Twitter 101

Understanding Twitter

Watch the video (3:42).

Most people know that Twitter is a micro-blogging network of real-time posts that are limited to 140 characters or less, but few people understand how they might benefit from Twitter. The truth is that Twitter is used by many people for many different things. So what is Twitter, and why should you care?

Watch the video to get a better idea of what Twitter is all about.

Twitter's evolution

Evolution of the Twitter Bird

Today's Twitter is now less focused on “What are you doing?” and more about “What’s going on?” It has emerged as a source for discovery, with a focus on sharing relevant information and engaging in conversation. Many people now think of Twitter as a news source rather than a social network, using it for networking and discussion based on their own interests.

Since launching in 2006, Twitter has seen incredible growth as more people have discovered its usefulness. According to a survey from the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, 19% of online adults use Twitter (up from 8% in 2010), and that percentage grows to 35% among online adults aged 18-29. There are always new people joining Twitter, so there's always a lot of interesting discussion to follow.