Now You Can Write Stories On Twitter! And Much More…

Over the last few years, Twitter has shown a clear understanding of its users’ needs and has actively addressed inconsistencies and underwhelming features within its platform. As a leading social media platform, similar to how other apps like Instagram and Snapchat have adopted the Stories format, Twitter continuously rolls out new and exciting features to enhance user experience. One of the most anticipated additions to Twitter’s suite of tools is Twitter Notes, a new feature that finally allows users to write longer-form content beyond the traditional character limit.

In this article, we explore the latest feature releases and upcoming enhancements on Twitter, including the much-discussed question: does Twitter have stories? We also discuss how Twitter is launching new features to keep up with trends in other apps, and delve into other valuable updates that promise to change how Twitter users interact on the platform, helping both personal accounts and businesses connect with their audience in fresh and engaging ways.

‘Unmention’ Option Is Live

Many Twitter users, especially those managing business accounts or with a large number of followers, have faced situations where they are mentioned in tweets or conversations they would rather avoid. Being tagged without consent can lead to unwanted notifications and association with discussions that don’t align with one’s interests or brand identity.

To address this, Twitter has launched a new feature called the ‘Unmention’ option. This feature lets users remove themselves from conversations or tweets where they have been mentioned, giving them greater control over their Twitter experience.

Using this feature is straightforward: simply click on the three-dot icon on the tweet where you are mentioned, and you will see an option labeled ‘Leave this conversation.’ Selecting this will untag your account from the tweet, effectively removing you from the ongoing conversation. Importantly, your username will still appear in the original tweet, but you will no longer receive notifications about that thread, and participants in the conversation cannot mention you again.

This new capability is especially beneficial for business accounts, creators, and regular users who want to maintain a professional or personal presence without being dragged into irrelevant or negative discussions. It offers a fresh way to manage interactions and maintain a positive environment on the platform, enhancing user control and comfort.

‘Twitter Notes’ Is In Test Mode

One of the most significant limitations on Twitter has been its character limit, which has often restricted users from sharing detailed thoughts or stories directly on the platform. To overcome this, Twitter has introduced a new feature called ‘Twitter Notes,’ which is currently in test mode and available in a few countries to select users.

Twitter Notes allows users to write and share long-form content, with the ability to create posts up to 2,500 words. This feature is primarily designed to enable users to share stories, elaborate ideas, or detailed news without splitting them into multiple regular tweets. It emphasizes creating detailed content that goes beyond the standard tweet format. When a user publishes a note, their followers see a small preview on their timeline. Clicking the preview opens the full note within the Twitter app or platform, providing a seamless and immersive reading experience.

Storytelling is a powerful tool for building a personal brand and engaging an audience on Twitter. By using Twitter Notes, users can craft compelling narratives that foster trust, authenticity, and connection.

Notably, Twitter Notes can be shared just like regular tweets. Users can post a note to their timeline or send it as a direct message to followers or friends. To explain the process, when a note is shared, a unique link is generated, making the note accessible both on and off Twitter. These links allow users to easily distribute Notes, and anyone with the link can view the content, supporting broader sharing and news dissemination.

When sharing stories and ideas, it’s important to focus on telling stories that are interesting and relevant to your audience. Engaging stories can help build trust and a loyal following on Twitter.

The feature also supports editing notes after publication without breaking existing links shared on timelines or through direct messages. The link to the note remains unchanged even after edits, ensuring continued access and consistency. Knowing your audience is crucial for effective storytelling on Twitter, as it helps tailor your message for maximum impact.

While Notes do not allow likes or reactions within the note itself, users can engage with the corresponding tweet or post that links to the note. This approach balances the new long-form content style with Twitter’s traditional interaction model.

For creators, businesses, and news publishers, Twitter Notes open up new avenues to share rich content and stories directly with their audience without relying on external blogs or websites. Sharing personal experiences and vulnerabilities can make stories more relatable, and people should not be afraid to be authentic when telling stories. It signifies a strategic move by Twitter to compete with other social media platforms like Instagram Stories and Facebook’s ephemeral content by offering more versatility in content creation. Importantly, Twitter Notes provide a way for users to express themselves beyond the usual constraints of regular tweets, enriching the platform’s content diversity.

The secret to successful storytelling on Twitter often lies in crafting a memorable final sentence or call to action that leaves a lasting impression. To succeed, users should also ask for feedback from their audience to refine their storytelling approach and improve engagement on the platform.

Soon You Can Co-Tweet

In addition to the ‘Unmention’ option and Twitter Notes, Twitter is preparing to launch another innovative feature called Co-tweeting. This new feature will allow two users to co-author a single tweet, making it visible on both of their timelines. It is an exciting development for creators, collaborators, and business accounts looking to amplify their reach and share joint messages.

