Twitter to dump its 140 character restriction?

January 8, 2016

The limit of 140 characters on Twitter is destined to disappear, and may potentially be extended to an incredibly lengthy 10,000 characters, as reported by Re/code.

“So what does that equate to in words?!” you may cry. That’s probably the length of a 2,000 word essay!

Why oh why, Twitter?!

The project, which currently is called “Beyond 140”  aims to increase the time users spend on the social network, so that they are not “forced” to click on a link every time they want to access more information about a tweet that may interest them.

In an attempt to avoid sending current active users into hysteria and maintain a consistent user experience, the tweet will show only first 140 characters… and if there is more, a “read more” button will appear allowing the user to view any extended content.

On one hand, the shift may be a welcomed move to anyone that struggles to stick to a 140 cap when trying to express an idea or opinion, and may favour a more carefree, and lengthy form of expression, like updating your status on other popular networks such as Facebook and LinkedIn. But by doing so, will Twitter lose what sets it apart from these platforms – a quick to read and concise channel we’ve grown to love?

Here are just a few reactions to #Twitter10k:

Dear Twitter, From 140 to 10,000 characters… #Twitter10k pic.twitter.com/Q3Ro7EYWxK

— al•che•MEL•ist (@itsRamel) January 6, 2016

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— Kaleb Nation (@KalebNation) January 6, 2016

The beauty of Twitter is you HAVE to be short, sweet and to the point. You can't add fluff wherever you want, like on Facebook. #Twitter10k

— Kaeley Scruggs (@KaeleyScruggs) January 6, 2016

https://twitter.com/graemeknows/status/684843720110374912

a "read more" button might work. more concerned that Twitter management doesn't understand Twitter #dontcopyfacebook https://t.co/xIPzAwF60S

— Warren Whitlock (@WarrenWhitlock) January 6, 2016

Are there any positives to such drastic move?

Despite such strong and emotional reactions from fellow loyal tweeps, we do foresee some positives.

• More characters mean more data and richer insight into your target audience, allowing you to create and serve content that’s relevant
• Improved customer relations via Twitter as a result of being able to effectively articulate a solution to a query or complaint

However, it is the 140 character limit that is Twitter’s main USP. By extending the character limit of tweets, the user experience will become little different to the likes of Facebook or Tumblr. Gauging from the scathing reactions on the internet, many Twitter users will be turned-off by streams of long-winded posts… after all, “ain’t nobody got time for that”.

What are your thoughts on Twitter’s controversial plans for a 10,000-character limit?