• #OnlyOnTwitter: Mr. Paul Goes to Washington and the Senate filibuster

    Thursday, March 07, 2013

    In a modern-day “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” moment, Senator Rand Paul (filibuster to debate the Obama Administration’s drone policy prior to a vote on the White House’s nomination for CIA director.

    The day began around 11:47am EST:

    As the hours passed, conversation on Twitter continued to grow. Supporters tweeted with #standwithrand, while others joined the conversation with creative hashtags like #filiblizzard and #paulnighter. Over a million Tweets were sent yesterday about the filibuster.

    Senate rules do not permit carrying of digital devices while in the chamber, so Paul’s colleague Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) joined him on the floor to note that “the Twitterverse is blowing up” and read aloud (printed!) Tweets of support:

    During the night, Senators and even House members headed to the Senate to witness the filibuster and tweet to constituents to explain the process.

    Then 12 hours, 52 minutes and 11 seconds after Paul first stood up, the filibuster came to a close:

    As the long day ended, an intern caught Sen. Paul exiting the Capitol in the wee hours:

    Posted by Bridget Coyne (@bcoyne)
    Government Team

    Posted by @ at 12:40 PM

  • Mobile app updates: Enhancements to search, web browsing and more

    Wednesday, March 06, 2013

    Today we’re updating our iOS and Android apps along with mobile.twitter.com to make it easier and faster to find and see content on Twitter.

    We recently introduced the ability to see older Tweets in search results. Now when you search for important Twitter moments, you may see a Top Tweet separate from the rest of the results. This Tweet is the best match for your query based on relevance and engagement. To see additional Tweets from this time period, tap on “View more from this time.” Try searching for “four more years” or “deep challenge” on your phone to see an example.


    We’re also introducing a couple features specifically on Twitter for iPhone and Twitter for iPad.

    • Tweets and web browsing: When you open a link from a Tweet in your timeline, you’ll see that Tweet displayed at the bottom of the app’s built-in web browser. This provides additional context to the page you’re viewing, and makes it easy for you to retweet, favorite or reply to the Tweet as you’re reading an article or watching a video. If you don’t want to see the Tweet, simply tap the page and the Tweet will slide away from view. By pulling up or down on the tray icon, the Tweet will appear or disappear from view.
    • Autocomplete: We’ve improved autocomplete suggestions so that when you search on Twitter or you’re composing a Tweet, you’ll see more hashtag, topic and username suggestions as you type. Additionally, autocomplete suggestions for topic searches will be updated more frequently and feel real-time.

    You can download this update from the Google Play.

    Posted by Nick Takayama (@ntakayama)

    Software Engineer

    Posted by @ at 12:04 PM

  • This Week on Twitter - 4 March

    Monday, March 04, 2013

    On most Mondays, we post “This week on Twitter” to alert you to key things happening in the coming week. Whether it’s a live chat with the cast of your favorite TV show, a Q&A with a political candidate or a pro sports team Tweepstakes, keep current about can’t-miss moments on Twitter in the week ahead. - Ed.

    Monday, Mar. 4-10
    In honor of National Poetry Month, the New York Public Library is hosting a National Poetry Contest on Twitter. Aspiring poets are encouraged to submit three poetic Tweets about libraries, books, reading or New York City. Learn more and register online, here.
    Follow: New York Public Library (@NYPL)
    Monday, Mar. 4; 8:00 p.m. ET
    Fans of ABC’s hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” will be able to submit questions and receive real-time responses (East Coast only) from the Bachelor himself, Sean Lowe.
    "The Bachelor" (@BachelorABC), #TheBachelor
    Follow: Sean Lowe (@SeanLowe09)
    Tuesday, Mar. 5; 12:30 p.m. ET
    Stars Kristoff St. John and Angell Conwell will be live tweeting (East Coast only) during "The Young and the Restless" using the hashtag #AskYR.
    "The Young and the Restless" (@YandR_CBS), #AskYR
    Follow: Kristoff St. John (@AngellConwell)
    Tuesday, Mar. 5; 7:00 p.m. ET
    Bonnie Somerville will be live tweeting (East Coast only) during "Golden Boy".
    "Golden Boy" (@GoldenBoyCBS), #GoldenBoy
    Follow: Bonnie Somerville (@BonSomerville)

