ARSocial media is an area that is always looking to bring more engagement towards its users. This could be in the way we connect with each other or how our content is shared across platforms. In the last couple of years Twitter has brought out a feature called Twitter Spaces that allows users to have live conversations with an audience. Find out what Twitter Spaces is, how it can be used as well as some considerations around staying safe when using it.
What is Twitter Spaces?
Twitter Spaces is available on IOS, Android and from website browsers. The feature allows users to create ‘spaces’ to start audio conversations with the public. If someone hosted a space, followers, as well as other members of the public would be able to join in and listen to the host as well as request permission to speak and join in the discussion.
As a Twitter space is not just reserved for followers, access to a space is a lot more public with users being able to share out links and connect with others, even if they don’t have a Twitter account. If someone is hosting a space, they are also able to invite other users to speak and join them as a co-host if they wish; broadening the discussion and opening up more opportunities to engage with the audience.
Hosts are also able to record the space if they wish, which can be made available immediately after the space finishes. A more recent feature allows hosts and listeners to clip a 30-second section of the space and share it out separately via a tweet, but the host can disable this feature if not wanted.
To find out how to setup a space read this informative article from the Twitter help centre.
Blocking and Reporting
Due to the more public visibility that Twitter Spaces offers, it can potentially open up more opportunities for online harm. In response, Twitter has included some reporting and blocking features available to the host as well the listeners.
If you are hosting a Twitter Space and have concerns around a particular listener, you can remove them from the space, block or report them. As hosts have control over who speaks, no one without permission should be able to talk within the group. If there are concerns around speakers, the hosts are able to mute them from their device.
If a Space is appearing particularly harmful or offensive, listeners are also able to report it if they feel it is violating Twitter’s community guidelines. To find out more about how to report profiles and spaces, take a look on the Twitter help centre
Considerations for Twitter Spaces
Twitter Spaces is an innovative step to bring audio conversations into the social media platform. For those who are looking to spread positive awareness, host informative discussions and connect with their audience, it is an accessible feature that can be used for many positive things.
Due to the wider access it provides, those who are hosting must be aware of the scale that a Twitter Space can go to, potentially reaching and accommodating people who you may not know. Ensure that reporting and blocking features are utilised to their fullest and do not be pressured into giving speaking permissions to those who you do not feel comfortable with.
Ensure that your Twitter Space is a place of positivity and not a place to spread harm towards others. If you are hosting or listening to a Twitter Space and feel uncomfortable, always feel confident to leave the space and make any necessary reports. If you want to find out more about how to stay safe on Twitter, make sure you download our checklist.
