Only time will tell.

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Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

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Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

While it is tempting to try to appeal to a broad audience, the founder of alcohol-free coaching service Just the Tonic, Sandra Parker, believes the best thing you can do for your business is focus on your niche. Here’s how she did just that.

When running a business, reaching out to as many clients as possible can be tempting. But it also risks making your marketing “too generic,” warns Sandra Parker, the founder of Just The Tonic Coaching.

“From the very start of my business, I knew exactly who I could help and who I couldn’t,” Parker told My Biggest Lessons.

Parker struggled with alcohol dependence as a young professional. Today, her business targets high-achieving individuals who face challenges similar to those she had early in her career.

“I understand their frustrations, I understand their fears, and I understand their coping mechanisms and the stories they’re telling themselves,” Parker said. “Because of that, I’m able to market very effectively, to speak in a language that they understand, and am able to reach them.” 

“I believe that it’s really important that you know exactly who your customer or your client is, and you target them, and you resist the temptation to make your marketing too generic to try and reach everyone,” she explained.

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“If you speak specifically to your target clients, you will reach them, and I believe that’s the way that you’re going to be more successful.

Watch the video for more of Sandra Parker’s biggest lessons.

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Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement

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Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement

Instagram’s testing out some new options to help spice up your live-streams in the app, with some live broadcasters now able to select a game that they can play with viewers in-stream.

As you can see in these example screens, posted by Ahmed Ghanem, some creators now have the option to play either “This or That”, a question and answer prompt that you can share with your viewers, or “Trivia”, to generate more engagement within your IG live-streams.

That could be a simple way to spark more conversation and interaction, which could then lead into further engagement opportunities from your live audience.

Meta’s been exploring more ways to make live-streaming a bigger consideration for IG creators, with a view to live-streams potentially catching on with more users.

That includes the gradual expansion of its “Stars” live-stream donation program, giving more creators in more regions a means to accept donations from live-stream viewers, while back in December, Instagram also added some new options to make it easier to go live using third-party tools via desktop PCs.

Live streaming has been a major shift in China, where shopping live-streams, in particular, have led to massive opportunities for streaming platforms. They haven’t caught on in the same way in Western regions, but as TikTok and YouTube look to push live-stream adoption, there is still a chance that they will become a much bigger element in future.

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Which is why IG is also trying to stay in touch, and add more ways for its creators to engage via streams. Live-stream games is another element within this, which could make this a better community-building, and potentially sales-driving option.

We’ve asked Instagram for more information on this test, and we’ll update this post if/when we hear back.

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