Twitter launches Snapchat-style camera that puts photos and videos front and center in the app
- Twitter has debuted a redesigned camera in its app for taking photos and videos
- Starting today, users can swipe left on their timeline to access the new camera
- It’s the first of many new changes coming to Twitter, such as redesigned replies
Annie Palmer For Dailymail.com
Twitter is making it easier to share photos and videos.
At the annual South by Southwest conference, the social media giant launched a new camera in its mobile app that’s designed so users can quickly post interactive content to their timeline.
It comes as Twitter has been testing a redesigned version of its app that features streamlined conversations and color-coded replies, while downplaying metrics around likes and retweets.
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![At the annual South by Southwest conference, Twitter launched a new camera in its mobile app that's designed so users can quickly post interactive content to their timeline](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.newsgroove.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Twitter-launches-Snapchat-style-camera-that-puts-photos-and-videos-front-and-center-in-the-app.jpg?media=1711065099)
At the annual South by Southwest conference, Twitter launched a new camera in its mobile app that’s designed so users can quickly post interactive content to their timeline
Users swipe left on their timeline to open the new camera, where they can shoot a quick photo or two-minute video by holding down on the circular button in the center of the screen.
The camera will open automatically to a rear-facing view, as Twitter wants to encourage users to shoot what’s around them.
A button located at the top right of the screen also lets users take selfies.
Another option, called Live, allows users to stream a live video to their followers on Periscope.
After capturing a photo, users can then overlay text on top of it, such as additional context or captions, as well as their location.
The caption, which Twitter has referred to as a chyron, will appear as a rounded text bubble and the color can be customized.
![](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.newsgroove.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/_750_Twitter-launches-Snapchat-style-camera-that-puts-photos-and-videos-front-and-center-in-the-app.jpg?media=1711065099)
![Users swipe left on their timeline to open the new camera, where they can shoot a quick photo or two-minute video by holding down on the circular button in the center of the screen](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.newsgroove.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/_188_Twitter-launches-Snapchat-style-camera-that-puts-photos-and-videos-front-and-center-in-the-app.jpg?media=1711065099)
Users swipe left on their timeline to open the new camera, where they can shoot a quick photo or two-minute video by holding down on the circular button in the center of the screen
![After capturing a photo, users can then overlay text on top of it, such as additional context or captions, as well as their location. The caption will appear as a rounded text bubble](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.newsgroove.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/_133_Twitter-launches-Snapchat-style-camera-that-puts-photos-and-videos-front-and-center-in-the-app.jpg?media=1711065099)
After capturing a photo, users can then overlay text on top of it, such as additional context or captions, as well as their location. The caption will appear as a rounded text bubble
The new camera design is similar to the quick-capture style of cameras on Snapchat or Instagram.
It’s rolling out to all users starting today, but users have to have the most up-to-date version of the Twitter app for it to appear.
The update is likely to be the first of many design changes to Twitter’s camera, according to Engadget.
It’s also one of many changes coming to the Twitter app overall.
Earlier this week, Twitter launched its prototype app ‘twttr’ for the first of several test groups.
When users download ‘twttr,’ they’ll be the first to try out new features and give feedback, which will be reviewed by Twitter and help them to decide whether to ship new features out to everyone.
![Twitter is inviting users to apply for a new testing programme to improve user experiences on the site. The social media platform will launch a new prototype app for select users with potential new features and feedback to the firm.](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.newsgroove.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/_265_Twitter-launches-Snapchat-style-camera-that-puts-photos-and-videos-front-and-center-in-the-app.jpg?media=1711065099)
![The new programme will include a new design for replies to tweets, such as a rounded, bubble-like look (pictured) to replies that make them appear similar to text messages on smartphones](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.newsgroove.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/_854_Twitter-launches-Snapchat-style-camera-that-puts-photos-and-videos-front-and-center-in-the-app.jpg?media=1711065099)
Twitter is inviting users to apply for a new testing programme to improve user experiences on the site. The social media platform will launch a new prototype app for select users with potential new features and feedback to the firm
The first tests will be focused on conversations and include new tools like chat bubbles and color-coded replies.
Screenshots of the first round of tests show that there’s a new format for replies.
Conversation bubbles have a more rounded shape, while replies are idented and color-coded between the original poster and other users so that they’re easier to follow along with.
Additionally, the number of likes and retweets, sharing options and other information is hidden in replies so that the thread appears less cluttered.
Other features that have been discussed for trials include status updates and icebreakers to encourage more conversations.