Twitter introduces video uploads, group messaging

SINGAPORE — Twitter is going beyond 140 characters with its latest updates. As part of its newest features, you can shoot, edit and post 30-second clips directly on Twitter.

Multiple clips can be instantly shot, rearranged and spliced together with a drag-and-drop functionality. The videos can then be shared and played directly on users’ timelines. The function was introduced to the social media app today (Jan 27).

In a blogpost announcing the app updates, Twitter said: “In just a few taps you can add a video to unfolding conversations, share your perspective of a live event, and show your everyday moments instantly, without ever having to leave the app. Viewing and playing videos is just as simple: videos are previewed with a thumbnail and you can play them with just one tap.”

Photos: Twitter Inc

The video function is currently available on both iOS and Android, but only iPhone users will be able to upload videos from the camera roll. Twitter added the feature will be available on the Android app soon.

Direct messages (DMs) have also expanded, so you can now chat privately with a group of up to 20 people.

According to Twitter, the group function allows you to start conversations with any of your followers, “and they don’t all need to follow one another in order to chat”.

Twitter says it will be rolling out these features to all users “in the coming days”.