Twitter has always been known for its strict character limit, which forces users to be concise and direct. However, under the leadership of its new owner Elon Musk, Twitter has undergone numerous changes, including expanding the character limit. Twitter Blue, the premium service, now allows users to post up to 10,000 characters in a single tweet. This move is seen as a response to Substack, a potential rival that recently created a Twitter-style "Notes" feature focusing on short messages.
The implications of 10,000 characters on Twitter
To put the 10,000 characters limit into perspective, it is approximately equivalent to 1,800 English words or six pages of a standard paperback book. In addition to the expanded character limit, Twitter Blue subscribers will have access to bold, italic, and underline tools that are not available to regular users. This development appears to go against the very essence of Twitter, which was designed as a platform for short and concise messages. Nonetheless, it is not the first time Twitter has contradicted its original concept in recent years.
Substack's influence on Twitter's changes
It is believed that Twitter Blue's expanded character is a direct response to Substack's "Notes" feature. The feature emphasizes short messages and is a potential rival to Twitter. Twitter also recently blocked embedded tweets in Substack newsletters, just a day after the Notes feature was announced. This move is seen as a blow to independent writers who rely on Substack as a means of communication and income, and Twitter as a public square for opinions and news.
Musk's controversial moves as Twitter's owner
Since becoming Twitter's owner, Elon Musk has made several controversial moves, such as briefly blocking links to social competitors like Mastodon and Instagram, replacing the entire public relations team with a poop emoji, and appearing to endorse joke cryptocurrency Dogecoin by replacing Twitter's logo. However, blocking competitors goes against Musk's oft-repeated philosophy of "free speech absolutism." Despite this, the platform has become a home for hate speech, including racial slurs in the handles of verified Twitter Blue users.
In conclusion, Twitter's expansion of its character limit is just one of several recent changes that have contradicted the platform's original concept. It is believed to be a response to Substack's potential as a rival. Elon Musk's ownership of Twitter has resulted in several controversial moves, which are seemingly against his philosophy of "free speech absolutism." Nonetheless, Twitter has become a platform for hate speech, which is a major issue that must be addressed.