Reporting on deadline? Try direct messaging verified accounts on Twitter

por IJNet
Oct 30, 2018 en Digital Journalism

Though the Twitter guidebook for newsrooms was a johnny-come-lately on the breakneck social media scene, the change made by the microblogging service allowing direct messages to verified accounts is a boon for reporters.

Verified accounts belong to A-list celebrities, public figures, brands -- ranging from Ashton Kutcher, Presidents Obama and Medvedev, Paulo Coelho to Starbucks and the Red Cross.

Previously, to direct message these super users those accounts had to be following you.

Now, the microblogging service has opened up these accounts to receive direct messages (DMs), so if you're on deadline and need a quick comment or contact, this would be a great way to go.

To find verified accounts, try searching the suggested user list by topic, the first 20-30 are almost always verified. Verified accounts have a check mark symbol, called a "verified badge" next to the account name. Twitter uses it to establish authenticity of identities, limiting confusion by making it easier to identify authentic accounts on Twitter.

One count last year placed the verified Twitter users at 500, but the company has since closed the beta verification program.

Instant messaging will probably work better for business or political reporters -- Lady Gaga may stop reading the 140-character missives from her fans sooner rather than later. And verified accounts can also block DMs if they wish.

Via The Next Web