    Wednesday, Mar. 6; 3:15 p.m. ET
    "The Talk" co-host Sheryl Underwood will host a live (East Coast only) post-show Twitter chat using the hashtag #TalkLiveChat.
    "The Talk" (@TheTalk_CBS), #TalkLiveChat
    Follow: Sheryl Underwood (@sherylunderwood)

    Sunday, Mar. 10; 8:00 p.m. ET
    Phil Keoghan will be live-tweeting (East Coast only) this Sunday’s episode of "The Amazing Race" using the hashtag #AmazingRace.
    "The Amazing Race" (@AmazingRace_CBS), #AmazingRace
    Follow: Phil Keoghan (@PhilKeoghan)
    Check back next week for more!

    Posted by Alexandra Valasek (@AlzValz)
    Communications

    Posted by @ at 5:00 AM

  • An update to Twitter for Windows Phone

    Tuesday, February 26, 2013


    Today we're introducing a new version of Twitter for Windows Phone. In addition to a new design, which brings the app in line with other Twitter apps, this update includes several features that make it easier for you to discover and share the content that matters to you.

    New navigation. Four new tabs – Home, Connect, Discover and Me – bring you closer to the things you care about.
    • Home: View Tweets from the accounts you follow; tap a Tweet to expand it and see more content, such as photos, videos and website summaries
    • Connect: Keep up with your mentions; see who has followed you or retweeted or favorited one of your Tweets
    • Discover: See trends, and find new content on Twitter –– browse categories, find friends on Twitter and see suggestions for accounts to follow
    • Me: Read and respond to your direct messages; see your lists, favorites and more; view and update your profile

    Tweet and search icons. Compose a Tweet or search from anywhere in the app, using the new icon buttons in the Application Bar.

    Live tiles. Pin Twitter accounts, lists and searches to your start screen, giving you quick access to some of your favorite Twitter content.

    Get it now to experience the best Twitter app yet on your Windows Phone.

    Posted by Charles Wu - @ccwu
    Program Manager, Mobile

    Posted by @ at 8:55 AM

  • Twitter for Firefox OS

    Monday, February 25, 2013

    Yesterday at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Mozilla announced that Twitter for Firefox OS will be available in the Firefox Marketplace.

    Similar to our other mobile apps, Twitter for Firefox OS has a rich interface, featuring the Home, Connect, Discover and Me tabs, as well as the search and compose Tweet icons, so you can easily find and send Tweets from anywhere in the app.


    We've also implemented support for a feature unique to Firefox OS: Web Activities. This lets you tweet photos directly out of any app that also supports web activities such as the built-in photos app.

    We're excited about the future of Firefox OS, and look forward to phones shipping with support for our new Twitter app.

    Posted by Manuel Deschamps (@manuel)
    Staff Engineer

    Posted by @ at 5:19 PM

  • A look back at the Oscars

    Sunday, February 24, 2013

    Tonight was Hollywood’s biggest night for celebrating film, and Twitter hosted a global Oscars party. Whether you were cheering on your favorite nominees or just checking out behind the scenes pictures, Twitter united the audience at home with attendees at the show, bringing them closer to the glitz and glam.

    All in all, there were 8.9 million Tweets about the 85th Academy Awards: 2.1 million during the red carpet, and 6.8 million during the awards show. People at home (and in the audience) tweeted as the night’s most exciting and entertaining moments unfolded. The events that drove the most conversation on Twitter this evening, based on tweets per minute, were:

    Best Picture award for Argo: 85,300 TPM
    Adele performs “Skyfall”: 82,300 TPM
    Best Actress in a Leading Role for Jennifer Lawrence: 71,600 TPM
    Best Original Song for Adele: 64,000 TPM
    Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Anne Hathaway: 60,400 TPM

    For many, the Oscars aren’t just about film; they’re about fashion. And people on Twitter are quick to share their picks for best (and worst) dressed of the evening. Celebrities at the show and at home tweeted their favorite looks of the night.


