Answering The Top 10 Most-Googled Questions About Twitter
Twitter has been around for over 13 years now, yet there are still some social media users who are unsure of how to use the platform effectively. From tweet techniques to settings and perks, our latest guide answers what you’ve been asking Google about Twitter…
1) How to tweet a thread
Twitter differs from the likes of Facebook and LinkedIn in that it only allows 280 characters per update. This means that to tell a thorough story, a user has to rely on a thread of tweets.
Threads are becoming increasingly popular on Twitter, particularly from marketers. Users enjoy reading a series of connected tweets because it takes them on a journey and shows that the author has put some serious thought into telling this story. Follow these instructions to share your own thread:
- Draft a new Tweet.
- Select the + button (next to ‘Tweet’). You can only press this once you’ve finished writing your first tweet, or at least entered a bit of text. This will open up the following pop-up window.
- Continue adding tweets via the plus button. Once you’re happy with your thread, select ‘Tweet all’ to publish!
2) How to change Twitter @
Grown out of your Harambe-themed Twitter handle? Tired of that profile picture of you planking or doing the Harlem Shake? Just fancy a change? Whatever the reason for wanting to change your Twitter username (the name that appears after your @) – or any of your profile on Twitter – you can so within just a few steps…
- Select ‘More’ on the left-hand side of your Twitter home page.
- Press ‘Settings and Privacy’.
- From here, you need to select ‘Account’, followed by ‘Username’.
- Type in your new username and click ‘Save’.
- ADDITIONAL TIP – If you want to change your Name, Bio, Profile Picture or Cover Picture on Twitter, head on over to your profile and click on ‘Edit Profile’.
3) How to get verified on Twitter
The famous blue tick… We see it next to the names of celebrities and big brands throughout Twitter, but are you eligible for one yourself? Twitter states that this well-sought-after badge “lets people know that an account of public interest is authentic.”
“Typically this includes accounts maintained by users in music, acting, fashion, government, politics, religion, journalism, media, sports, business, and other key interest areas,” it continues.
To get verified on Twitter, ensure that your profile is completed with:
- Profile picture
- Cover picture
- Bio
- Website
- Verified phone number
- Confirmed email address
- Birthday
- Public tweets
Once you’ve done this, go to the Twitter Verification Page and fill out the form. Last time we checked, this was unavailable – most likely due to Twitter making updates. If it’s still that way, just keep an eye on it and wait for further updates from Twitter HQ!
ADDITIONAL TIP: Twitter is more likely to verify your account if you are active on the platform.
Want to get verified on other platforms? Start by getting the blue and grey tick on Facebook!
4) How does Twitter trending work?
By now, you’ve probably at least heard people talking about “what’s trending on Twitter”, right? If you’re unsure what exactly this means, don’t worry. You are not the only person to have asked how Twitter trends work…
Twitter trends are essentially topics, words and phrases that are being mentioned and talked about on the platform noticeably more than others.
Often circulating around breaking news, big world events (particularly sporting events such as the football) and marketing campaigns from popular brands, trends are a great way to keep up to date with what’s happening locally, nationally and globally.
Here’s what was trending at the time of writing this article. Bear in mind that you can change your Twitter Trending settings to trends suited for you or based on location by clicking on the little cog/gear icon.
5) How to mute words on Twitter
As a Game of Thrones fan (and Love Island hater!) who works on social media for large parts of the day, I am all too familiar with avoiding spoilers and things I don’t want to see on my timeline. Sometimes, no matter who you follow, topics can find a way onto your Twitter feed via retweets and trends. But, there is a way to avoid this.
To mute certain words and phrases on Twitter (which in-turn ensures tweets that include said words/phrases will not appear on your feed), you need to:
- Head to Settings & Privacy (follow steps 1 & 2 in Tip #2 of this guide).
- Select ‘Content Preferences’, then click ‘Muted’ (under ‘Safety’).
- From here, you can mute certain accounts and/or words.
6) Why should I use hashtags on Twitter?
Hashtags help to categorise and index content on Twitter, allowing users to easily find relevant tweets and discussions on the platform. Why use them? Because they help ensure your content is seen by those interested in reading it. It’s as simple as that.
For more lessons on this, check out Twitter’s Hashtag Guide.
ADDITIONAL TIP: Noticed that hashtags have recently made their way onto other platforms? Click here to learn how to use hashtags on LinkedIn.
7) How many hashtags should I use on Twitter?
On board with hashtags and how to use them? Great! But be careful, you don’t want to overuse them. Nobody likes that guy…
Twitter advises that you use one to two hashtags per tweet. Any more than that and you risk appearing spammy and untrustworthy.
For more info, learn how to use hashtags sensibly with the help of Twitter.
8) How to tweet someone
If you want to speak to a specific person, business or brand directly, you have two options: Direct Message (DM) or tweeting them publicly. DM’ing is not always an option – particularly if this account does not follow you. In such a case, you’ll want to directly tweet them. Here’s how…
- Head over to their profile by searching for them in the search bar.
- Select ‘Tweet’ once you’re on their profile.
- You can also tweet someone by crafting a tweet and tagging them manually using their username.
9) How to tweet a YouTube video
To tweet a YouTube video, you’ll need to copy and paste the URL of the video onto your tweet, like so…
Type in your caption and, once you’re happy with your content, select ‘Tweet’ to publish. Et voila, your tweet will appear with a little preview of the YouTube video, which users can play within the Twitter app or browser tab.
10) Why should I use Twitter?
Twitter is brilliant! It is actually my favourite social media platform. Why? Because…
- It allows me to keep up to date with what’s happening in the world in a quick and concise way.
- I can find and participate in discussions relating to what interests me via hashtags. Here’s how to follow a hashtag, for those of you asking (this narrowly missed out on our top 10).