One of the beautiful things about Twitter was the simplicity of the platform. 140 characters, a few hashtags and that was about it.

However that was a more innocent time, before Instagram and SnapChat started stealing eyeballs from Twitter, before a stagnant share price forced Twitter to launch a range of options enticing users back. 

Has Twitter gone too far?

In the image of Instagram

Twitter is now sending emails to users imploring them to share images on the platform.

These emails offer tips to users on how to share photos on Twitter and use image-editing tools that are very similar to Facebook-owned Instagram. 

Twitter also now allows users to privately send photos in messages (just like Facebook-owned WhatsApp).

The problem is that Twitter was never set up for photo-sharing, that what people user Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and SnapChat for.

Picture probs

Twitter is amazing at many things: no-one can hold a candle to the platform when it comes to breaking news or audience participation on TV shows.

As Twitter seeks to expand its mainstream appeal it risks jeopardising what makes it so powerful and unique: 140 characters.

Can users be tempted to use Twitter as a photo-sharing platform? Not unless Twitter makes a compelling argument for them to do so – which so far it has failed to do. 

If you enjoyed this article then subscribe FREE to the twice weekly SMK Digital Bulletin, click here now or visit www.smk.net.au/subscribe.

Also, click here download a FREE Social Media Policy Research Paper – worth $495. This FREE in-depth 17 page paper features insights from both communications and legal experts at the likes of: National Australia Bank (NAB), Edelman, Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Social@Ogilvy, SMK – Social Media Knowledge, The Victorian Electoral Commission. Or visit www.smk.net.au/downloads for details.