A new feature on Twitter is being tested which lets users record voice clips to publish as tweets.
Voice tweets join the many existing ways in which users can communicate on Twitter includingphotos, videos, GIFs, and plain text.
“Over the years, photos, videos, gifs, and extra characters have allowed you to add your own flair and personality to your conversations. But sometimes 280 characters aren’t enough and some conversational nuances are lost in translation.
So starting today, we’re testing a new feature that will add a more human touch to the way we use Twitter – your very own voice.”
Right now, the ability to create voice tweets is only available to a limited group of people on Twitter for iOS. But every on on iOS should have access to voice tweets in the coming weeks. Everyone will be able to see voice tweets in their feeds, as well as listen to them.
In order to compose a voice tweet, it is similar to any other type of tweet. Open up the tweet composer and look for the new voice icon, and resembles audio wavelengths.
Once you’ve tapped the voice icon, you’ll notice your profile photo with the record button at the bottom will appear.
With voice tweets, you can capture 140 seconds of audio in a single tweet. If you want to go longer, keep talking and the additional audio will be connected in a thread of multiple tweets.
Once the voice tweet is published, people will be able to see them in their feed amongst other tweets.
Listening to a voice tweet is just as easy. Just tap the image with the person’s profile photo.
Tweets will play in a new window that stays docked at the bottom of the screen, so users can listen while continuing to scroll through their feed.
“There’s a lot that can be left unsaid or uninterpreted using text, so we hope voice Tweeting will create a more human experience for listeners and storytellers alike.
Whether it’s #storytime about your encounter with wild geese in your neighborhood, a journalist sharing breaking news, or a first-hand account from a protest, we hope voice Tweeting gives you the ability to share your perspectives quickly and easily with your voice.”
Right now, voice tweets can’t record their voice and publish it as a reply or a retweet with comment. Voice tweets are limited to original tweets only.