Written By Twitter, once considered a vital platform for news publishers to reach audiences and break stories, is losing its appeal among major news outlets. In recent years, many publishers have shifted their focus to other social media platforms and digital channels, citing issues with Twitter’s algorithmic timeline and concerns about its ability to drive traffic and revenue.
For years, Twitter was seen as the go-to source for breaking news, with publishers rushing to tweet out stories and updates in real-time. The platform’s fast-paced, real-time nature made it ideal for sharing breaking news and updates on developing stories.
But in recent years, Twitter’s popularity among publishers has waned. According to a 2020 report by the Pew Research Center, just 16% of U.S. adults said they often get their news from Twitter, compared to 49% who get their news from social media giant Facebook.
One of the major issues with Twitter, according to publishers, is its algorithmic timeline. Unlike other social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, which show posts in chronological order, Twitter uses an algorithm to determine which tweets are shown to users. This has led to concerns among publishers that their content is not being seen by as many people as it should be.
Another issue is Twitter’s ability to drive traffic and revenue. While Twitter is still a popular platform for news consumption, it has struggled to monetize its platform in the same way that other social media giants have. This has led to concerns among publishers that their efforts on the platform are not resulting in significant traffic or revenue.
As a result, many publishers have shifted their focus to other social media platforms and digital channels, such as Facebook, Instagram, and their own websites. These platforms offer more opportunities for engagement and revenue generation, as well as more control over content distribution.
But for some publishers, the move away from Twitter has been a difficult one. “Twitter used to be our lifeblood,” said one newsroom editor in a recent interview. “It was where we went to break stories and connect with our audience. But now, it’s just not delivering the same results.”
Despite the challenges, some publishers continue to see value in Twitter as a platform for breaking news and engaging with audiences. “Twitter is still a great platform for breaking news and reaching audiences in real-time,” said another newsroom editor. “But we’re also exploring other platforms and channels to make sure we’re reaching as many people as possible.”
In response to the shift away from Twitter, the platform has made some changes to try and attract publishers back. In 2020, Twitter launched a dedicated News tab in the U.S. and Australia, which features curated news stories from major publishers. The platform has also introduced new features aimed at making it easier for publishers to share breaking news and engage with their audiences.
Despite these efforts, it remains to be seen whether Twitter will be able to win back the trust and attention of news publishers. As the media landscape continues to evolve, publishers will need to continually evaluate and adapt their strategies for reaching audiences and breaking stories in a fast-paced, digital world.
