Twitter Launches Story-Like 'Fleets' for All Users
Twitter is now joining Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and more by adding stories (called "Fleets") to their platform. Much like its predecessors, Fleets are available to all users and will be posted for 24 hours. These were designed in order to get some users drafts out when they normally would never see the light of day on the timeline.
"Twitter’s purpose is to serve the public conversation – it’s where you go to see what's happening and talk about it. But some of you tell us that Tweeting is uncomfortable because it feels so public, so permanent, and like there's so much pressure to rack up Retweets and Likes. That’s why, unfortunately, there are so many ???? Tweets left in drafts!"
Twitter product lead Kayvon Beykpour reiterated the same in his discussion of Fleets:
"Now, more than ever, we think it’s critical to provide people another way to share what’s on their mind; without feeling self-conscious about it lasting on the record, and without the pressure of public replies. Those Tweets that never got past “Drafts” can finally see the light!"
So, what can you 'Fleet'?
Your options are:
- Text fleets - Your basic Fleet is text on a colored background, with a range of color options for both
- Share tweets - Fleets provide a new way to share individual tweets, which also appear on a colored background
- Video or Photo - You can also post a video clip or a photo to your Fleet
That's pretty much it. There are no special effects or AR tools for Fleets, though Twitter says that stickers and live broadcasting are coming soon.
At launch, however, Fleets does seem a little limited. The lack of advanced creation functionality and effects tools puts it behind the other Stories options available, with the only real advantage being the top of feed presence in the app, which could help to generate interest and exposure.
So while they may lack in power and extra functionality, Fleets in its current state seem like a good starting point. Like mentioned above, hopefully with fleets being at the top of the timeline, they will allow users to get more notoriety.
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