What Is Microblogging ?

Microblogging is a combination of blogging and instant messaging that allows users to create short messages to be posted and shared with an audience online. Social platforms like Twitter have become extremely popular forms of this new type of blogging, especially on the mobile web.

These short messages can come in the form of a variety of content formats including text, images, video, audio, and hyperlinks.

Popular Examples of Microblogging Platforms

1. Twitter 

Twitter is one of the oldest and most well-known social platforms to be put under the "microblogging" category. While the 280-character limit still exists today, you can now also share videos, articles links, photos, GIFs, sound clips, etc.

2. Tumblr 

Tumblr takes inspiration from Twitter but has fewer limitations and more features. You can certainly post a lengthy blog post if you want, but most users enjoy posting lots and lots of individual posts of visual content like photosets and GIFs.

3. Instagram 

Instagram is like a photo journal for wherever you go. Rather than uploading multiple photos to an album the way we used to do via the desktop web on Facebook or Flickr, Instagram lets you post one photo at a time to show where you are and what you're doing.

The Benefits of Microblogging Versus Traditional Blogging

1. Less Time Spent Developing Content 

It takes time to write a lengthy blog post. With microblogging, on the other hand, you can post something new that takes as little as a few seconds to write or develop.

2. Less Time Spent Consuming Individual Pieces of Content 

It's worth being able to quickly get the gist of the post in a short, straight to the point format without needing to read or watch something that takes too much time.

3. The Opportunity for More Frequent Posts 

Traditional blogging involves longer but less frequent posts while microblogging involves the opposite (shorter and more frequent posts). Since you're saving so much time by focusing on just posting short pieces, you can afford to post more frequently.

4. An Easier Way to Share Urgent or Time-Sensitive Information 

Most microblogging platforms have been designed to be easy and fast to use. With a simple tweet, Instagram photo, or Tumblr post, you can update everyone on what's going in your life or even in the news at this very moment.

5. An Easier, More Direct Way to Communicate With Followers 

You can also use microblogging platforms to easily encourage and facilitate more interaction by commenting, tweeting, reblogging, liking and more.

6. Mobile Convenience 

It's too hard to write, interact and consume lengthy blog posts on a smartphone or tablet. That's why microblogging goes hand in hand with this newer form of web browsing.

Edited by: 浪子

Bibliography

Daniel Nations. (2018). What Is Microblogging? Retrieved from 
https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-microblogging-3486200