Which Side of the Twitter Algorithm Debate Are You On? Twitter CFO Anthony Noto’s recent mention of platform changes that could take hold in 2015 has many users concerned about the integrity of the channel we know and love.“Twitter’s timeline is organized in reverse chronological order, a delivery system that has not changed since the product was created eight years ago and one that some early adopters consider sacred to the core Twitter experience,” Noto said, adding that it “isn’t the most relevant experience for a user.” Timely tweets can get buried at the bottom of the feed if the user doesn’t have the app open, for example. “Putting that content in front of the person at that moment in time is a way to organize that content better.”Social media managers and brands are still reeling from recent restrictions on the Facebook platform, forcing page and post likes to plummet and paid media to become the only guaranteed solution for content exposure. So when the concept was mentioned by Twitter’s CFO, brands and social media managers needed only 4 letters to express their feelings. They aren’t the only ones worried about an algorithm however, Twitter fanatics have been up in arms tweeting their own 140 character fears.Why add an algorithm at all?Sides are polarized when it comes to Twitter’s newsfeed. An algorithm would allow Twitter to serve its users more tailored and relevant content. Facebook has been cracking down on their algorithm and receiving mixed reviews along the way -- this could be dangerous territory for Twitter to slip into.What would a Twitter algorithm look like? We can’t know for sure, as there are endless potential solutions but here are some characteristics the algorithm would likely possess:Say goodbye to real timeMany Twitter users agree that the platform’s cornerstone is its ability to convey real-time news. Twitter has uncovered some of the year’s largest news stories, purely by being unfiltered real-time content. If this algorithm was in place a month ago many people would only know about the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, never reading about the Ferguson, MO riots.Data who?Although Twitter has made strides in data collection over the last few years, there is no denying that its personally identifiable data comes nowhere close to that of Facebook. That fact alone begs the question, does Twitter know enough about you to serve up only content that you want to see?Pay to playBrands may be forced to pony up to ensure their content is seen by fans. Twitter is a business run off of advertising and an algorithm that delivers specialized content can be very valuable.If not an algorithm, then what?It’s not too late, Twitter could always scrap the algorithm idea. What features would I like to see if this is the case?Highlight the mute buttonThere is no denying that there is a high level of noise on Twitter. To address this issue, Twitter has put the power of filtering in the users’ hands, letting them quiet down those who they deem to be too loud. This function could be improved upon by placing the more prominently in the user experience.TutorialsMany new users gripe about the lack of explanation on the platform, causing interest levels to trail off as many, “just don’t get it.” Offering clear and step-by-step tutorials could curb new fan drop off.With this algorithm line being drawn in the sand, what side are you on?
Posted on: Fri, 17 Oct 2014 11:27:56 +0000
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