Introducing a new way to share content on social — Twitter Fleets!
After months of testing in select markets, Twitter confirmed the global rollout of a new stories-like feature called “Fleets”.
Mirroring a lot of Instagram Stories’ top features, all Twitter users will be able to post ephemeral content to the social network for the first time.
Here’s everything you need to know about Twitter Fleets:
What are Twitter Fleets?
The “stories format” has proven quite popular since Snapchat first rolled onto the scene in 2011 — it’s been adapted for Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and, most recently, Twitter.
According to Twitter’s announcement, “Today, we’re launching Fleets so everyone can easily join the conversation in a new way – with their fleeting thoughts.”
That thing you didn’t Tweet but wanted to but didn’t but got so close but then were like nah.
— Twitter (@Twitter) November 17, 2020
We have a place for that now—Fleets!
Rolling out to everyone starting today. pic.twitter.com/auQAHXZMfH
The announcement goes on to explain that Fleets, give users a venue to share casual, everyday thoughts without stressing over the permanence of those thoughts.
“Some people say they feel insecure to Tweet because Tweets are public, permanent, and exhibit public engagement counts (likes and Retweets). We want to make it possible for you to have conversations on the platform in new ways, with less pressure, and more control.”
Hence, “Fleets” — which, if you hadn’t guessed already, stands for “fleeting Tweets.”
So what makes Fleets different to regular Tweets?
Well, unlike regular Tweets, Fleets disappear after 24 hours and can’t be retweeted or liked.
You can fleet text, reactions to Tweets, photos or videos and customize your Fleets with various background and text options.
Plus, you can also respond and react to Fleets by tapping on one and sending a direct message or emoji to the creator, which will start a DM conversation.
There’s also plans to introduce stickers and live broadcasting to Fleets in the future.
A user’s Fleets will appear at the top of their home page and anyone who can access your full profile will also be able to find your Fleets there.
If your DMs are open, people will be able to react to your Fleets with a text-based message or emoji.
Are stories part of your social strategy? They should be! Find out what the future holds for stories on social in this blog post!
How to Share a Twitter Fleet
Fleets are being rolled out to all markets, so you may already have access to the new feature.
Here’s how to post your first Fleet:
To create a Fleet, start by tapping the “+” button that appears at the top of your Fleets feed (just like you would on Instagram Stories).
From here, you can type up to 280 characters of text or add photos, GIFs, or videos. You can Fleet text, reactions to Tweets, photos or videos and customize your Fleets with various background and text options.
Once you hit “post,” your Fleet will appear in an Instagram Stories-like feed at the top of people’s feeds.
To share a Tweet in a Fleet tap the “Share” icon at the bottom of the Tweet and then tap, “Share in Fleet.”
TIP: We’re predicting Fleet reactions to Tweets is going to be a big trend on social to share news and start conversations. So now’s the time to give your Twitter strategy a boost!
Don’t forget you can plan, schedule, and post to Twitter with Later for free — sign up today!
What Twitter Fleets Mean for Businesses
It’s clear from Twitter’s announcement that their hope for Fleets is that it will entice more users to engage on the platform — particularly those who aren’t as comfortable sharing regular (permanent) Tweets.
This could very well be the case, but it really depends on how many people adopt the feature (and how often they use it). For instance, while Instagram Stories was a near-instant hit, Facebook Stories has been slower to gain traction.
Since Fleets were only tested in select markets like Brazil before their global rollout, it’s difficult to say how it will play out.
That being said, you can check out the Twitter-owned hashtag #FleetsFeedback to browse user feedback on the feature (just keep in mind that most of the Tweets are in Portuguese as this was the primary test market, but we predict the global feedback will roll in soon!).
So should businesses jump on the trend?
It’s too soon to say but we’re definitely hopeful! Ephemeral content is one of the biggest social media success stories in recent years, and Twitter might be able to ride that success with Fleets.
Have you tried the new feature? Let us know what you think in the comments!
Like to stay on top of all the latest trends and feature releases? Subscribe to Later’s email newsletter for all the latest Instagram news, tips, and more!
