Twitter has confirmed that the platform is launching a feature for its web client that will retain the timeline users were using during their last login session. It will be set to default when they open the platform the next time.
Quick Facts
- Twitter’s new feature sets users’ last observed timeline to default the next time they open the site on the web
- If a user closes Twitter on the ‘For You’ or ‘Following’ tabs, they will return to whichever timeline they had open last,” the company said in a tweet
- It will be rolled out on iOS and Android shortly
“Were any of you (all of you) asking for your timeline to default to where you left it last? Starting today on the web, if you close Twitter on the ‘For you’ or ‘Following’ tabs, you will return to whichever timeline you had open last,” the company shared in a tweet.
The Elon Musk-owned site confirmed that the feature will be out for iPhones and Android smartphones soon. The “For You” tab, however, will be set as a user’s preferred timeline on Twitter for the web.
Earlier this month, Twitter announced that the ‘Home’ and ‘Latest’ tabs will be replaced by “For you” and “Following” tabs on iOS. The company posted a tweet from its @TwitterSupport account.
“See the Tweets you want to see. Starting today on iOS, swipe between tabs to see Tweets recommended ‘For you’ or Tweets from the accounts you’re ‘Following’.”
In addition, Twitter also mentioned that the newly introduced tabs will be repositioned to the top of the user timeline to allow an easy switch between them. Users can swipe to alter the timeline instead of clicking on the star icon.
Later, the company launched “For You” and “Following” on the web version.
Twitter launches new feature for users who prefer Following over For You
When Twitter announced its timeline changes earlier this month, some users were outraged. The platform replaced “Home” and “Latest” with “Following” and “For You” tabs which were understood as the site prioritizing the algorithmic timeline over the chronological one.
“For You” timeline features random posts users may like. These recommended posts are not from a user’s “Following” list, similar to the same feature on TikTok. In order to honor the interests of users who prefer the chronological timeline, Twitter has introduced a way for them to avoid “For You.”
Twitter is updating its web and mobile apps to default to the timeline tab which was last open. If you close the app after taking a look at the chronological Following tab, the app will retain it when you come back.
The tab default has rolled out for the web but is still “coming soon” to the Android and iOS apps. It is to be noted that the app won’t bring back the “twinkle” button that saved space.
However, users can stick to their preferred timeline and the feature could be particularly useful if a user desires to keep tabs on time-sensitive events. A good portion of Twitter users are on the platform for the same reason and they prefer to keep the chronological timeline set to default.
What is the difference between Following and For You tabs?
For You is an algorithmically generated timeline that features tweets based on user preferences and conversations Twitter thinks are cut out for you.
Although the feature can bring up older posts you might have missed, it also pushes down older content from users and makes it harder to follow live events.
On the other hand, Following displays posts in chronological order. You can view tweets shared by people you follow in this timeline. Although Twitter was hell-bent on popularising its algorithmic feed, it tweaked the feature in response to the backlash the platform has received over the months.
It has been persistently criticized for its new approach to clients under Elon Musk’s guidance. The social platform has blocked third-party clients, forcing developers to liquefy popular apps and seek a new life at rival platforms like Mastodon.
These apps have frequently given more control to users over their timeline view and helped them combat problems faced on Twitter. Although Twitter’s new change in its timeline won’t satisfy its users, it could tone down the backlash received.
Twitter FAQ
Does For You tweets have the same options as Following?
Yes, you can reply, Retweet, or like a Tweet from within For you.
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