Twitter to introduce 30-second video, group message features

New functionalities will let users upload 30-second non-looping videos, chat privately with multiple users

SAN FRANCISCO: Mobile video uploads and group direct messages are coming to Twitter, as the social network tries to counter competitors by expanding its features, the Guardian reported on Tuesday.

The new video functionality will let users upload 30-second non-looping videos, which can be played directly in their timelines. The company describes it as existing “alongside” rather than instead of Twitter-owned six-second video service Vine.

The group direct messaging feature will allow users to carry out private chats with multiple friends away from their public timelines. The change comes after other recent improvements to DM functionality, including the ability to send pictures.

In a blogpost announcing the changes, Twitter said: “We designed our camera to be simple to use so you can capture and share life’s most interesting moments as they happen.”

“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," it said. "Viewing and playing videos is just as simple: videos are previewed with a thumbnail and you can play them with just one tap.”