Twitter is all about connections, so it makes sense that it should be easy for its users to find new people and accounts to connect with. That’s almost certainly why Twitter has recently introduced the Connect tab: a new feature designed to make it easier for people to find and connect with accounts that could be interesting and relevant to them.
Historically, finding new accounts to follow, in Twitter’s own self-mocking words, involved “jumping through a few hoops and a dash of luck.”
Now, though, Twitter users taking advantage of the official app on iOS and Android will find all their recommendations – which are based on a number of factors, including who they’re following already; tweets they’ve liked; accounts popular in their local area; current events occurring in the world; and more – all located on the new Connect tab.
Furthermore, as well as the recommendations there will be a short explanation as to why. For example, users will see headings like “Because you follow…” and then a list of recommendations.
The Connect tab also features the ability to sync an address book, which is nothing new in itself, but will nevertheless help people connect with more of their friends and family.
Meanwhile, “Trending Now” takes up the most prominent position at the top of the screen, and displays accounts that are currently newsworthy in the form of an automatically-updating banner.
This further aligns Twitter as a “News” app and not a “Social Network” – something which it has been trying to do and has seen it move under the “News” category in the iTunes App Store.
Twitter says that the Connect tab is just the start, and users can expect recommendations to improve even further going forward.
But what does it mean for businesses?
We’ll have to wait and see, but it could lead to greater exposure for business accounts; especially with the accounts in the local area recommendations feature.
