Twitter has formally launched its Twitter Circle feature, allowing users to send tweets to a select group of users.

The new feature will enable users to add up to 150 followers to a private ‘group’ where only selected friends or accounts will receive tweets.

According to Twitter, the Circle feature will help create safe spaces in which users feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and engaging with trusted peers.

Jay Sullivan, Twitter’s GM of consumer and revenue product said the move will help the firm “build a healthier, more enjoyable Twitter”.

“We want to help you break the ice, feel more comfortable Tweeting, and have a way to communicate more privately with your people,” Sullivan tweeted.

“Twitter Circle is a new feature that lets you Tweet to a smaller group. So you can share your thoughts about culture, sports, music, work – or personal updates – with a smaller list of people that you select, and not the whole world,” he added.

How does Twitter Circle work?

Circles can be created via the settings function and allows users to select up to 150 users.

Once the group has been created, users will then be met with an option to share tweets with their circle or their full followers’ list.

This means that potentially sensitive tweets can be posted to your selected audience while other generic posts can be broadcast to your entire followers’ list.

Tweets sent to a Circle will include a marker at the bottom of the post to notify those included in the group.

Notably, Twitter said users can adjust who is included in their Circle and remove or add users at any given time.

The social media firm also confirmed that “no one will be notified of any changes you make to your circle”.

Improving user experiences

The Circle feature was first rolled out in May this year as part of a trial scheme. Since its initial soft launch, Twitter said it has been highly popular among users participating in the trials.

Users involved in testing said the feature has created a more personalised experience on the platform and has helped them to feel more comfortable “tweeting and expressing themselves”.

Other users said Twitter Circle has eliminated the need for “alternative or secondary accounts” and has stopped them from frequently toggling between protected and public account settings.

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