We’re not even completely two months into 2021 and more than a couple of social networking applications have rolled out new updates. Well, there are some or the other social media updates every once in a while. For effective social media marketing, it is important to catch up on these updates. This allows you to understand social channels better and helps exploit them in a more profitable manner. That being said, let’s talk about this new update which is about Voice DMs on Twitter.
Twitter has already been in talks lately for its clash with the Indian government. However, today we are going to talk about it for a different reason.
Twitter is the most famous micro-blogging application worldwide with about 330 million monthly active users. It is also the ‘go-to’ platform for big names whenever they want to make a public statement. Since its launch, Twitter has rolled out many useful updates to improve its user experience.
From expanding the character limit for tweets to Instant Timeline, While You Were Away, Quality Filter, Curator, Moments, Voice Tweet, and so on, Twitter went through many upgrades.
And for 2021, there is another interesting Twitter update.
What’s the new Twitter update? How can I use it? What is the status of update release? Has it been rolled out in my country? How is it going to affect social media marketing?
This article answers all these questions.
Twitter’s new feature update: Voice message
As announced by the micro-blogging app, Twitter has rolled out an all-new voice message feature. With this feature, users can now send and receive voice messages in their personal chatbox.
This is first major update from Twitter since the ‘voice tweet’ feature. According to Manish Maheshwari who is the Managing Director of Twitter India, the intention behind integrating voice features in the Twitter app is to help users “connect through the nuances, emotion, and empathy built by hearing someone’s voice.”
Hence, both the voice tweet and voice message feature is to be read in the light of the statement above.
In what countries is the new update released?
Twitter has begun rolling out this feature for its users in India, Brazil, and Japan.
The given statement by Maheshwari explains why India is a primary recipient of the update:
“India is a priority market for Twitter, and that is why we’re constantly testing new features and learning from people’s experience on the service here.”
Which mobile operating systems can avail the update?
Twitter is making the voice message service available for both Android and iOS users in India, Brazil, and Japan.
What is the date of release?
The update has been rolled out on 17th February of 2021. It’ll be released in a phased manner.
How does the Twitter’s voice message update works?
Just like the voice tweets, users can now record voice clips and send it to others in DM.
However, the recording can be only 140 seconds long.
What makes this feature unique?
Voice message is not a new concept. Social media messenger applications like that of Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and so have had this feature for long.
However, Twitter is different from these platforms in many ways. For one, it is more centred on real-time conversation and is less on social friendships. Twitter is generally the primary channel for reporting of any real time happening.
And now with the ability to communicate through voice, Twitter users will be able to express themselves and understand each other better. Hence, this will enable more meaningful real-time social conversations.
How you can avail this feature?
If you are a Twitter user in India, Brazil, or Japan, you can avail Twitter’s voice message feature easily. The voice message feature works more or less the same like that on existing social messengers (Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
To use this feature-
- Log into your Twitter account
- Open your Inbox
- Select an existing conversation or start a new one
There, you will find the voice recording icon
- Tap and hold the voice recording icon and record your message
- Release the hold and your voice message will be sent
Note: It is important to note that voice messages on Twitter can’t be recorded and sent if you are accessing the platform through Web browser. In that case, you will only be able to play and hear the received voice messages.
Final Word
Twitter rolled out ‘voice tweet’ feature in 2020 which is followed by ‘voice DM’ feature in 2021. As has been said by Manish Maheshwari, the Managing Director of Twitter India, Twitter is trying to make real-time social conversations more meaningful by rolling out such voice-based features. The update is being rolled out in India, Brazil, and Japan in a phased manner starting from 17th Feb, 2021. Being an important social media platform, the new updates are bound to affect many digital marketing platform like social media marketing and networking systems of the recipient countries.
Leave a comment and tell us what you think about this new update. For more, stay tuned!
