Twitter Profile Update: New 'About' Tab, Pronouns & Verified Status

Twitter Announces Upcoming Profile Revamp

Concurrent with the announcement of Twitter’s account verification system relaunch, the company has previewed a series of forthcoming changes to user profiles. These updates will supplement existing profile elements like names, photos, bios, and banners.

Introducing the “About” Tab

The redesigned Twitter profile will feature a new “About” tab, positioned to the left of the existing “Tweets,” “Tweets & Replies,” “Media,” and “Likes” tabs. This addition is intended to provide users with expanded opportunities to present information about themselves.

Users will be able to share details such as their preferred pronouns, location, and interests through this new section.

Addressing a Long-Standing Need for Updates

“The profile hasn’t seen significant updates since 2014, which is quite remarkable given the evolution of both Twitter and the wider world,” explained Andrea Conway, lead designer for Twitter’s Identity & Profiles team.

She further stated, “Currently, we don’t offer users sufficient avenues for self-expression, which consequently limits the signals available to assess account quality and build trust on the platform.”

Conway also highlighted a design challenge: “We’re currently constrained by a lack of space on the profile page, and we are aiming to rectify this.”

Expanding User Expression and Platform Engagement

Twitter envisions the revamped profiles as more than just a space for self-expression. They also aim to establish the profile as a gateway to other platform features.

• Potential integrations include Topics and Spaces.
• The changes could also support creators utilizing the new Super Follow button.

This could reduce reliance on external “link in bio” website builders.

The company also anticipates increased user engagement as a result of these changes.

“Understanding an account’s interests is crucial,” Conway added. “If a user finds an account appealing, they are likely to share similar interests, and this new space will facilitate that discovery.”

New Profile Features

Beyond pronoun sharing, the “About” tab will incorporate various fields and sections.

A key addition will be the display of account confirmation status, verifying that the account has been authenticated via email or phone.

This feature aims to foster trust and mitigate accusations of being a “bot,” a common form of online harassment.

It also provides a method for users to demonstrate authenticity even without the blue verification badge.

Information Consolidation and Future Flexibility

Existing profile fields, such as location, birthday, join date, and translator badges, may be relocated to the “About” tab.

Twitter believes this tab will provide greater flexibility in how users share information in the future.

Launch Timeline

While a specific launch date hasn’t been announced, Twitter indicated that the new profiles are “coming soon.”