Twitter has changed its original algorithm-based timeline and reversed the historical home feed with the default algorithmic “for you” timeline in the iOS app. The change is controversial as the company has tried to implement it before but had to back off due to backlash from consumers.
Given the ever-changing nature of social media and user demands, it’s little wonder that social media platforms are constantly making changes to their interfaces. At the beginning of 2022, the creators of TikTok announced that they are testing new features to ensure better sleep for their users.
Now, Twitter announced a feature on Wednesday that is very similar to how TikTok’s feed works. New “For You” and “Following” tabs will replace the old “Home” and “Recent” tabs in the interface of the microblogging platform.
The microblogging app has removed the glossy icon from the top right of the app’s interface, allowing users to switch between previous tabs. However, the company announced that the new change is rolling out to iOS users first and those using Twitter on Android and the web can still see the old star button.
The new “For You” shows users tweets from people they follow just like the old version did — out of order — and sprinkled in with tweets from people they don’t recommend by the algorithm. do
However, the new “Following” tab displays tweets in completely reverse chronological order.
The “For you” and “Following” tabs replace “Home” and “Latest” and will be pinned to the top of your timeline so you can easily switch between them. Swipe to switch timelines instead of tapping the ✨ icon.
— Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) January 11, 2023
The new version of the interface makes it easier for users to switch timelines by simply swiping between the two, but iOS users will always see a “For You” tab when opening the app.
Business magnate and Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced the launch of the feature on his Twitter account on January 8.
Musk tweeted, “Easy swipe right/left to switch between recommended vs. followed tweets this weekend. First part of huge UI overhaul. Bookmark button on tweet details (de facto silent like ) will roll out a week later.Long-form tweets in early February.
Easy swipe right/left to move between recommended vs followed tweets rolls out later this week.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 8, 2023
First part of a much larger UI overhaul.
Bookmark button (de facto silent like) on Tweet details rolls out a week later.
Long form tweets early Feb.
Along with the interface change, Musk also announced a series of other changes as part of his plan for a major overhaul of the way the app works. These changes include the addition of a bookmark button and the addition of long form, which they announced in mid-January and early February, respectively.
Keep in mind that Musk bought Twitter in October 2022 and a lot has changed since then. He had been critical of Twitter’s management and its moderation policies, and several executives were let go from their roles shortly after Musk took over.
