No one is a fan of algorithms.
A few years ago, Instagram swapped out its reverse chronological feed to an algorithm. Snapchat followed suit and other social media platforms began adopting similar strategies.
In the past few months, fans have called for their favorite social media platforms to “switch back” to chronological order. While some have no plans of changing the way they present content to their users, one platform has heard them loud and clear…
Today Twitter revealed a new algorithm which will allow users to have more control over the content they see in their timeline.
According to Social Media Today, the micro-blogging platform announced plans to introduce a way to allow users with an “easier-to-access switch” to switch between algorithmic and chronological timelines.
Twitter support revealed in a thread, that you will be able to see the most recent posts you care about in reverse chronological order at the top of your timeline.
1/ We’re working on new ways to give you more control over your timeline. But first, some context: Twitter helps you see what’s happening by showing the best Tweets for you based on your interactions.https://t.co/H5nuhQy3r2
— Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) September 17, 2018
Back in 2016, Twitter swapped out chronological order to show its users the “most important” tweets within its users’ feeds.
The series of tweets revealed that there would be a way to switch between a timeline of tweets that are most relevant for you and a timeline of the latest tweets.
2/ We’ve learned that when showing the best Tweets first, people find Twitter more relevant and useful. However, we've heard feedback from people who at times prefer to see the most recent Tweets.
— Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) September 17, 2018
5/ Meanwhile, today we updated the “Show the best Tweets first” setting. When off, you’ll only see Tweets from people you follow in reverse chronological order. Previously when turned off, you’d also see “In case you missed it” and recommended Tweets from people you don’t follow.
— Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) September 17, 2018
The move is meant to boost engagement and increase stock prices but it has also affected old tweets with high engagement because they simply will not show up anymore.
Even though the change raises concern because people don’t know how it will affect overall growth and ad numbers, according to performance reports Twitter has an 11% increase which means they are doing something right and listening to their users.
If you don’t like the update, you now have the option to switch with the “latest Tweets” switch instead of the “Show the best Tweets first” setting.
What are your thoughts? Will you switch back to chronological order on Twitter? Let us know in the comments below.
Written by: Doa’a El Khouly