    As the winners accepted awards, celebrities both at the show and at home tweeted messages of congratulations and to their fellow nominees, co-stars, and industry peers.


    Stars love giving folks a glimpse into their world, especially when they’re at an event like the Oscars. Twitter was like a backstage pass for folks watching at home who wanted an inside peek of the night.


    Even though the Oscars are over, you can connect with your favorite film stars through Twitter all year. Follow @TwitterMovies for access to Hollywood’s brightest stars.

    Posted by Fred Graver (@fredgraver)
    Twitter TV

    Posted by @ at 10:59 PM

  • Watch the #Oscars with the stars

    Friday, February 22, 2013

    Just like the movies that the awards celebrate, the Oscars show always delivers a mix of drama and comedy, suspense and surprises, and tears and cheers. As the audience in the Dolby Theatre claps, laughs, and cries, so do the viewers at home. Watching along with Twitter, you can have the best of both worlds: get insider access from stars who know the Oscars best, and join fellow film fans in a global viewing party.

    From the red carpet to the Dolby Theatre to their own couches at home, this year’s live-tweeting cast includes:

    Attendees: 
    Helen Hunt, @HelenHunt (Nominee, Actress in a Supporting Role)
    Kristen Chenoweth, @KChenoweth (Oscars pre-show co-host; performing at the Oscars)
    Nina Garcia, @NinaGarcia (Marie Claire creative director, "Project Runway" judge)
    Louise Roe, @louiseroe (Host, "Fashion Star" / NBC)
    Krista Smith, @KristaSmith (Vanity Fair west coast editor)

    Couch commentators: 
    Katie Couric, @katiecouric (Talk show host, “The Katie Show”)
    Carl Reiner, @carlreiner (Actor, writer, producer, author... legend)
    Dick Van Dyke, @iammrvandy (Actor, writer, producer, director, acapella aficionado... legend)
    Evangeline Lily, @evangelinelily (Actress)
    Katie Q Lowes, @KatieQLowes (Actress, “Scandal” / ABC)
    Arlene Silver, @speakyteeth (Make-up artist, Mrs. Dick Van Dyke)
    Mary Alice Haney, @maryalicehaney (Fashion stylist + editor, Host of “Closet Confidential” / Style)
    Matt Roller, @rolldiggity (Writer, comedian)
    Erik Griffin, @erikgriffin (Actor, “Workaholics” / Comedy Central)
    Heidi Klum, @heidiklum (Model, "Project Runway" host, designer)

    For truly insider access, you’ll also want to keep an eye on a few other accounts. Host Seth MacFarlane (@TheAcademy.

    To follow all these amazing accounts in one place, @ABCNetwork’s Twitter buzz page. With the Oscars just two days away, red carpets are being rolled out, gowns are being fitted, and speeches are being rehearsed.

    Here are some sneak previews and perspectives from nominees (or stars of nominated films), in case you need any more reasons to get excited for the #Oscars:








    The #Oscars will air on Sunday (Feb. 24) at 8pm ET / 5pm PT on ABC.

    Posted by Kate Bowen (@kateb)
    TV Partnerships

    Posted by @ at 10:00 AM

  • Premio Lo Nuestro take center stage

    Thursday, February 21, 2013

    Awards season is in full swing, and tonight’s big show is all about celebrating the best in Latin music. The 25th annual Premio Lo Nuestro music awards show will air on Univision at 8pm ET/ PT; the red-carpet kickoff, La Noche De Estrellas, starts one hour earlier at 7pm ET/ PT. Tune in to Twitter for both, and you won’t miss a beat.

    Social media host @AmeliaVega will be with you on Twitter, reporting live to connect you with your favorite celebrities and backstage moments throughout the show.

    Here are the best hashtags for joining the Twitter conversations:

    #Moda25
    Starting on the red carpet, fans can pick their top celebrity fashion moments and interact with their favorite stars via Tweets. By tweeting a star’s name or Twitter handle with the hashtag #Moda25 you can send your vote. Then tune in to see which look will steal the show.

