Twitter’s new ‘fleets’ will disappear after 24 hours

Twitter said Tuesday, 17 November 2020 that it was rolling out tweets which disappear after 24 hours (known as “fleets”), joining rival social platforms in offering ephemeral messages.

‘Fleets’ on Twitter

The new “fleets” which had been tested in several countries in recent months are “for sharing momentary thoughts” and aim to bring in users who want to avoid having their comments become permanent fixtures, according to a Twitter blog post.

“Those new to Twitter found fleets to be an easier way to share what’s on their mind,” said product manager Sam Haveson and design director Joshua Harris in the blog post.

“Because they disappear from view after a day, fleets helped people feel more comfortable sharing personal and casual thoughts, opinions, and feelings.”

The move gives Twitter a new tool in competing with the likes of Snapchat, which made disappearing messages popular, and Facebook, which has also adopted the idea.