Two new features now launching on Twitter: capture life as it happens with video and speak privately with a group: https://t.co/sdcnCW9t16

— Twitter (@Twitter) January 27, 2015

Two new Twitter features were rolled out today: group Direct Messaging and in-app video capture/upload. 

While many are thankful for the group messaging feature, it is the in-app video feature that I think is the win here. A win for sports journalists and their brethren. 

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WHAT IT MEANS FOR SPORTS

One of the biggest keys to Twitter’ growth has been its adoption by journalists. Sports journalists, especially. I’ve written on this before how I believe the secret to Twitter’s success has been because of sports. Live-tweeting of sporting events, press conferences or breaking news in a 140-character space has enabled Twitter to become a must-have news source in sports. 

With a 30-second native Twitter video, with ability to record and upload, the game has been changed in sports reporting. An ESPN reporter can record an in-game update with a tweet. A CBS Sports sideline reporter can do an additional report during commercial break of a college hoops game…with a simple tweet. No need to wait until the network is on air. The possibilities are endless. 

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But, just like the limit on characters in tweets, it will force said reporters to condense their words to fit within 30-seconds. 

The 140-character limit in a tweet has forced many to refine their writing skills. Make it quick, to-the-point and tweet it. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to re-type a tweet because it didn’t fit within 140 – that dreaded red color pops up in the numbers

That 140 limit makes you get to the point. 

Same with video. 

Is there a down-side? Yes. 

Just as has been the case with typed tweets in that errors have been made or outlandish rumors become “fact”, the same goes for video. Anybody can create a report, especially during a live-event. Non-sports live events will truly see a rise in citizen journalism. There are positives and negatives to that idea. A tragic event with citizen journalists reporting? The potential for misinformation is great. But,

The flip-side to that is reputable reporters can use the video to report breaking news with their own voice. How many times have respected media been fooled by a tweet from a fake account? A big trade in the NBA or NFL? Yeah, with video, reputable reporters can take care of that problem easily. Think no more adarnschefter tweets.

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FINAL THOUGHTS: Love this idea from Twitter. Keeping in mind the broadcasting rights during games (which is key), I love the idea of being able to provide an in-game update beyond 6 or 15 seconds. Hard to give the game details or an injury update in that short of time. 

Another benefit I see is for young sports journalists. Breaking into sports media is a challenge. Working within a sports department or interning is great, but what if a student isn’t able to or not at that level yet? This new video option allows them to do their own updates. They can practice giving updates from a live-event – which doesn’t have to be from one of the major sports. It enables them to rehearse a 30-second update like you hear on tv or radio. For young sports journalists, this update can be empowering.

I’m not so sure about the group DMs for one point only: the beauty of Twitter for fans is access to sports journalists, getting that behind-the-curtain interaction with them directly or seeing the conversations between them. In the early days of Twitter, I felt empowered to know what media were discussing with each other on a topic. Now, with this DM feature, if sports journalists want to talk with each other privately between three or more of them, they can do that. It might seem like a minute detail to some, but it’s about information and access for fans.

Would love to know your thoughts. Let me know in the comments below.

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CadChica Sports