Last week, word went around the internet that Twitter had plans to remove it’s 140 character limit. As can be expected, the internet had a lot of feelings about this, as did the team here at Wolf HQ.

Since it launched in 2006, Twitter has essentially led the way in ‘microblogging’, with 140 characters not only creating a sleek and uncluttered newsfeed but also a way for people to be clever with their updates. Obviously Twitter, like every other social media platform, has made a lot of changes over the past nine years, most recently they removed the 140 character limit for Direct Messages. This one went down well with little to no complaint as it made it possible for users to have private conversations without restrictions (except we still can’t use GIFs in Direct Messages *rolls eyes*). Making this a standard for the public facing timeline, however, is completely different.

Just to be sure that this wasn’t just a Twitter fiend’s bias opinion, I did a quick shout out in the office to find out other people’s views on this potential update.

Tara: Twitter user since 2009, 1,898 followers, 41K Tweets sent

“Getting rid of the 140 character limit kind of defeats the purpose of Twitter, I think it would be chaos. It’ll lead  to messy newsfeeds and people will probably just go back to Facebook. No one wants that.

AJ: Twitter user since 2011, 1,126 followers, 8,214 Tweets sent

” 140 characters is what makes Twitter different. Personally I get annoyed with the bulkiness of platforms like Facebook and the frequent, ridiculously long and personal updates. I worry that Twitter will just become another Facebook and I don’t think I would use it as much as I do now and I’m on Twitter every day! 

As a blogger I get most of my engagement through Twitter and I like how I have a little ‘community’ on there which I worry will be lost.”

Ollie: Twitter user since 2011, 131 followers, 479 Tweets sent

“I first signed up to Twitter during the London Riots because I felt it was the only communication tool to track what was going on and find out where they were happening in real time. 

Because the content is so short, you can take in a lot more information than on another platform. If Twitter gets rid of the 140 character limit, I don’t think I would use it as much as I do even though I use it as a newsfeed rather than Tweeting”

Holly: Twitter user since 2012m 92 followers, 48 Tweets sent

“I don’t really Tweet, I use it to read mostly and keep up to date with things happening. What I like about Twitter is how it’s not like Facebook where you see those stupidly long, ranty updates that take up most of your newsfeed. The same thing will probably happen with Twitter and I don’t have time for that”.

After this brief piece of research, it turns out the ‘vote’ is unanimous. Wolf HQ agree that Twitter should keep their 140 character limit. There’s the general opinion that if they get rid of it not only will Twitter use it’s individuality but also because it’ll just become what is essentially Facebook Mark II. As the majority of us feel we may not use Twitter as much as we do now as a result of this potential change then there is the possibility that it could affect the platform’s userbase as a whole.

Here’s hoping Twitter listens to the masses.

What do you think about the possibility of Twitter getting rid of the 140 character limit?

Tweet us @WolfBExp and let us know!