Understanding Twitter's Disappearing Tweets: Fleets

In November 2020, the social media platform Twitter introduced a new feature globally. This feature allowed users to share content that would automatically vanish after a period of 24 hours. This concept of temporary content is often seen on other social media platforms as well.

The question asks for the specific name Twitter gave to these tweets that disappear after 24 hours.

Let's look at the options provided:

• fleets: This term was indeed used by Twitter for their disappearing posts feature.
• bleats: This word refers to the sound a sheep or goat makes. It is not related to Twitter features.
• meets: This word typically refers to gatherings or meetings. It is not related to Twitter features.
• greets: This word refers to saying hello or welcoming someone. It is not related to Twitter features.

Based on Twitter's announcement and the nature of the feature launched in November 2020, the correct term for these disappearing tweets was 'Fleets'. This feature was designed to provide users with a low-pressure way to share thoughts, photos, and videos that wouldn't remain permanently on their profile timeline.

Here is a summary of the feature:

Therefore, the tweets that disappear in 24 hours, launched globally by Twitter in November 2020, were called Fleets.

Revision Table: Twitter Fleets Summary

Additional Information on Twitter Fleets and Ephemeral Content

The introduction of Fleets by Twitter was part of a trend in social media towards ephemeral content – content that is only available for a limited time. This format was popularized by platforms like Snapchat and later adopted successfully by Instagram with their 'Stories' feature.

• Comparison to Stories: Twitter's Fleets were very similar in concept to Instagram Stories or Snapchat Stories. They appeared at the top of the feed and allowed quick, informal updates.
• Reasons for Launch: Twitter stated that Fleets were aimed at users who felt uncomfortable tweeting because they felt pressured to create permanent content. Fleets were intended to be a more casual way to share updates.
• Content Types: Users could share text-based Fleets, photos, videos, and even tweet shares within a Fleet.
• Discontinuation: Despite the initial launch, Twitter eventually decided to remove the Fleets feature. The company announced in July 2021 that Fleets would be discontinued from August 3, 2021, citing that the feature did not increase the number of people joining conversations on Twitter as hoped.

While Fleets had a relatively short lifespan on the platform, understanding this feature is important when studying the evolution of Twitter and social media trends in general, particularly concerning ephemeral content strategies.