News: Twitter Changes Updates to Tweets

In the grand scheme of things, this news seems a bit insignificant in light of other current events However, it is significant in the world of Social Media. As mainstream audiences embrace new media, every subtle nuance introduced from here on out reverberates across the social landscapes that define, shape, and dictate its evolution and its pace of adoption.

Today, Twitter changed its “update” button to a verb that will only gain in prominence, “Tweet.”

Thanks to good friend @Orli for her observation and also for capturing the screenshot.

It should be noted, that Twitter has applied to trademark “Tweet” and that process is still ongoing.

This is the second recent change in the culture and language of Twitter, with the first, rewording the prompt that triggered or shaped your updates, well, now Tweets. Originally Twitter asked, “What are you doing?” Now, you’re prompted by “What’s happening?” Again, subtle…but profound. As I’ve always believed, Twitter has always asked the wrong question and suggested that it change over time to continually inspire creativity, deep thought, profound statements and observations in addition to everyday status and conversations.

What do you think about this change?

UPDATE: You are also going to be asked, if you haven’t already, to decide whether or not to turn on your location.

Connect with Brian Solis on Twitter, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Google Buzz, Facebook
—
Please consider reading my brand new book, Engage!

Tags:

Share/Bookmark

RECOMMENDED POSTS

  • randyjames
    Adding Tweet is part of their engagement process. Twitter has placed its own language that identifies their brand all over the world. So my opinion is that the new "Tweet" instead of "update" is a good approach!

    To add some value to the conversation I recommend all readers to join http://startups.com/ for business related Q&A's.

    Thanks for sharing this info!
  • Courtney
    Maybe eventually a big button that says an unimpressed and eye-brow raised "...Well?"
  • I always mess it it and write "Twitting" or "TwittDeck" instead of Tweeting or TweetDeck. It would make more sense to me. It's twitter not Tweeter :)
    http://netasbitsandpieces.blogspot.com/
  • Sarah Jo
    As for myself, I have not yet begun to follow Twitter, but it's interesting how Twitter is listening to its users. For a while now, I have been hearing more and more about "tweets," and now with Twitter changing its "Update" button to say "Tweet" instead, shows that the company is willing to change itself to better suit and appeal to its customers wants.
  • Sarah Jo
    As for myself, I have not yet begun to follow Twitter, but it's interesting how Twitter is listening to its users. For a while now, I have been hearing more and more about "tweets," and now with Twitter changing its "Update" button to say "Tweet" instead, shows that the company is willing to change itself to better suit and appeal to its customers wants.
  • Thanks for the info...I have been wondering when the trademark issue was going to get settled out. Mine said update this morning - but tonight it says Tweet.
  • Smart branding move. If you own the platform and you own the concept, might as well use it where you can, especially on your own site.
  • Julie Ruel
    My account is showing "Tweet" now instead of "Update". In my opinion, I suppose changing the button to "tweet" helps strengthen their brand. But I'm definitely growing tired of the word. Especially when people in the hallway at work walk by me and say, "tweet, tweet!" since I run our Twitter account. But anyway... :-)
  • Ah Yes...makes my tweet necklaces even more poignant. :)
  • I have the "tweet" button. Like others who commented, I agree that the change will strengthen Twitter's brand, but on a bigger picture, it's the "verbing of America." "Fax" "Email" "Tweet" etc. When nouns become verbs it's an implication that people are not just "using" the tool, but "doing." And with these tools, the "doing" is communicating, connecting, engaging. A verb implies that we are actually having an experience.

    A slight change that carries huge significance.
  • Cat
    It has not rolled out to all - as of Weds. am, it still says updates. I have agreed for a long time that twitter used to ask the wrong question - and the subtle changes do help.

    I still think they need a community manager who is automatically assigned to follower/following status who will answer questions from new twitter users- as it is still not intuitive when people start out.
  • Interesting. Maybe it will stop all those folks who keep referring to it as "twit" instead of "tweet".
  • By now, they obviously changed it back to "update"
  • I like the idea of changing to "tweet" from "update." It seems like the right verb. "Update" sounds too formal. Here's what the real Twitter question should be: "What's on your mind?"
  • Is this really such a big deal? I don't think these minor revisions will change the way people use the service or that tweets will become more profound. I like your suggestion about changing up the question more frequently though. How about just "wtf?"
  • I think it makes the most difference for people who are new to twitter
  • Hey Brian! I wrote about this earlier today when it first happened: http://j.mp/9jFEC7

    But curious enough - it's back to "updates" now. I contacted twitter for a comment, but there has been none made yet. Interesting...
  • Brian Blank
    I agree on the question, would be interesting to have something provoking and the reaction from it. Would be a fun contest to get the question of the day.
  • I've seen "Tweet" as the verb on many other sites so it makes sense that Twitter adopt the word too. I'm surprised it took them this long.
  • I can still see the "update" button. No change so far for me.
    Is that something that's still rolling out to all servers or a kind of beta?
  • Stay tuned...it's rolling out. Take a look at this too: http://bub.blicio.us/twitter-upgrades-happening...
  • Now that "Tweeting" has become more mainstream, I think adding "Tweet" instead of "update" will strengthen their brand. It will be interesting to see how the trademark issue shakes out.
blog comments powered by Disqus

ABOUT ME

Brian Solis is globally recognized as one of the most prominent thought leaders and published authors in new media. A digital analyst, sociologist, and futurist, Solis has influenced the effects of emerging media on the convergence of marketing, communications, and publishing. He is principal of FutureWorks, an award-winning New Media agency in Silicon Valley, and has led interactive and social programs for Fortune 500 companies, notable celebrities, and Web 2.0 startups. BrianSolis.com is among the world's leading business and marketing online resources.

Engage: The New Book


Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Books a Million | Borders

Get the App: iPhone and Android


Get the App

RECENT TWEETS

Recent Comments:

FLICKR FEED

  • The Thief at St. Supery
  • Sparkling Wine at Domain Chandon
  • Lock, Stock and Barrel St. Supery
  • The Looking Glass

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

ARCHIVE

CATEGORIES