Twitter is testing an Edit Tweet feature which will let users make changes to their Tweet after it’s posted.
After initial testing it will be expanded to Twitter Blue subscribers in the coming weeks.
Contents
What is Edit Tweet?
The feature gives users a short period of time to do things like fix typos, add missed tags, and more.
Tweets will be able to be edited a few times in the 30 minutes following their publication.
How it will appear
Everyone will still be able to see if a Tweet has been edited since it will appear with an icon, timestamp, and label.
Tapping the label will take viewers to the Tweet’s Edit History, which includes past versions of the Tweet.
Why make past versions visible?
One might think that having past versions of a Tweet before it’s been edited be made visible to everyone would defeat the purpose.
However, Twitter explains that it will “help protect the integrity of the conversation and create a publicly accessible record of what was said”.
Potential misuse
They have a point.
Tech experts have warned that the feature could be used to change statements after others have retweeted or endorsed them.
In fact, the then Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey had said in 2020 that the company would “probably never” add the “edit tweet” feature as it could aid in the spread of misinformation.
Full scale launch
The feature is being tested with a smaller group to get feedback and identify and resolve potential issues.
Later this month this will be expanded to Twitter Blue subscribers who are paid users who get early access to new features.
It will be localized to a single country at first and expand as it is developed and fleshed out.