It has been revealed that Twitter is currently quietly testing its new “Expandable Timeline” out in the open, as some Twitter users have reported already having access to the new features.
The new Twitter Expandable Timeline has been created to enable users to view media and related information inside the timeline instead of off to the side. Allowing you to then click on individual tweets to expand conversations, media, and retweets. Watch the video after the jump to see it in action.
Features of the Expandable Timeline
The new re-designed Twitter Expandable Timeline was first discovered by Patrick Bisch of who put together the video below to show the features. When you hover over a tweet, it produces an “Open” link that enables you to open a tweet to see who retweeted the message and view the entire threaded conversation.
If you open a tweet with media such as a TwitPic image or YouTube video included, it will expand the window in the timeline to enable you to be able to view the media. This feature is particularly useful for users who want to engage more deeply with multimedia content without leaving their timeline. For instance, if a tweet includes a YouTube video, you can watch the video directly within the expanded tweet, making the user experience more seamless and integrated.
Implications for User Experience
The Expandable Timeline is a significant shift in how Twitter users interact with content. Traditionally, users had to navigate away from their main timeline to view detailed information or media associated with a tweet. This often disrupted the flow of browsing and could be cumbersome for users who wanted to quickly return to their timeline. The new feature aims to streamline this process, making it easier and faster to consume content.
Moreover, the Expandable Timeline could have implications for how users engage with advertisements and promoted tweets. By allowing media to be viewed directly within the timeline, advertisers might see higher engagement rates as users are more likely to interact with content that doesn’t require additional clicks or navigation.
Another potential benefit is the enhancement of real-time conversations. During live events, such as sports games or award shows, users often follow along on Twitter for real-time updates and discussions. The ability to expand tweets to view entire conversations and media can make following these events more engaging and interactive.
Source: CNET
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