Twitter increase character limit to 280. We ask Why? + Hack for early access!

The internet has been up in arms over the past two days with the news of Twitters increase in character limits. Currently, the rollout is not universal and only certain users have been graced with access to this new feature. Of course, the test rollout has been mainly focused in the USA because why would Africans need more characters? I mean we can barely speak English anyways (my spelling is testament).

And the crowd goes mad

Like any new rollout, the internet is having two types of reactions to this. Some are soo ecstatic because now they can tell their Twitter stories in a hundred fewer tweets (airing dirty laundry in public is hard as it is without having to hit send ever 140 characters). And then some are questioning this rollout, not because they prefer to tweet in emoticons and gifs, thus use fewer characters anyway, but because honestly there so much more useful features we have been waiting for (as a digital marketer I am on Team #why280charaters). nichemarket investigates what users have to say.

All aboard the character limit train

As with many users and consumers in general, there is a huge chunk that is completely over the moon about this feature. (From the comments I assume these are the also the same group of people who don't give much thought to life and long to take selfies for a living!) Here's what they say:

Stoked to have #280Characters so I can finally list everyone at the White House who isn’t under criminal investigation:

1. Barron Trump
2.

andmdash; Jules (@jules_su) September 27, 2017

Hey guys! I feel SO sorry for those of you who have to abbreviate tweets because you only have 140 characters. Soooooooo lame! Anyway, whatand#39;s everyone doing today? Iand#39;m just type-type-typing away! SO many characters! Talk to you soon. #blessed #280characters #abcdefg

andmdash; Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) September 27, 2017

Twitter has decided to extend to #280characters instead of 140, but people are annoyed because they want an edit feature. The edit feature is a really bad idea because it will give the opportunity for Nazis and bigots to edit their tweets and add hate once they get loads of RTs..

andmdash; steph jaqueline (@stephjkd) September 27, 2017

Instead of #280characters Iand#39;d take:
-AN EDIT BUTTON
-More than four pics
-More than four poll choices
-Pics with polls
-Pics with retweets

andmdash; David Taylor (@DT2ComicsChat) September 27, 2017

All Question Twitter's Priorities and Sanity

As with anything a big corporation rolls out, consumers are always too happy to consume without questioning the why factor or whether it this feature was the best to prioritise for its users. As a marketer, my job is to engage users to consume without question but it also makes me more aware of this agenda.

So when a big player like Twitter rolls out features on a tool I use to promote most of my clients' Brands on daily basis rolls out mediocre features like an increase in character limit I have to ask why. For myself, and other marketers alike, there are way more pressing matters that need attention. For example, its 2017 and we are still not able to edit a tweet on a platform that has been around for more than a decade! Here's what they say:

RT if you think Twitter needs an edit button! instead of #280characters

andmdash; Ali (@SpookyAly) September 27, 2017

Reading a thread of 20 tweets with #280characters will now look like this. pic.twitter.com/nXTgtlcfxd

andmdash; ♔ King Absolute ♔ (@KingAbsolute_) September 27, 2017

What good is #280characters when youand#39;ve got no character?

andmdash; Calvinist Hipster (@CalvinHipster) September 27, 2017

Me thinking of stat tweets with #280characters like... pic.twitter.com/euqMrgyCE4

andmdash; Keith Farnsworth (@fantasy_keith) September 27, 2017

twitter update in a single pic.#280characters pic.twitter.com/X0YawKdcGs

andmdash; Rahul (@imRahulDasGupta) September 27, 2017

Dear Twitter, be careful what you wish for. #140Characters #280Characters pic.twitter.com/Tab6BEPn9I

andmdash; James Melville (@JamesMelville) September 27, 2017

Hack for those suffering from FOMO

If you suffering from FOMO and would really want access to this feature, Twitter user @Prof9 provides an easy using a Tampermonkeyscript and a little bit of Chrome magic! Check tweet below for details, and you welcome!

Whats your take on it all

We would like to hear what you have to say or hit us up on Twitter: @nichemarketza.

Tags: Social Media, Twitter