When Twitter was created in 2009, the premise was simple - 140 characters (20 less than a typical SMS text message) to convey a brief thought, idea, or share a link, which consumed a set amount of characters. As time has gone on and Twitter has evolved, the 140 characters has been a constant - even with the introduction of Twitter Cards, Commerce, GIFs, multiple photo sharing and other improvements, 140 characters was the common constraint.

Until now.

According to a report from Recode that was later verified by the Wall Street Journal, Twitter is working on expanding their character count to 10,000 characters - a 712% increase over their current character limit. Twitter claims to have controls in place to guide users to stay within their old limit as well as a read more button to expand tweets past the familiar 140 characters, but the fact is this: Twitter is fundamentally changing their platform.

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey responded from his own account with this:

Despite Dorsey's tweet, I have many reservations about this switch. I understand the idea behind having more searchable text and hashtags.  However, the biggest element that will be lost by allowing such a massive increase in characters is creativity.

Twitter has allowed brands, sports teams, and individuals to create and share content to an amazingly wide audience, while simultaneously forcing social media managers to think in short, concise points. This has created an environment of creativity on Twitter,  where innovation is key to keep the posts within the limits. By removing the character limit, Twitter has removed a constraint that helped the platform grow and influence brands and users alike.

With 10,000 characters at their disposal, brands no longer have to creatively frame their message into concise points - they'll have free reign to post less creative, text filled messages a la Facebook. The character limit will not eliminate creativity all together, but it will change the platform beyond recognition - and with it, how we look at social media. I would not be surprised if brands, teams, and individuals leave the platform or change their social strategy now that Twitter has a longform option.

What do you think? Like the change? Hate the change? What does this mean for the future of Twitter in social media strategy? Comment or tweet me!

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