Twitter Tests Stories-Esque Self-Destructing ‘Fleets’

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There is no force in technology greater than FOMO: Twitter is the latest platform to dip its toe into ephemeral content.

The social network this week began testing Stories-esque “Fleets” in Brazil.

A new way to “have conversations initiated with your fleeting thoughts,” the unfortunately named feature allows users to post ideas and opinions that disappear after 24 hours.

No retweets, likes, or public comments allowed.

“In an initial survey, people told us that, once the Fleets are gone, they are more comfortable sharing … everyday thoughts,” product manager Mo Al Adham wrote in a translated blog entry.

Like tweets, Fleets are based primarily on text. But, like Instagram Stories, they can also include photos, videos, and GIFs. Users can reply to a Fleet by sending a direct message.

The copycat function displays posts atop the home page, providing easy access for followers.

“We hope that those people who are not usually comfortable with tweeting use Fleets to talk about the reflections that come to their head,” Al Adham said.

Based on a trial run in Brazil—”one of the countries where people talk the most on Twitter”—the company will decide whether to make this feature available to everyone.

Test drivers are encouraged to share their thoughts using the hashtag #FleetsFeedback.

I expect most commentary will relate to the regrettable title “Fleets,” which would be a terrible name even if it weren’t already a popular enema product.

LinkedIn, meanwhile, has taken a decidedly less controversial approach to Snapchat-style Stories.

On Monday, the site announced internal analysis of here-today-gone-tomorrow posts, in hopes of turning water-cooler moments into professional networking opportunities.

If all goes well, the tool will roll out to members “in the coming months.”

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