Co-tweeting works by one user composing a tweet and inviting another account to be a co-author. Once the invitation is accepted, the tweet is published on both users’ profiles, displaying both profile pictures and usernames. This clear identification helps followers recognize the collaborative nature of the post.

To coordinate the content of the co-tweet, Twitter encourages users to use direct messages to discuss and finalize the message before sending the co-author invitation. After the invitation is sent, the tweet content cannot be edited, ensuring both parties agree on the final post.

Currently, the co-author limit is set at two users, and invitations can only be sent to accounts you follow. This limitation may evolve as Twitter gathers feedback and improves the feature.

Co-tweeting promises to foster new forms of collaboration on the platform, making it easier for brands, creators, and users to speak with a unified voice and engage their audiences more effectively. This feature is expected to open up new ways for users to create joint content, share news, and build community through shared conversations.

Story Formats on Twitter

For Twitter users looking to share more than just regular tweets, the platform has introduced a variety of story formats designed to make conversations more dynamic and engaging. One of the most notable additions was the feature called Fleets, which brought ephemeral content to Twitter in a way similar to Instagram Stories. With Fleets, users could post photos, videos, GIFs, and even share tweets that would disappear after 24 hours, offering a fresh way to express fleeting thoughts and ideas without the pressure of permanence. Fleets consisted of photos, videos, GIFs, and text that disappeared after 24 hours.

When Twitter launched Fleets, it aimed to give users a new feature that encouraged more spontaneous sharing. Accessing Fleets was simple—just tap on your profile picture at the top of the Twitter app, and you could instantly create and upload media or text to your Fleet. This new feature quickly became a favorite among users who wanted to share personal moments, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or casual updates without worrying about likes, retweets, or long-term visibility on their profile.

Fleets also opened up new ways for users to interact. Followers could reply to Fleets via direct messages, sparking private conversations and deeper connections. Users could not retweet or like Fleets, but they could reply privately via direct messages. For businesses, creators, and news publishers, Fleets provided a unique opportunity to reach their audience with timely updates, breaking news, or exclusive content that felt more personal and immediate. In a few countries, Fleets became a primary way for users to share content, driving up engagement and conversation across the platform.

Beyond Fleets, Twitter has continued to innovate with other story-like features. Twitter Spaces, for example, allows users to host live audio conversations, bringing real-time discussions to the forefront of the platform. This feature has quickly gained popularity, offering a new way for users to connect, share ideas, and build community—much like live features on other social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

The introduction of these story formats has made Twitter a more versatile platform for sharing media, news, and personal stories. Whether you’re uploading photos and videos to Fleets, joining a live conversation in Spaces, or creating in-depth Twitter Threads, or simply posting regular tweets, Twitter gives users the tools to create content that resonates with their audience. By leveraging hashtags, engaging visuals, and timely updates, users can boost their profile’s visibility and attract new followers. Analyzing the location of your audience can help tailor content and maximize engagement with these story formats.

Twitter’s blog post announcing the launch of Fleets highlighted how this new feature was designed to increase user engagement and provide a more relaxed way to share content. While some users found the constant stream of ephemeral content a bit overwhelming, many embraced the chance to post without the pressure of public metrics or permanent records. It’s important to give your audience a rest from constant content—ephemeral formats like Fleets provide a natural pause, allowing followers time to absorb and reflect. Over time, Twitter has continued to refine these features, adding new options for uploading media and improving accessibility to ensure everyone can join the conversation.

For anyone looking to grow their presence on social media, Twitter’s story formats offer exciting new ways to connect with followers, share news, and spark conversations. Whether you’re a business, a creator, or just someone with a story to tell, these features can help you reach your audience in creative and meaningful ways—making Twitter not just a place for tweets, but a platform for stories, ideas, and real-time engagement. Using web-based tools and sharing content on the web can also extend the reach of Twitter stories and Fleets beyond the platform.

Sharing News and Information

Twitter has long established itself as a go-to platform for sharing news and information, thanks to its fast-paced environment and engaged global audience. Whether you’re a journalist breaking a story, a news publisher distributing articles, or an everyday user sharing updates, Twitter’s unique blend of features makes it easy to connect with others and keep the world informed.

One of the standout features that enhanced Twitter’s news-sharing capabilities was Twitter Fleets—a format inspired by Instagram Stories and other social media platforms. With Fleets, users could post disappearing tweets, photos, and videos that vanished after 24 hours, making it possible to share timely updates, behind-the-scenes moments, or exclusive interviews without cluttering their main timeline. This ephemeral content was especially valuable for news publishers and reporters, who could use it to provide real-time coverage, quick reactions, or sneak peeks into developing stories.

