[Twitter](https://doctorparadox.net/category/technology/twitter/), initially launched in 2006 by Jack Dorsey, Biz Stone, and Evan Williams, rapidly evolved from a simple social networking service into a global platform that has significantly impacted [media](https://doctorparadox.net/category/media/), [politics](https://doctorparadox.net/category/politics/), and social interactions. Known for its real-time communication capabilities, Twitter became the go-to platform for witnessing live events, fostering social movements like the Arab Spring, and engaging in public discourse. The introduction of features such as the "Like" button, Twitter Moments, and extended character limits has continually shaped the way users create and consume content, making Twitter a central figure in the digital age of [social media](https://doctorparadox.net/tag/social-media/). The timeline took a dramatic turn in October 2022 when South African tech billionaire [[Elon Musk]] acquired Twitter, rebranding it as X and setting off a series of sweeping changes aimed at transforming the platform into an "everything app." Under Musk's direction, Twitter saw the introduction of new monetization strategies, such as the revamped Twitter Blue subscription service, and controversial moves like charging for two-factor authentication and significantly altering content moderation practices. These changes reflect Musk's vision for Twitter not just as a [social media](https://doctorparadox.net/tag/social-media/) platform but as a comprehensive digital ecosystem, prompting discussions about the future of online platforms and their role in society. This timeline encapsulates the evolution of Twitter from its inception as a microblogging site to its current state under Musk's often contentious leadership and right-wing politics. # Mega Timeline [Month by month Twitter Timeline](https://doctorparadox.net/twitter-timeline/) # Micro Timeline | Year | Event | | ------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | 2006 | Twitter is launched on March 21 by Jack Dorsey, Biz Stone, and Evan Williams. | | 2007 | Twitter gains international attention during the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival. | | 2009 | Twitter is used as a crucial communication tool during the Iranian presidential election protests. | | 2010 | Twitter introduces "Promoted Tweets" to monetize the platform. | | 2011 | Twitter plays a key role in the Arab Spring. | | 2013 | Twitter goes public on November 7, trading under the ticker symbol "TWTR" on the New York Stock Exchange. | | 2015 | Twitter launches "Moments." | | 2016 | Twitter discontinues Vine and launches live video streaming. | | 2017 | The tweet character limit is doubled from 140 to 280 characters. | | 2018 | Twitter commits to curb misinformation by implementing measures to reduce fake news and malicious content. | | 2020 | Twitter labels tweets containing misinformation about COVID-19 and the U.S. presidential election. | | 2021 | Twitter launches "Twitter Spaces" for live audio conversations. | | 2022 | Twitter introduces a subscription service called Twitter Blue. | | October 2022 | Elon Musk officially acquires Twitter, rebranding it as X, and initiates major changes, including firing key executives. | | November 2022 | Musk relaunches Twitter Blue with new features and pricing; significant layoffs occur, particularly impacting misinformation management teams. | | December 2022 | Twitter relaunches Twitter Blue at $8/month with new features like Edit Tweet and 1080p video uploads. | | January 2023 | Twitter introduces pricing for organizational blue checks starting at $1,000/month. | | February 2023 | Twitter announces charges for two-factor authentication via text message. | | March 2023 | Musk discusses employing AI to combat sentiment manipulation on Twitter. | | April 2023 | Twitter merges with Musk’s firm X Corp and announces plans for an "everything app." | | May 2023 | Twitter starts allowing publishers to charge users on a per-article basis. | | June 2023 | Linda Yaccarino replaces Musk as the CEO of Twitter. |