What are Twitter protected tweets?
Chances are, at some point you’ve come across the following image on Twitter. What this means is that this Twitter user has turned on Twitter protected tweets.
In order to be able to view their tweets, you’ll need to request to follow them and have wait for them to accept you. Once they do, you’ll then be able to see their tweets. Sounds complicated doesn’t it? It is.
In fact, whenever I come across someone who uses Twitter protected tweets, I keep moving. That’s because to me, it shows they’re not active, they have something to hide, and they don’t value my time because they’ve made it so difficult to connect with them.
With so many barriers of entry just to see their tweets, why would I want to go through that much work just to follow someone? Sure, if you want to be on Twitter, but have this fear that someone can see your tweets and you don’t want to them to, then Twitter protected tweets are a great tool for you.
For the most part though, Twitter protected tweets, really don’t serve much purpose if you’re serious about using it as a social media tool to build and grow your online presence. Not only does it make Twitter frustrating to use if your tweets are protected, but there are a lot of other things you need to consider before turning on Twitter protected tweets as well – things that could stunt your growth on Twitter before you even begin to use it.
What happens when I protect my tweets?
Below is a list directly from Twitter on what happens when you protect your tweets – be sure you read this list, because when you protect your tweets, it’s not all good.
- People will have to request to follow you; each follow request will need approval.
- Your Tweets will only be visible to users you’ve approved.
- Other users will not be able to retweet your Tweets.
- Protected Tweets will not appear in Twitter search or Google search.
- @Replies you send to people who aren’t following you will not be seen by those users (because you have not given them permission to see your Tweets).
- You cannot share permanent links to your Tweets with anyone other than your approved followers.
Overall, those are some pretty big trade-offs for using Twitter protected tweets.
Like I said earlier, if you want to use Twitter protected tweets, you’re more than welcome to, but remember, when you protect your tweets, you are closing off any possibility of amplifying your tweets and getting them seen by other Twitter users, potential prospects, and new customers.
So when should I use them?
Personally, I don’t recommend using Twitter protected tweets EVER because the point of taking the time to sign-up for the site and to follow people is because you want to use it as a social media tool to help you grow your online presence, build engagement with other Twitter users, and get your content seen.
If you’re someone who is concerned about privacy, Twitter definitely isn’t the tool for you because your tweets are public and anyone can see them at any time – even without following you. Not to mention, there are a lot of alternatives to using Twitter protected tweets.
- If someone is bothering you on Twitter (read stalking you), instead of protecting your tweets, you may want to consider blocking them.
- If you want to send a private message, try using a direct message.
- If you want to read someone’s tweets without following them, setup a Twitter list.
Hopefully this now has you thinking about unprotecting your tweets. Sure, Twitter protected tweets sounded like a great idea at the time, but you’re missing out on so many opportunities when you protect your tweets.
Rather than protect your tweets, remember this – social media works when you’re natural. It is assumed that people are going to mix business and pleasure. Also, don’t worry if you think you’re tweeting too much. Everyone tweets (a lot).
If you’re still with me, I want to get your input on Twitter protected tweets.
How do you feel about users who protect their tweets on Twitter? Do you find yourself more or less likely to follow them? Leave a comment below or send me a tweet with your answer.