Beyond Fleets, Twitter offers a variety of tools to help users share content effectively. The “Share” button allows you to instantly distribute news articles, videos, or tweets with your followers, while direct messages make it easy to send important updates privately to individuals or groups. The Explore tab is another powerful feature, curating trending topics, breaking news, and popular conversations so users can quickly discover what’s happening around the world.

To maximize engagement and reach, it’s important to tailor your posts to Twitter’s fast-moving audience. For example, using relevant hashtags, tagging news publishers or key accounts, and including eye-catching photos or videos can significantly boost the visibility of your news articles and updates. Engaging visuals and concise, compelling text help your content stand out in a crowded feed, encouraging more retweets, likes, and discussions.

Premium subscribers on Twitter also enjoy added benefits, such as access to ad-free news articles and in-depth analysis, making it easier to stay informed and dive deeper into the stories that matter most. This exclusive content can enhance the news consumption experience and foster a more informed community.

Compared to other social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, Twitter excels at facilitating real-time discussions and rapid information exchange. While Instagram Stories and Facebook posts are great for sharing visually rich, longer-form content, Twitter’s strength lies in its ability to spark immediate conversations and connect users around breaking news and trending topics. By understanding these differences, users can develop effective strategies for sharing news and information that resonate with their audience and drive meaningful engagement.

Ultimately, Twitter is more than just a place to post updates—it’s a dynamic community where ideas are exchanged, conversations develop, and awareness spreads quickly. By leveraging features like disappearing tweets, the Explore tab, and direct messages, users can share news and information in ways that are timely, impactful, and tailored to the unique strengths of the platform. Whether you’re a news publisher, a business, or simply someone with a story to tell, Twitter offers the tools you need to connect, inform, and engage with the world—effectively making every user a part of the global conversation.

Does Twitter Have Stories?

A common question among Twitter users and social media enthusiasts is: does Twitter have stories? While Twitter does not currently have a feature called “stories” in the same way Instagram or Facebook does, it did launch a similar feature called ‘Fleets’ in the past. Starting today, users could post ephemeral content—photos, videos, and text—that disappeared after 24 hours, much like Instagram Stories. With Fleets, users often shared moments from their life, updates about family, and what was happening in real time.

However, Twitter discontinued Fleets due to limited user engagement and adoption. Instead of continuing with the stories format, Twitter is focusing on other innovative features like Twitter Notes and Co-tweeting that provide new ways for users to share content and connect with their audience. There was hope that these new features would inspire more engagement and creativity among users.

So, while Twitter once experimented with stories through Fleets, the platform has shifted its attention toward features that better suit its unique style of communication. Twitter’s approach emphasizes fleeting thoughts shared via direct messages, longer-form posts with Notes, and collaborative tweets via Co-tweeting, rather than adopting the traditional stories format popularized by Instagram and Facebook. Fleets allowed users to talk about fleeting moments and what was happening around them, fostering authentic conversations.

For Twitter users who miss the idea of stories, these new features offer alternative ways to speak, share, and engage with their followers and friends. It’s a sign of Twitter’s commitment to innovation and adapting to the evolving needs of its user base.

Conclusion

Social media is evolving rapidly, and Twitter has demonstrated impressive agility in keeping pace with user expectations and industry trends. The recent feature launches—the ‘Unmention’ option, Twitter Notes, and the upcoming Co-tweeting—highlight Twitter’s commitment to enhancing user control, content creation, and collaboration.

These features primarily cater to creators, business accounts, and regular users eager to express themselves in new ways. Twitter Notes, in particular, answers the long-standing demand for longer-form content, allowing users to write stories that go beyond the constraints of regular tweets. Meanwhile, the Unmention option empowers users to manage their interactions more effectively, and Co-tweeting fosters collaboration and joint communication.

As Twitter continues to innovate, users can expect more exciting updates that blend the platform’s signature brevity with richer, more versatile content options. For those wondering does Twitter have stories, the answer lies in the platform’s evolving features that offer alternative ways to share fleeting thoughts, detailed narratives, and collaborative messages.

Which of these new features do you think will be the most successful? For example, you might benefit from the Unmention option to avoid unwanted conversations, use Twitter Notes to share in-depth stories, or try Co-tweeting for joint announcements and projects. Share your thoughts and join the conversation to stay connected with all the latest developments on Twitter.

We’d love to hear your experiences with Twitter’s new features—leave your comments below and let us know how you’re using them!