    #PLN25 
    As your favorite stars work the red carpet, Tweet your comments and questions with #PLN25. Your Tweet could make it to the big screen to be broadcast to the world during the show.

    #JenniAplauso 
    On a more somber note, Premio Lo Nuestro will honor the legacy of the late star Jenni Rivera. Using Twitter, fans can join a moment of applause in her memory. Via Thunderclap, you can participate in a moment of virtual applause for La Diva De La Banda and share your Tweets with fans around the world.

    Here’s a taste of tonight’s fun:
    As rehearsals are underway and the nominees prepare to find out the results, stars and performers are already sharing their excitement for the show:

    TV host and actress Chiquinquira Delgado (@Chiqui_delgado) is pumped for tonight’s festivities, sampling which dress she’ll wear on the red carpet.
    Check out the pop duo Chino & Nacho (@ChinoyNacho) backstage rehearsing for the big night:
    @PremioLoNuestro is already tweeting from behind-the-scenes:

    Don’t miss a moment of the action backstage, and follow @PremioLoNuestro for all-star access when you tune in tonight.

    Posted by Grace Chu Lee (@gracelee)
    TV Partnerships

    Posted by @ at 11:28 AM

  • Introducing DMARC for Twitter.com emails

    We send out lots of emails every day to our users letting them know what’s happening on Twitter. But there’s no shortage of bad actors sending emails that appear to come from a Twitter.com address in order to trick you into giving away key details about your Twitter account, or other personal information, commonly called “phishing”.

    Earlier this month, we began using a new technology called DMARC that makes it extremely unlikely that most of our users will see any email pretending to be from a Twitter.com address. DMARC is a relatively new security protocol created by a group of organizations to help reduce the potential for email-based abuse.

    Without getting too technical, DMARC solves a couple of long-standing operational, deployment, and reporting issues related to email authentication protocols. It builds on established authentication protocols (DKIM and SPF) to give email providers a way to block email from forged domains popping up in inboxes. And that in turn lessens the risk users face of mistakenly giving away personal information. If you’re interested in a more technical explanation, you’ll find it here.

    While this protocol is young, it has already gained significant traction in the email community with all four major email providers – AOL, Gmail, Hotmail/Outlook, and Yahoo! Mail – already on board, rejecting forged emails. We hope to see it gain more coverage for our users as even more email providers adopt it, and that it gives you more peace of mind when you get an email from us.

    Posted by Josh Aberant - @jaberant
    Twitter Postmaster

    Posted by @ at 9:00 AM

  • A friendly reminder about password security

    Tuesday, February 19, 2013

    Over the past couple of days, there's been a fair amount of conversation about account security on Twitter. We thought we'd take advantage of this moment to remind you of best practices around passwords – both on Twitter and on the Internet generally.

    • Use a strong password. Your password should be at least 10 characters that include upper and lower case characters, numbers, and symbols. You should always use a unique password for each website you use; that way, if one account gets compromised, the rest are safe. 
    • Watch out for suspicious links, and always make sure you’re on Twitter.com before you enter your login information. Be cautious when clicking on links in Direct Messages. Whenever you are prompted to enter your Twitter password, just take a quick look at the URL and make sure you're actually on Twitter.com. Phishing websites will often look just like Twitter's login page, but will actually be for destinations other than Twitter. If ever in doubt, just go directly to twitter.com in your browser. 
    •  Don't give your username and password out to unknown third parties, especially those promising to get you followers or make you money. When you give your username and password to someone else, they get complete control of your account and can lock you out of your account or take actions that cause your account to be suspended. Be wary of any application that promises to make you money or get you followers. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! 
    • Make sure your computer and operating system is up to date with the most recent patches, upgrades, and anti-virus software. Keep your browser and operating system updated with the most current versions and patches; patches are often released to address particular security threats. 

    We offer more detailed advice in our Help Center.

    Posted by Bob Lord (@boblord)
    Director of Information Security

    Posted by @ at 3:15 PM