Twitter is finally trying to answer the question 'What is Twitter?'

twitter finally trying answer question word — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Twitter’s biggest challenge in all its IPO hoopla sounds relatively simple, but in fact has proved quite difficult: Explain itself. To you and me and everyone else who’s familiar with the huge, seemingly uncontrollable world of Twitter, there’s sense in the subtweets and hashtags and Internet-speak.

But to someone else – say, a Wall Street investor – who’s perhaps a little more old school media, it’s an indefinable website that can’t just be one thing. And so it’s confusing, and perhaps a gamble.

Twitter no longer has the luxury of being confusing. It’s a publicly traded company now and that means it should be easy to use, easy to understand, and easy to throw money at.

A video in which Twitter tries to help define itself has surfaced; the YouTube video was published back in February, but was unlisted so unless someone shared the URL itself with you, you wouldn’t have seen it. Last week, however, a new verified Twitter account, @TwitterGuide, popped up. The handle gives new users tips and explanations about the surface, and tweeted out the video.

Welcome! We’re glad you’re here. Twitter instantly connects you to a global conversation. Tap this tweet and watch! https://t.co/Z7mMSiUtEy

— The Twitter Guide (@TwitterGuide) November 13, 2013

A few of the ways Twitter explains itself:

It’s like a newspaper that automatically updates as news happens.
It gives you perspective and access you can’t find anywhere else.
You don’t have to read everything, just check when it’s convenient – like while you’re waiting in line for coffee.
In moments, Twitter can get you up to speed on everything that’s happening.

Watch the video below and see if you agree with this home-brewed definition of Twitter.

Twitter is finally trying to answer the question ‘What is Twitter?’

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