Timeline of Twitter/X Milestones

From humble beginnings in 2006 to its transformation under Elon Musk, Twitter’s history is a fascinating journey of innovation, growth, and transformation. Here’s an in-depth look at Twitter’s most crucial milestones.

March 21, 2006:
Jack Dorsey sends the first tweet, “just setting up my twttr,” marking the birth of Twitter. Office Timeline.

July 15, 2006:
Twitter is officially launched to the public as a microblogging platform, developed by Jack Dorsey, Biz Stone, and Evan Williams. Zippia.

March 2007:
Twitter gains popularity at the SXSW (South by Southwest) festival, where the team sets up screens displaying live tweets, sparking public interest. History Timelines.

April 2007:
Twitter experiences rapid growth, with a 20,000% increase in monthly tweets, making it one of the fastest-growing social media platforms. Wikipedia.

October 2008:
Evan Williams takes over as CEO, and Twitter gains further traction as a go-to platform for real-time updates, especially for breaking news. History Timelines.

June 2009:
Twitter becomes a central platform for real-time coverage of significant events, such as the Iranian election protests, highlighting its role in global news. CNBC.

2010:
The hashtag becomes an official feature on Twitter, enabling easier organization of tweets and trends across the platform. Zippia.

December 2011:
Twitter introduces a new layout and its “Discover” feature, making it easier for users to find trending topics. Office Timeline.

November 2013:
Twitter goes public with its IPO at $26 per share, valuing the company at $14.2 billion. CNBC.

June 2015:
Jack Dorsey returns as CEO, initiating a series of changes to enhance user experience and platform stability. Zippia.

November 2017:
Twitter expands its character limit from 140 to 280, offering users more freedom to express themselves. History Timelines.

August 2018:
Twitter purges millions of suspicious and fake accounts in a move to improve platform integrity. Boston Digital.

April 2020:
Twitter sees a surge in use during the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming a primary source for information on the virus. Wikipedia.

January 2021:
Twitter permanently suspends the account of former U.S. President Donald Trump following the Capitol riot, sparking debates on censorship. CNBC.

October 2021:
Twitter launches Spaces, a feature allowing users to host live audio conversations, similar to Clubhouse. Boston Digital.

April 2022:
Elon Musk purchases a 9.2% stake in Twitter, initially joining the board before opting to acquire the entire company. Office Timeline.

October 27, 2022:
Elon Musk completes his $44 billion acquisition of Twitter, taking the company private. CNBC.

December 2022:
Twitter implements a paid verification system as part of Twitter Blue, allowing anyone to verify their account for a fee. Zippia.

2023:
Twitter undergoes a rebranding to “X,” signifying Musk’s vision for a multipurpose platform beyond social media. CNBC.

From its creation as a simple microblogging platform to its status as a central stage for global discourse, Twitter’s journey has been filled with evolution, disruption, and redefinition. As it continues under new ownership, Twitter’s legacy as a space for real-time interaction and free expression will remain a significant part of digital history.