Twitter is a free online microblogging service that allows users to post statuses or updates no longer than 140 characters. These updates are known as "tweets". Users can follow other accounts, and other users can follow them. The following on Twitter doesn't have to be mutual, unlike being friends on Facebook.
History
Twitter was launched by Jack Dorsey in July of 2006. It rapidly gained users worldwide. Currently, it has over 300 millions accounts and generates over 300 million tweets per day. People often refer to Twitter as "the SMS of the Internet". [1]
The company that operates Twitter (Twitter Inc. is based in San Francisco. The word "twitter" was a perfect name for the site according to Dorsey. He explains that its definition is 'a short bust of inconsequential information' and 'chirps from birds'. [2]
Dorsey remained the chief executive officer of Twitter until October 16, 2008 when Evan Williams took over the CEO role, and Dorsey became chairman of the board. Williams stepped down as CEO 2 years later and Twitter's chief operating officer, Dick Costolo became the new (and current) CEO.
Now is when the rapid growth took place. It went from 400,000 tweets posted per quarter in 2007, to 100 million tweets posted per quarter in 2008, and by March 2010, users were sending 50 million tweets per day. [3]
The Twitter interface remained the same through much of this growth, but in late 2010, the company began rolling out a revamped Twitter. The new site now had the ability to see pictures and videos without leaving Twitter itself by supporting websites including YouTube and Flickr.
