In probably the most accurately named software feature in 2020, Twitter’s finally made its new disappearing tweets feature live for everyone on the platform. ‘Fleets’ as they’re called, will allow users to post a thought, and have that thought disappear a while later. It’s not a new idea, but it could be useful.
Thing is, you’ll need to access the feature through mobile Twitter, not desktop. So if you’re reading this, struggling to find the fleets and ready to @ us, calm down. Pick up that smartphone, open the Twitter app, and try to make a tweet. They’ll sit right at the top of the timeline in a row of Stories-like bubbles.
That thing you didn’t Tweet but wanted to but didn’t but got so close but then were like nah.
We have a place for that now—Fleets!
Rolling out to everyone starting today. pic.twitter.com/auQAHXZMfH
— Twitter (@Twitter) November 17, 2020
We’re all a-Twitter
Apparently, the new type of tweet is designed for people who just want to post ‘fleeting’ thoughts or ‘express more casual thoughts and feelings’ (according to The Verge). “Through our tests in Brazil, Italy, India, and South Korea, we learned Fleets helped people feel more comfortable joining the conversation — we saw people with Fleets talk more on Twitter,” explains Joshua Harris (design director) and Sam Haveson (product manager) in a blog post, according to The Verge.
So, Twitter’s basically introduced the Stories format with a fancy name, and we’re not sure how the public will adopt it. According to Twitter, the feature rolls out today on both iOS and Android, but it could take a few days to make its way to all devices. Two of our journalists don’t have the feature at the time of writing.
Fleets will last for just 24 hours (ahem, Stories?) while other users won’t be able to like or retweet a fleet. That means the social pressure of pushing out fire content is off the table, and you can say just about what you want. Just don’t spread misinformation, friends.
