Twitter is currently testing the ability for users to limit who can reply to their tweets. The company announced that it is currently rolling out the feature to a small set of users and will likely offer it widely after the firm gathers feedback from the test group. The company mentioned that it was bringing such a feature back in January during CES.
The way that the feature works is that when users compose a tweet, they are presented with the option to select who they can let reply to the tweet. The options include everyone, only the user’s followers, or just the users mentioned in the Tweet. The limit on who replies does not affect who can see the tweet, as it will be available to all users. The restrictions to replies also do not impact likes and retweets.
Testing, testing...
— Twitter (@Twitter) May 20, 2020
A new way to have a convo with exactly who you want. We’re starting with a small % globally, so keep your 👀 out to see it in action. pic.twitter.com/pV53mvjAVT
Users that are part of the test should begin seeing the setting in the compose box on all platforms. Though minor, the ability to restrict tweet replies will help reduce abuse or offensive replies by unintended people. It can also help curb conversations to only the users that the author intended to have interactions with. The company has been taking more steps recently to curb misinformation, label manipulated content, and even warn users of offensive content.