If you haven’t heard or seen already, Twitter layouts are changing. Users who have joined Twitter within the last month and prominent Twitter users, such as your favorite celebrities already have the new layout. The rest of us can either choose to “turn on” the new layout now, or wait for the permanent switch on May 28. So, what does the new layout mean to marketers?

Profile/Cover image:

Many who have seen the new Twitter layout may notice it looks very much like the current layout of another social media giant, Facebook. The new Twitter features a similar large cover photo along the top of a user’s profile, as well as increasing the profile picture size and moving it to the upper-left side of the screen.

(Left: old layout Right: new layout)

The dimensions of both photos will be increasing, meaning it is important that you take into consideration the quality and clarity of your current profile and cover photo. The new cover photo gives you 1500×500 pixels to show off a gorgeous image of your products or something related to your industry. Think of how beautiful a sweeping field photo would look here. You profile picture will also become more of a focal point and at 400×400 pixels will give a better display of your brand logo or any other relevant photo.

Enlarged Tweets:

Another feature in the new Twitter layout will be an enlarging of your most popular tweets, things other users have engaged through favorites, replies or retweets. This allows users to quickly see popular content while browsing your profile and hopefully continue to engage with these fan favorite tweets.

Pinned Tweets:

Just as Facebook allows you to pin a favorite post to the top of your profile, ensuring that it is the first thing your friends see, Twitter is also incorporating this feature. Launching a new product or service? Tweet about it and keep it pinned to the top of your profile. This would also be a great place to highlight achievements or even your most popular tweet.

Favorites:

Users will now be able to easily view which tweets your account has favorited by looking under the “favorites” tab under your cover photo. Trying to keep your personal account professional and appropriate? Be sure to check under this tab in the new layout and ensure you don’t have any inappropriate tweets from years past hiding in here.

Multimedia:

Twitter is also integrating photos and videos in a bigger way through the new layout. Now, any photos or videos that you have posted or retweeted will be collected under a “Photos/Videos” tab. Visitors to your profile will be able to easily scroll through a list of multimedia you have tweeted. This means that Twitter will become visually focused in a way very similar to Facebook. As we know, photos are the most popular posts on Facebook and if it isn’t already true, that statistic will likely carry over to Twitter as well. Be sure to capitalize on this in your upcoming social media strategy.

Now that you’ve learned all about what to expect from the new Twitter, make sure you are using it as effectively as possible. Click below to download our Social Media Scheduling Manager and start optimizing you content management today.